M Before Z: 1999 BMW M Roadster – Sold?

As we prepare our Sports Car Saturday features each week, we usually come across a number of BMW Z3 roadsters that we tend to pass. As nice as the Z3 is, the version you really want is the “M” Roadster such as this Imola Red 1999 example originally listed in April 2021 on Craigslist in Landrum, South Carolina for $14,500.   The private seller doesn’t realize that by putting “Z3” in the title of his ad, he’s likely to have many potential buyers pass on it.  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 $9,700.

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 feature ASC traction and stability control to handle all of the available horsepower.

The British Car TV Show Men & Motors have this vintage review of a 2000 M Roadster posted on their YouTube Channel:

While we are partial to versions of these cars painted Estoril Blue, we would be just fine parking this Imola Red beast in our garage too.  This appears to be a nicely maintained driver-quality example that likely will not disappoint once seen in person.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“I am selling my classic 1999 z3 M Roadster-Imola red with only 83,000 miles. The Roadster is in excellent condition.
Black leather stitched Interior. Seats & Interior like-new condition. Never wrecked, no dings. 5 speed with cruise control-heated seats-power seats & windows. 240 HP- 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds- 3.2 L. This car is factory and fully loaded. Quad exhaust system with two dual tailpipes. Low mileage M Roadsters are becoming hard to find and do not come up for sale often. I have enjoyed this beauty, but now ready to sell for cash. For additional info -call for an appointment between 10:am & 2:30 pm“

Track or Just Drive: what would you do with this M Roadster?  Comment below and let us know!