Doug's Take

The Z3 is an exciting sports car, and the M model is even better – it touts a more powerful engine, improved styling, and a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission. This is an early model that hasn't been significantly modified, which is a nice benefit that's becoming difficult to find – plus it touts a lot of recent documented servicing including a new clutch and a new water pump. It also boasts some great options, such as heated seats and a Harman-Kardon sound system.

Highlights

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

• Factory equipment on this convertible includes 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, a power-operated soft top, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable sport seats, a cassette player, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
• Modifications reported by the seller are limited to M-colored accents on the driver-side kidney grille and a Racing Dynamics strut brace.
• Service records shown in the gallery detail most of the repairs and maintenance performed on this Z3 M Roadster since 2020. The list of parts replaced includes the clutch, the transmission mounts, the radiator, the shocks, the struts, and the front control arm bushings.
• Based on the Z3, the M Roadster made its debut for 1998 with a more powerful engine shared with the "E36" M3, a sportier suspension system, and flared wheel arches, among an array of other changes. It was immediately celebrated as one of the best driver's cars on the market, and it further expanded the M brand's presence and reputation in the United States.
• Power comes from a 3.2-liter "S52" straight-6 engine, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

Equipment

A build sheet is shown in the gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:

• 17-inch wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Heated windshield washer jets
• Power-operated soft top
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and power-adjustable sport seats
• Cassette player
• Harman Kardon sound system

Modifications

• Racing Dynamics strut brace
• Blue and red accents on the driver-side kidney grille

Known Flaws

• The attached Carfax history report notes that this Z3 M Roadster hit a tree in June 1999. It also shows that this car was involved in an accident with another vehicle in July 2008, and that the hood was replaced to fix the damage.
• The seller states that the driver-side headlight was replaced in 2001.
• Chips on the front end
• Some scratches on the wheels
• Wear on outer seat bolsters and on some of the interior touch points
• Creases in the leather upholstery
• Hole in the driver's door panel

Recent Service History

The seller states that the tires and the convertible top were replaced earlier in 2021. Service records shown in the gallery detail most of the repairs and maintenance performed on this car during the seller's ownership. Recent work includes:

• August 2020 (73,449 miles): Engine oil, engine oil filter, power steering system return line, and windshield washer pump replaced, air conditioning system recharged
• June 2020 (72,979 miles): Clutch, transmission mounts, rear main seal, fan, fan clutch, water pump, radiator, thermostat, thermostat housing, drive belt, struts, shocks, and front control arm bushings replaced

Some service information appears on the attached Carfax history report.

Other Items Included in Sale

• One key
• Available service records
• Tonneau cover

Ownership History

The seller purchased this Z3 M Roadster in August 2020.

Seller Notes

The service invoices shown in the gallery note that this car's timing belt needs to be replaced. The seller stresses that's not the case, and he adds that all maintenance is up to date.