1999 BMW M Roadster 3.2 Manual

Summary:

Very fast modern day Cobra

Faults:

The central locking sensor located in the rear view mirror packed up.

The ABS computer gave up.

General Comments:

This car sets you apart from the crowd, with people looking and trying to fig out why this Z3 looks so different, and the retro style does not date the car.

The M Roadster has real Q car qualities; see the look of total shock on the 911 driver's face when you are gaining on him; one actually pulled me over, he could not understand it!

This car pulls like a train with a wall of power through the rev range. There's no substitute for cubic inches.

This is not a hair dressers car; you have to be firm in the way you drive-steer-and apply the power. The ride & engine & suspension are all from BMW M division.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2009

6th Feb 2009, 08:24

I picked up a '98 M Roadster in November and garaged it immediately to hibernate for the cold (and snowy) New England winter. I drove it a few times and can't wait until Spring - call it delayed gratification. It has 21K miles so is basically just broken in. My initial take: strong and torque-y pretty much at any rev, surprisingly cheapo interior, looks best from rear 3/4, a pour it on chassis that takes a line and doesn't quit, and slightly low gearing that has you spinning at 3 grand over 70ish. The z3M may be one of the unsung bargains right now.

23rd Dec 2010, 18:26

I have a 2006 Z4M with the same 3.2 litre engine - and what an engine it is!

I honestly think though the Z3M looks better - it has a kind of curvy hot rod look to it!

2000 BMW M Roadster M 3.2 STRAIGHT SIX

Summary:

Very quick and very cheap to buy

Faults:

Needed new vanos-That's it!!

General Comments:

Best performance car I have ever owned. Well built and ultra reliable. Performance is superb with cheap running cost's.A budget supercar as it will destroy most other cars on the road. They are so cheap to buy now too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2006

1998 BMW M Roadster ZM 3.2 DOHC 24v petrol

Summary:

A high performance exclusive beast of a car happy on a circuit, motorway or supermarket run

Faults:

I have had a new clutch and gearbox fitted, but this was due to a faulty installation and covered on warranty.

General Comments:

Extremely quick car in corners and a straight line. Eats any Porches under the 911 Turbo for breakfast!

Long bonnet and flared wheel arches make for a great look and feel from within the car. 4 Exhaust pipes, big alloys and flared wheel arches make for a great look from anywhere.

High number of gadgets to look after you such as heated and electric seats, electric roof / windows etc.

Cabin a bit cramped and steering wheel a little large for the taller ones, but I am 6'4" and am still comfortable.

Also has a small boot - but big enough for 2 to go away for the weekend.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 2003

2002 BMW M Roadster 3.2 straight six

Summary:

The Ultimate Hooligan's Machine

Faults:

No faults.

General Comments:

Blisteringly fast car. The performance figures don't prepare you for the insane acceleration on offer in any gear, and at any revs. Above 4,000 RPM it really goes ballistic, and if there's a better sounding production car engine in existence, I haven't heard it. It still makes the hair stand up on my neck every time I rev it.

Handling is superb too, once you appreciate it will barbecue the rear tyres and hang its tail out at the slightest opportunity. Thankfully it has steering and brakes which are both superb in terms of feel and accuracy. It's the kind of car that makes you seek out deserted roundabouts and lap them several times, completely sideways and feeling like a total hero.

Downsides? I just can't drive it sensibly, and hence destroyed a set of rear tyres in just 7,000 miles! Dealers are also arrogant and pricey. That said, I love this car because it's a total animal, and its 100% driver focused, just like my previous TVR Chimaera. Except this starts every time I want to use it, and doesn't require top level breakdown cover each time I dare to venture more than a mile from home.

Yes it's a BMW, and hence it has an image problem, but one blast in this mad, rocket-sled powered mini-hearse will sell you. It's totally bonkers and unlike any other BMW, it has a touch of individuality. I'm converted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2002

8th Jan 2006, 20:05

Awesome review!

