Estoril Ecstasy: 1999 BMW M Roadster – SOLD!

Update – we just confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

While the “Clown Shoe” BMW M Coupe RADWood Editor Jeff Lavery featured here on Friday tends to be very polarizing despite a rabid following, its Roadster brother tends to be forgotten among enthusiasts despite being a very potent upgrade over the standard Z3 its based upon.  The latest example, in our preferred shade of Estoril Blue, originally listed in September 2020 on Craigslist in Beverly, Massachusetts with an odd asking price of $12,345.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his M Roadster priced between the #3 “Good” appraisal of $16,200 and the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $10,800. 

The E36 M3 powertrain stuffed into the svelte lines of BMW’s sexy Z3 roadster using the E30 M3 front suspension in a good ole American manufacturing facility in South Carolina – it didn’t get much better than this at the Bavarian Motor Works during the turn of the century.  In typical BMW fashion, the company launched a high performance “M” version of its popular Z3 Roadster in 1998. In addition to adding the 3.2L 240 hp S52 straight six engine connected to a five-speed ZF manual, flared rear fenders housing massive 245/40R17 tires and a quad exhaust design were the most notable visual cues between the base Z3 and the M version.

M Roadsters featured upgraded interiors over the standard Z3 which included M-badging, additional gauges, and two-tone leather available in M-Specific colors. Luckily U.S. market cars from 1999 on feature ASC traction and stability control to handle all of the available horsepower.

The British Car Show Men & Motors have a nice review of the M Roadster posted on their YouTube channel:

If we were able to order a brand new M Roadster, it would be in this Estoril Blue color combination. As with any BMW, we highly encourage prospective buyers to invest in a pre-purchase inspection to ensure this M Roadster is in the shape as presented.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“IT’S TIME TO GET OUT AND GO ! Leaf season is almost here and the time is right for this classic roadster that has been well cared for and always garaged. Not quite broken in yet but not quite new so it is well worth the money. It has many upgrades over the standard Z3 and the standard transmission with short shifter is one. A collector car that has appreciated nicely because the lines of the Z3M compare aesthetically to any current ride you see on the road. The metallic blue is a stunner ! All the dials are analog and the interior is neat and efficient. The seats are in two tone blue leather. The pictures describe more than I can so take a look…”

Do you have a BMW M Roadster story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!