Z3M Roadster

The M roadster is fast following in the footsteps of its coupé sibling of the Z3-model, becoming more and more acknowledged as a driving machine worthy of its M moniker.

Many have been driven accordingly, but this particular M is definately one of the better examples: Originally delivered new in 1997 from Fischer + Schmidt GmBH in Soest the car was sold on to Sweden in 2003 having covered around 40,000 kilometers as per the servicebook. In Sweden the car was sold to an enthusiast that used the car much more sparingly: Fifteen years later the car has still not covered 60,000 kilometers.

Its condition today speaks volumes for the pedantic owners: Inside and out the car is simply immaculate, bearing almost no signs of even the light useage and certainly none pointing to a hard life. The car drives perfectly, paintwork is gleaming, leather shows no marks, the engine bay can not be faulted and in short this M simply defies its age.

Add to that the great colour combination of black over a red interior (Cosmosschwarz / Imolarot) as well as a supplementing hard top and this M roadster would surely satisfy the most discerning BMW enthusiast.

 

About the model:

The engine is one of the things that makes this model interesting: for most car enthusiasts it is the essence of BMW technology. The engine replaces the S50B30, and technical details include a Siemens MSS50 engine control unit (ECU) with integrated VANOS control of the camshafts for both intake and exhaust. The ECU also includes an advanced knock control system with three sensors in each of the six cylinders, resulting in a much more refined calibration on standard high octane petrol.

Another special detail is the oil sump, featuring a dual pick-up system to lower the risk of oil being forced away from the oil sump during cornering. 

The BMW Z3M Roadster was given wider wheels and tyres to tame the increased power in the S50B32 engine with its 321 hp, compared to 197 hp in the 2.8-litre variant, and the speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The dual exhaust system fed each set of three cylinders to two dual tailpipes. Furthermore, the chassis was strengthened and the gearbox upgraded.

There were also a number of changes to the interior such as the steering wheel and instrumentation, and the car was available in M-specific colours which were not released for the standard Z3.