Doug's Take
The Z3 M Roadster is a fun car that boasts a potent 6-cylinder engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, and great handling. This particular example is an early model that touts a few desirable modifications, including Bilstein B6 shocks and struts, a Racing Dynamics strut brace, and a ZHP shift knob. It also boasts lots of recent reported servicing, which should give the next owner peace of mind. We've seen this Z3 M on Cars & Bids once before, and I'm proud to offer it again for what's sure to be another exciting auction.
Highlights
THIS… is a 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster, finished in Cosmos Black Metallic with a black soft top and a black interior.
- This Z3 M features a 5-speed manual transmission.
- The attached Carfax history report shows no mileage discrepancies in this Z3 M’s past.
- 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, leather upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Modifications reported by the seller are limited to Bilstein B6 Performance shocks and struts, a Racing Dynamics strut brace, a Stewart water pump, and a ZHP shift knob.
- 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
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable and heated sports seats
- "M" leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
- Center console-mounted VDO voltmeter and oil temperature gauge
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Harman/Kardon sound system
Modifications
- Bilstein B6 Performance shocks and struts
- Racing Dynamics strut brace
- Stewart water pump
- ZHP shift knob
Known Flaws
- The attached Carfax history report notes that this Z3 M hit a tree in June 1999. It also shows that it was involved in an accident with another vehicle in July 2008, and that the hood was replaced to fix the damage.
- Paint chips and scratches on the front bumper (shown in the gallery)
- Front reflectors are cracked (shown in the gallery)
- Scratches on wheels
- Creases and wear on seats
- Passenger's seatbelt guide is broken (shown in the gallery), driver's seatbelt guide was previously repaired
- Some wear on interior touch points
Recent Service History
Service documentation in the photo gallery indicates that the following maintenance was performed in November 2021 at 82,198 miles:
- Brake fluid flushed
- Transmission output shaft seal replaced
- Transmission fluid changed
- Tie rod assemblies replaced
- Shift rod seals replaced
- Alignment performed
The seller reports that the following services have been performed:
- April 2022 (84,000 miles): Engine oil and filter changed
- November 2021 (82,200 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, valve cover gasket, spark plugs and spark plug well seals, VANOS seal, oil filter housing gasket, power steering fluid reservoir, fuel filter, coolant reservoir, seat rail bushings replaced, differential fluid changed, Steward water pump installed, glovebox repaired
- In 2021: Convertible top replaced, tires replaced
- August 2020 (73,449 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, oil pan gasket, power steering system return line, windshield washer pump replaced, A/C system recharged
- June 2020 (72,979 miles): Clutch, transmission mounts, rear main seal, fan blade, fan clutch, water pump pulley, radiator, thermostat, thermostat housing, drive belt, shocks, struts, front control arm bushings replaced
Additional service history is detailed in the attached Carfax report.
Other Items Included in Sale
- 1 key
- Owner's manuals
- Available service records
- Blackstone Laboratories oil report from December 2021
- Tonneau cover
- Rubber floor mats
Ownership History
The seller purchased this Z3 M on Cars & Bids in October 2021. The previous auction can be viewed here.