2001 BMW M Roadster S54

Description

Sparked by the runaway success of the venerable Mazda Miata, the trio of major German performance manufacturers  – Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW – each introduced their own take on the small, two-seat roadster to the market in the late 1990s. Contending with Porsche’s Boxster and Mercedes’s SLK230 was the BMW M Roadster, a new, more powerful version of the Z3 roadster powered by the firm’s most powerful six-cylinder “S52” engine from the M3. Swapping in the 240 horsepower, M-tuned engine necessitated thoroughly returning the suspension and steering gear, widening the track, fitting larger disc brakes, and equipping quad exhaust outlets at the rear. In 2001, M Coupes and Roadsters received the all-new 3.2-liter “S54” inline-six engine rated at 315 horsepower in the North American market – an increase of 75. Replaced by the Z4 in 2003, just 1,564 M Roadsters were equipped with the more powerful S54 engine before production ceased, making them one of the most highly sought-after M cars today.

Highlights 

• 3.2-liter “S54” inline-six engine rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque 

• ZF five-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Titanium Silver Metallic 

• Black and grey Nappa leather interior 

• Shadow-finished 17-inch Style 40 wheels 

• Black power-retractable soft top 

• Tastefully modified with the following performance upgrades: 

  • Eisenmann exhaust 

  • Wilwood front brake calipers 

  • Randy Forbes subframe reinforcement kit 

  • Twin-ear differential mount 

  • Rogue Engineering differential cover 

  • Front and rear H&R sway bars 

  • Dinan strut tower brace 

  • Rogue Engineering rear shock mounts 

  • TC Kline adjustable camber plates 

  • RG Motorsport air intake system 

  • Braided stainless steel front brake lines 

• Recent service highlights include: 

  • Fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel tank module seal were replaced at 155,560 miles (October 2021) 

  • Body electrical wiring repaired, clutch start switch replaced (June 2021) 

  • Clutch kit and replacement flywheel installed at 147,585 miles (March 2020) 

  • Battery, left CV boot, drive belts, valve cover gaskets, throttle control actuator, and rear subframe bushings replaced, alignment performed at 147,338 miles (February 2020) 

Features 

• Streamlined mirrors 

• Stone guards 

• Clear front reflectors 

• Quad exhaust outlets 

• Double-VANOS variable valve timing 

• Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes 

• Limited-slip differential  

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 

• Heated sports seats 

• Air conditioning  

• Cruise control 

• Harman Kardon sound system 

• Leather-wrapped M steering wheel 

• Tinted windows 

• Clear front bra 

• Underbody fairing (replaced in 2020) 

• Aftermarket Alpine stereo head unit 

• Aftermarket Viper remote start and alarm system 

• Aftermarket aluminum pedal covers 

• Aftermarket auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass 

• Aftermarket tow hitch receiver 

Known Imperfections 

• The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report notes that this 2001 BMW M Roadster sustained “disabling damage” on 2 January 2012 (consignor reports that this was the result of the right rear quarter panel being reversed into by a teenage driver in a parking lot, causing no damage to the wheel or suspension, but requiring a flat-bed tow to the body shop due to the tire rubbing the panel), “minor damage, damage to front” on 28 December 2017 (consignor reports that the vehicle slid into snow pile damaging front bumper), and “minor damage, damage to right front, damage to front” on 12 July 2018 (consignor reports that this was the result of the windshield installer accidentally scratching the hood, requiring repair). A Lemon Squad pre-purchase inspection report provided by the consignor is available for review under additional documents. 

• Consignor notes that both the front and rear bumper have been replaced, and the hood has been repainted 

• Paint chips, scratches, and blemishes throughout the exterior 

• Curb rash on the wheels 

• Creases and wear on the seats – passenger's seatbelt guide is broken 

• Wear on the interior touch points and trim panels 

• Passenger's-side window operates slowly 

• Some corrosion on the underbody and suspension components 

Included 

• Set of 18-inch Borbet wheels with winter tires 

• Two keys 

• Owner’s manual 

• Tonneau cover 

• Diagnostic tools 

• Various spare parts (H&R rear sway bar, factory brake front calipers) 

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2001 BMW M Roadster shows registration history in Colorado beginning in 2007. The consignor reports purchasing the car in July 2007.

Additional Notes

Hagerty Marketplace has confirmed a clean title status, the owner maintains the title in hand and will send it to the Hagerty Marketplace team to be reassigned to the new owner after the auction is complete.