Model History

The M Roadster was first unveiled at the 1996 Geneva motor show, though production did not begin until later that year. It was designed as the performance version of the BMW Z3, and there were significant differences between the two variants. These included front and rear bumpers, gills, boot and mirrors. Under the skin many of the components were beefed up with the rear suspension being derived from the E30 M3 and the front suspension and brake system being taken from the E36 M3 Evo. Based on the E36 platform, the Z3 Roadster was known internally as the E36/7. The M Roadster could run a wider track under the flared wheel arches as well as wider wheels and tyres to try to tame the increased power. A dual exhaust system fed each set of three cylinders to two dual tailpipes. The Z3 M roadster was the first BMW to feature this quad exhaust design, which has since become a BMW M division signature.

The interior had a different look to the standard Z3. The sport package M-version steering wheel was standard on the M, and there was different instrumentation such as an oil temperature gauge. Finally, the car was available in M-specific colors, which were not released for the regular Z3, at least in the early production years (not counting BMW's Individual program).

A grand total of just 918 S50-powered M Roadsters were produced in right-hand drive.

Equipment

Arctic Silver Metallic paintwork, Black Nappa leather upholstery, Soft-top in maroon, Removable hard top, Heated seats, Air conditioning, Electric windows, Electrically-adjustable door mirrors, M leather steering wheel, Limited slip differential, Remote central locking, Velour floor mats, BMW cassette radio with 6 CD changer, Strut brace, Warning triangle, Tyre inflator, First aid kit, Spare key.

Exterior

With those voluptuous rear hips and deep dish wheels this 76k mile M Roadster looks particularly smart beneath our studio lighting. The Arctic Silver paintwork remains in fine order with only a few minor defects to report on close inspection. There is a small scratch on the rear bumper and at the front end a dusting of light stone chips, but little else to detract from the car’s overall impressive appearance. The headlights are clear and moisture-free, and the maroon-coloured hood is also in excellent condition having been replaced just two years ago. A removable hardtop is included.

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Interior

The all-black Nappa leather sports seats are in good condition with no major wear to any of the bolsters and only a few small scratches on the driver’s side front panel worthy of note. Glancing across the dash you’ll find the original cassette radio is pleasingly still fitted having never been replaced by an aftermarket head unit. The adjacent switchgear and steering wheel are also very well presented but some wear is visible to the original leather gear knob. In the footwells the carpets are clean and still retain their BMW overmats.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Being an early example, this attractive M Roadster is equipped with the brilliant S50 straight-six producing an impressive 317hp. With no kind of electronic traction or stability control system, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. Mechanically, the car is spot-on and has just returned from a £5,700 shakedown with BMW M specialists, Redish Motorsport. In fact, since 2018 the current owner has spent an eye-watering £19,800 on maintaining his pride and joy. The last service was carried out in June 2022 at 75,665 miles. Other notable recent work includes a new clutch at 72k miles and boot floor/diff mount reinforcement in December 2022.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The 17-inch M RoadStar alloys fill the arches perfectly, the deep rear dish giving the Z3 a very broad and aggressive stance. The wheels present in excellent condition and all are shod in premium Michelin Pilot Sport tyres with ample tread left. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition, bringing the car to a stop quickly and in a straight line. This Z3 also handles particularly well having benefitted from new Bilstein shocks and Eibach coil springs all round in June 2022.

History File

First registered in July 1999 this cracking Z3M has seen only 4 registered keepers (current since April 2018). The car is accompanied by a great service record with 10 stamps in the accompanying maintenance booklet; the last service was carried out in June 2022 at 75,665 miles.

On arrival with us the car was fully inspected by our trusted classic car workshop and a couple of broken boot floor spot welds were reported. It was then sent to marque specialists Redish Motorsport for repair. Over £5,700 later the Z3 is back with us in our heated first-floor showroom, ready to be driven and very much enjoyed by its next custodian. The MOT is valid until June 2023.

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