1998 BMW Z3

M Roadster Convertible

3.2L 3152CC l6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated

Manual

WBSCK9333WLC87130

Clear

GAS

This BMW spent most of its life in California. Since then it has been stored in a climate controlled garage and driven only on the weekends. Has never seen rain or snow. If you have been in the market for one of these cars, you’ll know they come three ways…. 1. With very few miles on them and a stupid high price. Parked in a garage pointed in the direction of Munich or Spartanburg with a small shrine at the front of the car, they come out twice a year and are still equipped with the original tires, now flat spotted from sitting. 2. Flogged within a inch of their lives and through 5 owners, and at least that many body shops to repair the damage done when it left the road tail first after the idiot’s last words (“Hey, look at me!!!”) 3. Or, the way this one is. Driven as a real car, well kept, but with some miles on it. Serviced as needed, maybe even modified a little, but maintained with top quality parts so it’s in good driving condition. This is one of those cars! For those interested, here is a little back-story information on the series as a whole… History What makes the E36/7 M roadster unique? The M roadster is the BMW M-developed version of the Z3 roadster. It uses one of three 24-valve six-cylinder engines originally developed by BMW M for the E36 M3 and E46 M3. It also has an M-tuned chassis and several unique cosmetic parts. Where was the E36/7 M roadster first introduced? The M roadster was first unveiled at the 1996 Geneva motor show, though production did not begin until later that year. Where was the E36/7 M roadster built? Like all Z3-based cars, every M roadster was assembled at the Spartanburg, South Carolina factory. The drivetrain was assembled in Germany and mated with the rest of the car at Spartanburg. Production Data How many versions of the E36/7 M roadster are there? The original M roadsters, with engines from the E36 M3, were built through June of 2000 in three different versions: European-specification (S50 engine) in both left- and right-hand drive and North American-specification (S52 engine) in left-hand drive. After having been discontinued for more than six months, a revised M roadster entered production in February of 2001. All three versions (European-spec/LHD, European-spec/RHD and North American-spec) utilize the S54 motor from the E46 M3. How many of each version were produced? ECE (S50, LHD): 3,557 produced from 09/96 through 06/2000 ECE (S50, RHD): 918 produced from 11/97 through 06/2000 NA (S52, LHD): 8,938 produced from 02/98 through 07/2000 ECE (S54, LHD): 283 produced from 02/2001 through 05/2002 ECE (S54, RHD): 79 produced from 02/2001 through 04/2002 NA (S54, LHD): 1,600 produced from 02/2001 through 05/2002 What kind of gearbox does the E36/7 M roadster have? All M roadsters use the ZF Type C five-speed manual gearbox with the following ratios: 4.21 (1), 2.49 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5). The final drive is either 3.23:1 (S52) or 3.15:1 (S50 and S54). A limited slip differential with a maximum locking of 25 percent is standard on all versions. Chassis How does the chassis of the E36/7 M roadster differ from that of the standard Z3 roadster? Like all Z3s, the M roadster’s suspension is made up of Macpherson struts in the front and semi-trailing arms in the rear. However, compared to the six-cylinder Z3 roadster, the M roadster has the following modifications: -Wider front and rear tracks (by 0.4-inches) -Reduced ride height (by 1.1-inches) -Modified front suspension geometry -Firmer springs and shocks -Thicker anti-roll bars -Stronger semi-trailing arms -Reinforced subframe What type of brakes does the E36/7 M roadster have? The M roadster adopted the brakes from the contemporary E36 M3, four-wheel vented discs measuring 12.4-inches in the front and 12.3-inches in the rear. Now, back to this specific car: Nice Cosmos Black metallic exterior. A couple of very minor flaws (pictured) on its original paint. Of note, these cars are subject because of their design to have minor bug and stone chips on the front bumper cover and hood, and this one has two, not bad. I will include the BMW touch-up kit. All of the lenses are in good shape, the headlamps are good, all of the trim is attached and in good condition. Nice Black/Grey Leather Interior. The carpet is in good condition, with no visible wear. OE floor mats included in good condition. All of the controls work as they should, all of the trim pieces present and accounted for. Any wear and tear is consistent with a car that was used, but well kept and maintained. Alpine radio with Harmon kardon speakers. Power top mechanism working as it should. Drivetrain. This car is FAST! Starts right up, hot or cold has nice clutch take up, shifts nice, stops well, and corners well. A/C is cold, all of the switch gear works as it should. Runs cool in traffic as it should. The net is that this BMW drives smooth and tight. Shifts through all gears, stops the way it’s supposed to, corners the way it’s supposed to. · Window regulator clips (common problem) will need attention. Windows roll up slower than normal. Here are the TOP things to look for on these and what we have here: · Good clutch feel? Yes, new clutch installed at BMW 500 miles ago, nice smooth and consistent engagement. · Climate Control Working? ---- YES. All pins present and accounted for. Temp adjuster works, air distribution works · Differential carrier firmly attached? Yes! So this one passes the criteria. Of course, there are all the normal things to look for on any car, but most makes have a few things to look for, and if the things that are unique to the breed are not addressed, there’s no reason to look any further… This one makes the grade. New Avarus AV8 Staggered Aluminum wheels 18x8.5 in the front and 18x9.5 in the rear with Hankook Ventus V12 tires with less than 500 miles. Clean title Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions that I get on my listings: What’s the worst thing about this car? It’s not perfect. It’s a USED CAR. What’s the best part of the car? The fact that it starts, stops, and steers like the nice car it is! It’s clean inside, everything works and it goes down the road nice and straight and quiet. I drive this car every weekend up north in the summers only. Has never seen rain or snow. Could I drive this car back home? I’d drive it anywhere without hesitation. Few words about condition and why I list on E-Bay I try to accurately describe the listed vehicle to the best of my ability, but like you I am human, but assure you that I will not hide any known defects that materially impact the vehicle. I want you to feel “comfy” pressing the bid button! I don’t offer anything that I would not and have not driven myself, but please understand that all vehicles are complex machines and what works perfect right now may not the next time. Just like a new pet from the shelter, its first act as new member of the family might be to “mark its spot”. I’ll be glad to share any additional information that I have about any item listed, and about the marquee in general, but please understand that it’s up to you to determine if the car listed in this auction is the right one for you. Please don’t assume….it’s a good way to be disappointed…the only ‘stupid’ questions are the ones not asked, and after the auction is over is not the time to determine whether or not you want the listed vehicle. Unlike a lot of sellers who don’t have a clue as to what they actually have listed, I’ve lived with the vehicle and will give you a straight answer. If you have any doubts, feel free to make arrangements to have the vehicle inspected while it’s “at the auction” or send me an email! Spending every last dime you have on a used car with an expectation that it will give you faithful service with no additional expenses for the next 10 years probably is not a real good idea, so use your head, spend within your means, and leave a little in reserve for a ‘rainy day’. I will require a $500 dollar deposit via PayPal within 24 hours of auction end time. The remaining balance to paid with a cleared certified check or with cash. If you plan on shipping I always use www.autotransportdirect.com and have never had an issue. Please ask any questions you may have prior to bidding! Good Luck