Doug's Take
We love the BMW Z3 M Roadster here on Cars & Bids, as it's a fantastic convertible that boasts handsome styling, a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission, and a great soundtrack from its sporty 6-cylinder engine. This particular Z3 M touts some nice factory equipment, including a limited-slip differential, Nappa leather upholstery, and a Harman/Kardon sound system – along with no major modifications. It also comes with recent servicing and mostly warm-climate California ownership since new, which is a great benefit – AND it's offered with the thrill of no reserve!
Highlights
THIS... is a 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Cosmos Black Metallic with a black soft top and a black and gray interior.
- This Z3 M is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- The attached Carfax history report indicates no mileage discrepancies in this Z3 M’s past. It also shows registrations in California since 2001.
- According to the build sheet provided in the gallery, factory equipment includes 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power-retractable soft top, Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Modifications reported by the seller are limited to Bilstein B6 shocks and struts, a Kenwood head unit, and TPMS sensors with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Based on the Z3, the M Roadster made its debut in 1998 with a more powerful engine shared with the E36 M3, a sportier suspension system, and wider wheel arches, among other changes. It was immediately hailed as one of the best driver's cars on the market.
- Power comes from an S52 3.2-liter straight-6, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
A build sheet is provided in the photo gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:
- 17-inch Style 40 wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Power-retractable soft top
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable and heated seats
- M leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Center console-mounted VDO voltmeter and oil temperature gauge
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman/Kardon sound system
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:
- Bilstein B6 shocks and struts
- Kenwood KDC-MP345U head unit
- TPMS sensors with Bluetooth connectivity
Known Flaws
- The attached Carfax history report indicates that this Z3 M sustained unspecified damage in October 2008, "structural damage" in September 2008, and "very minor damage with another motor vehicle" to the front in August 2000. Documentation of the repairs performed is viewable in the photo gallery.
- Paint chips and scratches around the exterior (pictured in the gallery)
- Cracked door handle gaskets
- Curb rash on the wheels
- 2016 date codes on the tires
- Wear on the seats; discoloration near driver's seat belt guide
- Wear on interior touch points and trim panels; cracked center armrest
- An inspection from November 2023 indicates that the clutch and shifter feel worn and the power steering hoses are seeping.
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:
- December 2023: Seat belt guides replaced
- December 2023 (84,084 miles): Drive belt and pulleys replaced
- November 2023 (83,967 miles): Shocks and strut assemblies replaced, front and rear brake lines replaced, intake boot replaced, brake fluid flushed, engine oil and filter changed, alignment performed, multi-point inspection performed
- November 2023 (83,937 miles): Smog check inspection passed
Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys
- Service records
- Car cover
- Front and rear license plate brackets
- Spare hood and trunk struts
- Spare seat belt guide
- Tire repair kit
Ownership History
The seller acquired this Z3 M in November 2023 from a family member, who reportedly purchased it in 2002.