We’ve given a lot of attention to the E36/8 BMW M Coupe over the past few months, but its open roofed sibling should not be overlooked. While the BMW Z3 might be viewed as a bit of a hairdressers car, when the boffins over at BMW Motorsport were done with it, it could be considered anything but. Redesigned front and rear bumpers, wider rear fenders, a revised trunk lid, modified side gills and a more aggressive wheel and tire package separated the car visually. Under the hood was the familiar S52 3.2 liter inline six capable of 240 horsepower, fifty more horsepower than the Z3 with the 2.8 liter inline six offered. Later on in the production run, the S54 3.2 liter inline six would appear, giving this little beast a power output of 315 horsepower. Big numbers for such a diminutive package.
This M Roadster painted in the ever popular Estoril Blue is for sale in Florida and has traveled but 28,000 miles.
Year: 1998
Model: M Roadster
Engine: 3.2 liter inline six
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 28,000 mi
Price: $21,500
1998 BMW M Roadster on eBay
Fantastic BMW M Roadster. This is a one owner super clean original paint, no accident, complete M Roadster. Just serviced and needs noting.
Prices for M Coupes in good condition with reasonable mileage are averaging in the low to mid $20,000 range. A fixed roof car will more often than not be more attractive to hardcore enthusiasts and those who attend track days, but for most, an M Roadster will provide similar levels of fun for less money. While the seller’s description of the car is lacking, if this car is as nice as it appears, the price isn’t too far off, though most S52 engined M Roadsters with under 45,000 miles these days trade hands for between $15,000 and $20,000.
-Paul