Vehicle Description
Few things are better than a 2-seat roadster with a burly
six-cylinder powerplant up under the bonnet. The British probably
invented them, 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. A rare M-edition roadster with only
67,485 miles on the clock, it sports a desirable color combination
and classic good-looks, and would drastically improve the overall
status of anyone's garage.
Silver always works well on German cars, and while it's a color
usually reserved for the exclusive 7-Series, the original Arctic
Silver Metallic looks particularly striking on the swoopy 2-seater
bodywork. With just over 67,000 original miles, it remains in great
shape, thanks to a combination of quality BMW workmanship and
careful ownership over the past 15 years. The shark-like Z3 style
still looks modern today, it's the kind of car that makes people
stop and watch as it drives past, and with BMW's legendary build
quality, it hasn't lost a step over the years. Gaps are tight, the
aggressive front fascia is in great shape with only a few minor
imperfections picked up from the road, and the rest of the paint
still has a very glossy, uniform finish that looks great. M-models
offered several aesthetic and aerodynamic differences compared to
the rest of Z2 range, including sculpted wing-mirrors, redesigned
bumpers, revised fender "gills", Roadstar Style 40 wheels, and
special quad-exhaust tips out back. There's also a third brake
light neatly integrated into the trunk lid, a modest M-Sport badge,
and a Imola Red power convertible top that's rarely been used.
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-and-Imola Red
leather M-spec 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.
Red and graphite carbon fiber accents, round gauges with chrome
rings ahead of the driver, along with the M-spec auxiliary gauges
in the center stack (voltmeter, clock, and oil temperature) were
obviously influenced by great sports cars of the past. Everything
was standard in the Z3, including A/C, power everything, a tilt
steering wheel, airbags, an anti-theft system, and cruise control,
all of which are joined by the car's original AM/FM/Cassette/CD
changer stereo. It's all fully operational, which isn't a surprise,
and the M-Sport floormats and badging remind everyone that this
isn't just a Sunday cruiser. Rollover hoops were introduced for the
1998-model, and they add a very sporty touch when the top is down,
and there's even a trunk big enough for a few overnight bags out
back.
BMW's legendary M-spec 3.2 liter S52 inline-six lives under the
long hood, 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. The 5-speed manual 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. Z3 M models offered a limited-slip differential, a wider rear
track, and larger brakes (shared with the vaunted E36 M3) than the
standard Z3, making them perfect roadsters that can really handle
themselves on track days. The dual exhaust system gives the six a
wonderful tenor voice and a lifetime in a warm climate shows in the
clean undercarriage, and yes, experts, the welds are in fine shape
out back. Big 17-inch Roadstar Style 40 wheels and 225/45/17 front
and 245/40/17 rear performance radials finish off the look and
provide plenty of grip out in the wild.
First-class BMW performance, style, and luxury at a third-class
price. Where else can you get this much "kick-ass" for so little
cash? Call today!
