Vehicle Description
Few things are better than a 2-seat roadster with a potent
six-cylinder powerplant up front. The British probably invented the
things, but cars like this 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster are the modern
embodiment of the "less is more" philosophy that makes 2-seat
sports cars so special. With maintenance records, no modifications,
an appealing color combination, and classic good looks, just
imagine next summer with this in your garage.
Basic black always works and looks particularly good on the Z3's
swoopy 2-seater bodywork. With just over 70,000 original miles, it
remains in excellent shape, thanks to a combination of quality BMW
workmanship and careful ownership over the past 20 years (yes, it's
been that long already!). The shark-like Z3 still looks great, the
kind of car that makes people stop and watch as it drives past, and
with the M's flared fenders, deeper chin spoiler, and quad exhaust
tips, everyone knows this isn't any garden-variety Z3. Thanks to
BMW build quality, gaps are tight while the aggressive front fascia
is in great shape with a few touch-ups, and the gills on the front
fenders add an old-school touch. In back, the third brake light is
neatly integrated into the trunk lid and you'll find that there's a
minimum of add-ons, just a pure, clean shape. If you want a
good-looking sports car that isn't the same-old, same-old, this BMW
definitely delivers.
Those of you who have driven BMWs already know that the interior is
singularly focused on the driver, an environment that works with
you to seamlessly blend man and machine. The black leather seats
are in outstanding condition and still gently but firmly hold you
in place. Black carpets are plush enough to whisper luxury, but
lightweight so they don't slow the car down. Big, round gauges with
chrome rings were obviously influenced by great sports cars of the
past, and include the auxiliary dials down on the console.
Everything was standard in the M, including A/C, power windows,
seats, and locks, a tilt steering wheel, and cruise control, all of
which are joined by an AM/FM/CD stereo that's still no match for
the exhaust note. Everything works, which shouldn't be a surprise,
and it looks fresh not dated the way a lot of "retro" styled cars
seem to get. There's a black canvas top that fits well enough to
make this car "car wash safe" and the trunk is big enough for a few
overnight bags so go hit the road!
The Z3 M got the same 3.2 liter inline-6 found in the M3, and yes,
it's as smooth and torquey as you've heard. In the lightweight Z3,
it's positively robust, flinging the lightweight car down the road
with ease. It never grumbles or stumbles, it's always impeccably
smooth, and you'll relish running it through the gears every chance
you get, just for the joy of the machine doing its work. It remains
completely stock, which is a rare thing in the BMW world, and has
always been serviced at the dealer, so you know it's right. The
5-speed manual gearbox slips through the gears with just a gentle
tug on the knob and the all-independent suspension manages to be
both competent and supple at the same time, with enormous grip that
never feels harsh. The dual exhaust system gives the six a
wonderful tenor voice and a lifetime in a warm climate shows in the
clean undercarriage. Special M-specific alloy wheels and recent
performance radials give it just the right profile as well as an
upscale image.
This is first-class BMW performance and luxury at a third-class
price. Where else can you get this much class and performance for
so little cash? Call today!
