Silver Streak: 1999 BMW M Roadster – Sold?

January 7, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

November 18, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the private seller just lowered the asking price by $3,500 from $21,000 to $17,500 in a new listing.

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. This week, in fact, two such cars are listed and both, unfortunately, are equipped with the much less desirable automatic transmission.

As nice as the Z3 is, the version you really want is an “M” such as this Arctic Silver Metallic 1999 BMW M Roadster example originally listed in November 2021 on Craigslist in Landrum, South Carolina for $17,500.   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 $18,800 and the #2 “Excellent estimate of $29,200.

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:

Based on the pictures provided, this 1999 BMW M Roadster appears to be a nicely used example whose owner was not afraid to add miles to it. As with any German car of this vintage, we highly recommend pursuing a Pre-Purchase Inspection (“PPI”) to provide some measure of knowing what you might be getting into.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1999 BMW M Roadster. Excellent condition. 5-Speed Manual, A/C, heated seats. Silver exterior, black leather interior. Completely stock other than updated CD Player with Bluetooth (original radio included). New Top, records, everything works as it should (and no check engine, airbag or other warning light on).“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1999 BMW M Roadster?  Comment below and let us know!