Last November, I took a look at what was to me a very eye-catching and interesting M Roadster. The E36/7 is still a fairly polarizing design, but as with many models there are signature colors which help to make it both stand out from the rest of the crowd and, in some ways, make it more desirable. For the M Roadster and Coupe, color-matched interior was available on Imola Red, Estoril Blue, and perhaps the most outlandish color – Evergreen Metallic. Finding one of the twin Evergreens can be difficult; only a claimed 176 of color 358 Evergreen Metallic with the Q6EV Evergreen/Black Nappa interior were produced for the U.S. market. I looked at one in November of last year:
While that example was quite clean and, as what was probably a former press vehicle, it had an interesting history, the asking price was close to top-dollar for a S52 equipped car. But today I have a comparative point; another ’98 Evergreen/Evergreen M Roadster. But under the hood lies something a bit more potent….
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1998 BMW M Roadster on eBay.co.uk
Year: 1998
Model: M Roadster
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 22,514 mi
Price: GBP 36,995 ($47,453 Buy It Now)
Manual
Fuel Petrol
Engine Size 3,201 ccm
Mileage 22,514 Miles
Emission class —
EQUIPMENT
Electric windows, Electrically adjustable door mirrors, Limited slip differential (25%) (209), Airbag for front passenger (243), Side airbags for driver and front passenger (260), Remote central locking (305), Heated windscreen washer nozzles (314), Green stripe windscreen (354), Electric folding soft-top in black (388), Roll-bar protection system (395), Velour floor mats (423), Warning triangle (428), Smokers Package (441), Sport seats (481), Seat heating (494), Headlight Washer System (502), Air Conditioning (530), CD Changer (692), M leather steering wheel (710), White Direction Indicator Lights (785), Removable wind deflector.EXTERIOR
Those voluptuous Evergreen curves look marvelous under our studio lighting. The dazzling paintwork remains in fine order with no lacquer peel or corrosion to be found whatsoever. On close inspection there are almost no stone chips to the front bumper or bonnet, with areas such as the wing mirrors and flared arches also free from any chips or dings. Furthermore, all black trim and chrome detailing is in excellent condition.INTERIOR
The two-tone Nappa leather sports seats are in super condition and remain free from any sagging or damage, still feeling firm and supportive. The smart Black and Evergreen combination is carried through to the door cards and centre console, all of which is in fine order with no scuffs or marks. The carpets are perfectly clean throughout and are protected in the footwells by a set of black overmats showing almost no signs of wear. The boot area also remains spotlessly clean.ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Being an earlier example, this M Roadster is equipped with the stunning S50 engine that produces an impressive 317hp. With no kind of electronic traction or stability control system, it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The S50 engine can be identified by the “BMW M Power” inscription on its cam cover, while the later S54 motor contains only the “M” badge.The ZF Type C 5-speed manual gearbox remains feeling tight and precise when shifting through the gears, handling the engine’s power perfectly. The car has been well maintained from new, and has been serviced at very close mileage intervals despite only covering a mere 22k miles.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The 17-inch five-spoke M RoadStar alloys are presented in the correct Chromeline finish. The deep rear dish gives the car a very broad, aggressive stance. With only a handful of discreet marks between them, the wheels are in fine order with fresh-looking centre caps and M Power badges.They alloys are shod in a matching set of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres with plenty of tread remaining. The brakes also feel strong and confident, bringing the car to a standstill quickly and smoothly.
HISTORY FILE
The Z3 was first registered in October 1998. Residing on salt-free roads up until its recent import has meant the car has been extremely well preserved. The history file is complete with original BMW book pack with all the dealer-supplied manuals. The recorded service history is as follows:13/10/2001 at 17,182km / 10,676 miles
24/03/2006 at 28,563km / 17,748 miles
21/03/2008 at 33,157km / 20,602 miles
23/03/2010 at 34,385km / 21,365 miles
27/03/2012 at 35,058km / 21,784 miles
12/03/2014 at 35,478km / 22,045 miles
26/03/2016 at 35,605km / 22,123 milesPlease visit our website for a full write up and additional photographs.
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Four Star never disappoints, with great photography and prime examples of every car they offer. This one is no different, from the wild color combination and pristine original condition to the low mileage. They offer a service history, too – something missing from the U.S. example I looked at. The “M-Power” cam cover under the hood is what to get excited about, as this car carries the Euro S50 B32 – upping the kick from 240 in the U.S. S52 to 321 horsepower. The combination of rare color, low miles and desirable Euro configuration means this car will cost you, and Four Star isn’t known as being the cheapest dealer out there. The asking price is over double that of the last I looked at. Is the market on early E36/7s there yet? It wouldn’t seem so, and it would be a struggle for you to import this one. You could save a bundle and buy the excellent Evergreen/Black Nappa listed here for $21,000, or if you had the budget to consider this car, you could also bid on this 2002 S54 M Roadster in even more rare Laguna Seca Blue. But if you want the best Evergreen/Evergreen M Roadster without a S54? This is it.
-Carter
