This 1998 BMW M Roadster is one of 1,165 cars finished in Cosmos Black Metallic over black Nappa leather for the North American market for the model year. It has 87k miles following registration history in Texas, and it was purchased by its current owner in July 2023. Power is supplied by a 3.2-liter S52 inline-six paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and equipment includes 17″ Style 40 wheels, Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential, a black convertible soft top, heated sport seats, an alarm system, a Kenwood CD stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, and cruise control. This M Roadster is now offered with service records, spare parts, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.
The body is finished in Cosmos Black Metallic, and features include a replacement power-operated black convertible soft top, front fender vents, quad exhaust outlets, and black-finished kidney grilles. Taillights from a later Z3 as well as clear front reflector and side marker lenses have been added. The Carfax report lists “minor damage” to the rear and rear-left corner in a January 2017 entry. The replacement soft top was fitted in April 2023, and it must be raised and lowered manually. Finish imperfections are evident on the body. The removed taillights are included in the sale.
The 17″ Style 40 wheels show curb marks and are mounted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Cracks are evident on the sidewall of the front-left tire. Braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs. Bilstein shocks have been added.
The cabin features black Nappa leather covering the heated sport seats and door panel inserts, and center console. Amenities include roll hoops, air conditioning, cruise control, and and alarm system. A cellphone mount is stationed atop the dash, and a Kenwood stereo, Hertz speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity have been added. Photos detailing wear on the interior surfaces are included in the gallery.
The M-branded leather-wrapped steering wheel features tri-color stitching and frames a tachometer with a 6,800-rpm redline, a 160-mph speedometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The airbag alert is illuminated. The digital odometer indicates 87k miles, approximately 800 of which were added under current ownership.
The 3.2-liter S52B32 inline-six features VANOS variable valve timing and was factory rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a ZF five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The seller notes that the trunk welds/differential mounts have been addressed. Corrosion is evident on the underbody.
The Carfax report shows the aforementioned damage.
The car was registered in a flood disaster area by FEMA in September 2005.