11th Feb 2006, 09:51

That is a very true series of statements.

I have a 2001 M Roadster in Imola Red and Tan interior. The car is amazingly fast and agile. I am always impressed with the handling capabilities of the car when I enter corners, hit the gas and pull out of the apex of the turn. It's as flat as a go-cart. Upon pushing the accelerator at RPM's above 3300 the engine roar and exhaust notes cover the entire sound spectrum. It sounds almost "Indy 500" like. Did you ever hear what 8300 RPM's actually sounds like? Most people haven't. Rest assured, I do my best to spread the word... In this case, spread the sound.

In doing some upgrades, my goal was to keep the car looking as factory as possible. I did however add a few chrome pieces to the interior (headlight switch, cig-lighter and parking break button) the carry through with the factory chrome already installed. I had an Alpine Amp and MB Quart component speakers installed all the way around. I had BMW do the Carver Sunfire sub-woofer upgrade as well. It all sounds crisp, clear and powerful together. I also had it wired with an I-pod jack that allows me to control the I-pod with the factory BMW head unit. Because I wanted to keep the factory BMW head unit, I did have some issues with controlling the output of the sub that BMW was not able to help me with. It was simply too strong and overpowering. However, any local car stereo place can install a control button to increase/decrease the output of the sub. I had the control knob installed on the rear of the center dash next to the power roof button and in the already provided factory slot. It's a small black turn knob. It works and looks great.

I had clear front lamp covers installed and upgraded the bulbs all the way around. I also had a Dinan front Strut-Bar brace installed to increase structural stability. I'm ready to purchase a set of run-flat tires because not having a spare tire in a blow out situation (where the "M Mobility Kit" would be useless) leaves me feeling somewhat vulnerable.

I recently looked through a older BMW accessories book and found out that BMW makes a set of driving/fog lights for the M Roadster. I called the local dealership who was able to order the light kit as well as perform the install. They are round hi-intensity driving lights that actually mount in the lower grille. A friend installed a switch for me on the left side of of wheel (same as the tire pressure monitoring switch) so it's looks completely factory. This allows me to turn the driving lights on and off no matter what position the master light switch is in. They look awesome at dusk with just the parking lights on as well as with the full head lights on.

I highly recommend them to anyone with the M Roadster.

Steve.

1998 BMW M Roadster

Summary:

Very solid rocket with big grin factor

Faults:

Vanos Unit, replaced under warranty 14,000.

General Comments:

It must be the performance bargain of the decade, it outperforms all in its class and it is extremely reliable. I was considering replacing it with a TVR Tuscan, but have shied away due to the reliability issues.

I would recommend the AC Schnitzer suspension modifications to aid the poor standard setup. Later models have the M Coupe stiffer shocks which would negate this upgrade.

My previous car a UK Mark IV Supra 326BHP cannot keep up with it which is interesting as this is a very fast car too.

I would highly recommend buying one, but ensure it has BMW warranty left as once this ends you cannot add further years.

Servicing too can be expensive, inspection 1 and Inspection 2 (every other service after oil service) are £530 and £700 respectively.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2002

1999 BMW M Roadster 3.2

Summary:

A practical performance car

Faults:

Few problems.

The hood required re-alignment which was provided under warranty.

The M trim on the boot became loose, but again this was fixed as a courtesy by the dealer.

As per the other review, the car does shed a significant amount of brake dust. Newly cleaned alloys turn black inside a week.

General Comments:

The car performs wonderfully in the dry, however it needs to be driven carefully in the wet or on ice - a lack of traction control means the car is very easy to slide, but extremely controllable and great fun. I wouldn't swap the car for any other at the moment - it outperforms the Boxster and the SLK, and is much more practical than a TVR or Lotus.

One word of warning though - servicing is very expensive. An oil change service comes in at £150, a service 1 at £550 and a service 2 at £700.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2001