Highlights
- In current ownership for 16 years
- Excellent condition
- Fantastic history file
The Appeal
Launched in 1997, the Z3M was the fastest-accelerating production BMW ever at the time of its introduction. Having been developed in secret by the engineers of BMW’s M division for performance-enhanced luxury models (because management had no plans for such a car), the M Roadster matched the engine, transmission and brakes from the E36-generation M3 with a revised Z3 body.
The 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, known as the S50, produced 321bhp and 258lb/ft of torque that translated into a scorching 0-60mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
The 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, known as the S50, produced 321bhp and 258lb/ft of torque that translated into a scorching 0-60mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
The M roadster is effectively a BMW M3 in a small sportscar body, and a completely different beast to the regular Z3. This was the proper driver’s car that buyers wanted; the roadster was introduced in 1997, the coupé appearing a year later. Time has been kind to the design and the Z3 is now a sought-after car, with the Z3 M the most desirable iteration and a true modern classic.
This example has been owned (and cosseted) by the vendor since 2007, and is in excellent condition both inside and out.
The History and Paperwork
- Full service history in original service book
- Original leather folder with owner’s manual etc
- MOT until May 2024
- Past MOT certificates
- Previous tax discs
- Thick folder of invoices
- Two sets of keys
The vendor has owned the car since September 2007, during which time it has been stored in a heated garage, and used only in fine weather. He’s clearly kept it in first-class condition, and the thick folder of invoices from throughout its history tells of its cherished life. In recent years, with young children, he has found increasingly few opportunities to use the car.
The vendor is about to embark on a major building project at home, which will see him lose his garage, and so he has reluctantly decided to part with the car.
The Interior
- Professionally detailed before sale
- Leather seats cleaned and painted, May 2023
- Door panels cleaned and coloured, May 2023
- Locker panel and centre-console cleaned and coloured, May 2023
- Carpets and overmats clean with no stains or damage
- JVC stereo with remote control
- Air conditioning
- Original removable integrated wind deflector
- Original tyre inflator, unused
- Original tools
- Original first-aid kit
- Original warning triangle
The owner has recently had the car professionally detailed in advance of our photo shoot, but even looking beyond that it’s clear that the car has been carefully looked after. There’s no obvious damage, and very little visible wear, on the seats, carpets, mats, door-cards or dashboard.
The JVC stereo is a replacement unit and works well, although the vendor admits to not using it, preferring to listen to the engine! Similarly, he has not used the air conditioning, having only used the car in fine weather with the hood down.
In the boot, there’s a carpet liner in first-class condition, while beneath this the original tools are all present. The original tyre-inflator is also present and seems to have never been used, as does the original first aid kit.
The Exterior
- Smart Cosmos Black metallic paintwork
- New hood, May 2023
- Refurbished alloy wheels
- New (June 2023) Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres on front
- Rear Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres have done only a few hundred miles
- Excellent lights, badges, brightwork
Having been recently cleaned and polished, the Cosmos Black metallic paintwork gleamed in the sunshine on the day of our photo shoot, but even under close scrutiny there are no visible scratches or marks, beyond the inevitable small stone chips on the front spoiler.
The hood is brand new and looks as good as you’d expect, while the alloy wheels are also in superb condition, with no kerb damage or corrosion.
The lights, badges and brightwork all look as good as you’d expect for a car that has been kept in a heated garage for so much of its life.
The Mechanics
- 3.2-litre engine
- ZF 5-speed manual gearbox
- Rear-wheel drive
- Vanos unit replaced at 50,000 miles
- Rear differential welding reinforced at 57,000 miles
- Recent service
- Never used on track
- No modifications
Having been so carefully maintained under its current ownership, the car drives and handles as well as you’d expect, according to the vendor. Even on the short drive to our photo shoot, it was clear that it has outstanding performance and a lovely engine note.
Under the bonnet, there are a few signs of the car’s age, as you’d expect, but everything is in its place and in good order. Beneath the car, there’s the inevitable superficial corrosion but no leaks and no visible issues.
Summary
According to the website How Many Left?, there are just 280 BMW M Roadsters left on the road in the UK, and the vendor believes that very few have the desirable combination of Cosmos Black metallic paint with full black interior.
Renowned as a robust and reliable sports car, and with genuine ‘modern classic’ status, this one is probably as good an example as you will find, in excellent condition both inside and out and with that reassuring folder of paperwork. It promises the new owner many years of top-down motoring adventures.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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