Doug's Take

The BMW Z3 M Roadster is an excellent convertible that boasts timeless styling, a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission, and a great soundtrack from its sporty S52 6-cylinder engine. This particular M Roadster touts some great factory equipment including 17-inch Style 40 wheels, a limited-slip differential, and heated seats – along with several tasteful modifications like FK adjustable coilovers, polyurethane suspension and rear subframe mount bushings, and a Bavsound speaker upgrade. It also comes with a clean, accident-free Carfax report, which is a nice benefit that further enhances this M Roadster's appeal.

Highlights

THIS... is a 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Arctic Silver Metallic with a black soft top and a black interior.

• This Z3 M is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
• The attached Carfax history report indicates no accidents or mileage discrepancies in this Z3 M's past.
• According to the window sticker 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, air conditioning, and cruise control.
• Modifications reported by the seller include FK adjustable coilovers, a K-MAC adjustable camber and caster kit, PowerFlex polyurethane suspension and rear subframe mount bushings, braided stainless steel front brake lines, a Sony head unit, a reinforced glove box lid, and a Bavsound speaker upgrade.
• 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 window sticker 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
• Power windows, locks, and mirrors
• Center console-mounted VDO voltmeter and oil temperature gauge
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control

Modifications

Modifications reported by the seller include:

Mechanical:

• FK adjustable coilovers
• K-MAC adjustable camber and caster kit
• BMP Taper-Core rear shock mounts
• PowerFlex polyurethane suspension and rear subframe mount bushings
• Braided stainless steel front brake lines
• Braided stainless steel clutch line

Exterior:

• Clear front reflectors
• Clear side marker lenses
• Chrome kidney grilles
• Later-model year taillights
• Stubby antenna
• Magnetic rear stone guards
• Wind deflector

Interior:

• Sony head unit
• ZHP illuminated shift knob
• Reinforced glove box lid
• Seat rails modified to allow for increased seat cushion recline angle
• Bavsound speaker upgrade
• Wiring for Escort radar detector with rearview mirror mount
• Dashboard adhesive mount

Known Flaws

• Chips, scratches, and dings around the exterior
• Some chips on the wheels
• 2016 date codes on the tires
• Some wear on the seats
• Wear on interior touch points and trim panels
• Power windows operate slowly
• Oil temperature gauge functions intermittently
• Some corrosion on underbody components

Recent Service History

Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance has been performed:

• November 2023: Air ducts, radiator cover, front bumper grille, camshaft position sensor, and power steering cooling line replaced
• May 2023: Soft top replaced
• July 2022 (124,184 miles): Alignment performed

Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report and by documentation pictured in the gallery.

Other Items Included in Sale

• 2 keys
• Owner's manual
• Window sticker
• Service records
• Factory head unit
• Factory taillights
• Tonneau cover
• New set of OEM floor mats
• Set of aftermarket HID headlights
• Car cover

Ownership History

The seller purchased this Z3 M in August 2012.

Seller Notes

The seller notes that the front bumper was repainted in August 2023 to address paint chips.