BMW Z3 M Roadster (E36/7) 1 of 271

Background

In 1996, BMW released a 'Z' model for the first time after the Z1, the Z3 Roadster, the epitome of an open-top sports car from the 1960s. With its long hood, short rear, short overhangs and strongly accentuated wheel arches. The powerful engine is in the front, of course combined with rear-wheel drive. "This is the most authentic way to drive a BMW!" shouted the trade press. So what could be more appropriate than building an M model based on this iconic car? With an even sportier appearance, an M chassis and the drivetrain of the BMW M3 E36 under the hood.

At the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, BMW M previewed the design of their exciting new convertible with a prototype called the M Roadster. A year later in 1997, the production version, the BMW Z3 M Roadster, went into production. It was immediately recognizable at first glance thanks to the four exhaust pipes, larger air intakes in the front bumper and the side gills with elegant chrome application. M GmbH did not want to reinvent the original Z3 Roadster design as drawn by car designer Joji Nagashima, but instead try to integrate its specific features while achieving even more dynamic driving. In this way, the unique design language and aesthetics of the popular BMW Z3 were retained even as an M model.

The rear section is 86 millimeters wider than the four-cylinder models; the regular Z3 with six-cylinder engine, the 2.8, is also equipped with this. However, the four polished stainless steel exhaust pipes in the redesigned rear bumper are reserved for the M car. To provide an optimal driving experience, BMW M has equipped the open sports car with mixed tires. The cast 17-inch rims are fitted with 225/45 R17 tires at the front and 245/40 R17 tires at the rear. In side view, in addition to the aerodynamically designed M exterior mirrors and white turn signal lenses, the more elegant gills with chrome applications are striking, a reference to the iconic BMW 507 Roadster.

The heart is formed by the 3.2-liter 6-in-line engine from the BMW M3 E36, which can deliver 236 kW / 321 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, which is available at just 3,250 rpm. The power is sent to the rear axle, so only 1,425 kg of the curb weight needs to be displaced. Partly thanks to the lightweight fabric top, the convertible weighs 40 kg less than the Z3 M Coupé and accelerates in the same time: the Z3 M Roadster sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and is electronically limited to 250 km/h . The only thing that didn't come from the M3 is the gearbox. Unfortunately, the six-speed gearbox did not fit, so all Z3 M Roadsters received a ZF five-speed manual transmission. With model year 2001, the car received even more power thanks to the improved 6-in-line engine from the BMW M3 E46, making the Z3 M Roadster reach 239 kW / 325 hp. With the sporty, sleek M suspension, the Z3 M Roadster is 10 millimeters lower than its less sporty brothers. The front axle corresponds to that of the BMW M3 E36, while the rear axle with semi-trailing arms has been specially adapted to the sporty convertible. A limited slip differential rounds off the whole package. Only 5,322 units of the Z3 M Roadster were produced, of which 271 units were fitted with the S54 engine.

BMW Z3 M Roadster (E36/7) - 1 of 271 units

This beautiful and very rare BMW Z3 M Roadster (E36/7) from 2001, 1 of only 271 produced Z3 M Roadsters with S54 engine, with only 77,700 km on the odometer, in the beautiful color combination Estoril Blue Metallic (335) and black / blue leather sports interior, is completely original and in mint condition. The Z3 M Roadster is a non-smoking and accident-free car, originally delivered in Germany and brought to the Netherlands by us. The Z3 M Roadster is well maintained and has a fully stamped maintenance book. Furthermore, the Z3 M Roadster has a very well-equipped options list, including limited slip differential, DSC, alarm system, heated exterior mirrors, rollover protection system, automatic black hood, seat heating, headlight cleaning installation, air conditioning, speed control, original radio, 6-way CD changer, Harman Kardon hi-fi system and more.

Modifications

This BMW Z3 M Roadster (E36/7) is in a completely original condition.

Activities

This BMW Z3 M Roadster (E36/7)) was thoroughly washed upon arrival and then professionally detailed inside and out.

This Z3 M comes with

• 3 original keys
• stamped maintenance booklet
• vehicle inspection (MOT/TÜV/Controle Technique) valid until October 1, 2025

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