Dinan-Modified 1998 BMW M Roadster

Description

The M Roadster marked BMW’s high-performance take on the Z3 roadster, blending classic roadster styling with M Division engineering. Introduced for the 1998 model year and produced through 2002, the roadster was based on the Z3 platform but featured significant upgrades in power, handling, and styling. 

Under the hood was the S52 3.2-liter inline-six engine, producing 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This engine, borrowed from the North American E36 M3, gave the lightweight roadster impressive acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. 

The M Roadster stood out visually with flared rear fenders, quad exhaust tips, unique front and rear bumpers, and 17-inch “RoadStar” wheels. Inside, it featured two-tone leather sport seats, M-specific gauges, and a short-throw shifter. 

Praised for its sharp handling, muscular looks, and analog driving feel, the first-year 1998 Z3 M Roadster has become a sought-after modern classic. This one is owned by a lifetime member and former National Board of Directors member of the Z Series Car Club of America (ZSCCA). It has been exceptionally well taken care of and always stored inside during winters and bad weather.

Highlights 

• Professionally resprayed in Cosmos Black Metallic paint 

• Black and gray leather sport seats 

• Powered by a 3.2-liter DOHC, 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine rated at 240 hp from the factory 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• Dinan high-performance aftermarket parts and tuning: 

  • Stage ECU 

  • Stage 3 Performance Engine Software 

  • Cold Air Intake 

  • High Flow Throttle Body 

  • Strut Tower Brace 

  • Front Strut Tower Brace 

  • Carbon Fiber Valve and Fuel Rail Covers  

  • Pedal Covers 

  • Badge 

• Complete cooling system overhaul package: 

  • Stewart water pump 

  • Expansion tank cap 

  • OE radiator 

  • Aluminum thermostat housing 

  • Stock thermostat 

  • Hoses 

• Additional upgrades: 

  • All 5 power steering hoses replaced 

  • Oil pan gasket replaced 

  • New OE hood grills 

  • New shifter pins 

  • New sync rings 

  • Brembo cross-drilled rotors on all four corners 

  • Replaced all roundels 

  • New black canvas top 

  • Added hardtop with NOS hardware 

  • Seat bushing replacement 

  • OE replacement wiper motor  

  • New lower front bushings 

  • H&R front and rear sway bars 

  • H&R RSS coil over suspension 

  • Stainless steel brake and clutch line set 

  • Eisenmann race exhaust with 83mm tips 

  • Randy Forbes rear frame re-enforcement with dual ear differential cover 

  • New leather shifter boot 

  • New leather center console 

  • OE bumper cover and engine shield (curb damage by previous owner) 

Features 

• Wind deflector mesh fabric between the seat roll hoops 

• Vented disc brakes front and rear 

• Power windows, locks, and mirrors 

• M-branded, leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Air conditioning (refrigerant recharged in July 2024) 

• ATOTO stereo with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB with BMW 6-CD changer in trunk 

• 160 mph speedometer and 8000 rpm tachometer 

• 18-inch Apex Racing EC-7 wheels 

• Staggered set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS06 tires: 235/40ZR18 front, 275/35ZR18 rear (new May 2024) 

Known Imperfections 

• The CARFAX Vehicle History Report notes “Potential Odometer Rollback” on 4 October 2019. [Seller says it was a documentation error at the dealership, and an independent mechanic verified that the odometer has not been tampered with.] 

•  CARFAX reports on 15 December 2003, "Vehicle inspected after an accident or other incident" and "Undercarriage damage reported." [Seller says the damage was due to bumping into a parking curb. The front bumper cover and engine aerodynamic sections underneath were replaced by OE parts.] 

• Small paint chip above passenger side headlight 

• Scuffs on interior rear panel 

• Driver's seat has been repaired by previous owner 

• Indentations on driver’s door interior 

• Passenger seat belt guide is detached from seat 

• Hardtop release lever is broken 

Included 

• Owner’s manual 

• 2 keys 

• Floor mats 

• BMW CCA grille badge 

• Tool set 

• NOS replacement for hardtop release lever 

• NOS replacement for seat belt guide 

• BMW original Dolby AM/FM/Cassette 

• Service records from March 2014 to present 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report states that this three-owner 1998 BMW M Roadster was purchased new on 4 August 1998 in Houston. Since March 2014, it has resided with its current owner in Bristol, Indiana; Wausau, Wisconsin; and now resides in Bay City, Michigan. The car always has been garaged/stored during the winter months and inclement weather.