Analog Agility: 1998 BMW M Roadster – Sold?

by | May 2022 | Craigslist ClassiFINDS, Sports Car Saturday

(To stop the slideshow and expand the pictures, click on the current photograph below)

June 10, 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.

May 26, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the private seller just lowered their original ask by two large from $21,500 to $19,500 just before the Memorial Day holiday.

With modern cars containing more computing power than Apollo 11, there is a growing longing for cars that lack traction and stability control.  This 1998 BMW M Roadster originally listed in May 2022 on Craigslist in Auston Texas was the first and only year this 240-horsepower rocket was not offered with such Nanny State devices.  The seller and fourth owner report their Estoril  Blue example is completely stock in addition to being well-maintained.

Currently offered for $21,500, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is right in line with this guide’s one-year results summary:

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. The 1998 model featured here is among the last true analog versions as S52s built from 1999 forward feature ASC traction and stability control to handle all of the available horsepower.

The MotorWeek RetroReview YouTube Channel features this vintage road test of the 1998 BMW M Roadster:

Based on the pictures provided, the 1998 BMW M Roadster appears to be a nicely maintained example that is void of the typical assortment of modifications performed to the car.

If you are serious about buying this M Roadster, you’ll need to check the Craigslist ad frequently as the seller currently doesn’t realize the phone number they wrote out is not complete.  Once you connect, please remember to mention you saw their BMW featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

1998 Z3 M roadster – No accidents
– Clean carfax (text and I will provide)
– Clean TX title in my name
– 4 owners (adult owned since new)
– bone stock (no modifications)Perfect weekend driver and appreciating asset as these cars are increasing in value. Zero mechanical issues or structural damage. There are no dents, only some minor cosmetic flaws as shown in pictures as the paint is primarily all original Estoril Blue. Maintenance performed every 2,000 miles with 5W-30 synthetic only. Runs and drives like a dream for a 24 y/o car. Despite the car being stock with zero exhaust work, the S52 still screams as good as new by next year, it will be eligible for classic plates and be emissions void. The soft top is fully automated with zero mechanical issues or leaks.Sold as is. Text only @ 5one2eightzeronine5″ 

Do you have a 1998 BMW M Roadster story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!

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