Purchased a '98 //M Roadster this weekend (Now with Pics)

[OSULugan]

After drooling over some Porsche 911s for far too long, I saw a Z3-style M Roadster come available in my area for less than half the price I would be paying for a 911. I fell in love with the Z3 body-style when I first saw one on the road circa spring of 1997, but never was much impressed with the power they had. The M Roadster obviously changes that opinion a bit.

Now for some questions:

1) I know that these things only had about 15,000 produced (but the Z3 variant had several hundred thousand), and it's been 10+ years since the last one rolled off the production line. Does anyone have a pointer to where I might find accessories/parts designed for this beast? Particularly, I'm looking for a full car cover and an open-top cover that is custom built for the car's body, with how windy it can get around here. Also, for instance, the shift-knob is a Z3-labeled knob, and I'd like to get an //M style replacement for it.

2) How about any good/easy performance tunes/computer upgrades/etc.? I don't want to go spending another $5k on a Dinan upgrade, but wouldn't mind eaking out 10-20 HP extra here or there for a few bucks. What about a way to remove the electronic speed governor?

3) Any other owners/ex-owners out there with some tips/thoughts/stories to share?

So far I am in love with this thing. It always seems to have power to spare and has this nasty growl when the engine revs that just gives me a smile on my face every time I hear it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

A friend of ours bought one of these and she let me take if for a spin. Really nice driver's car but a little lacking on power. Still, it is easily one of the best looking roadsters of the past 30 years.

Couldn't find a 2001-2002 car? That is the one to have IMO because it gets the same 320hp engine as the Euro spec car vs the 240hp engine that is in your car.

As for accessories, check Bavarian Autosport.

 

[sgrinavi]

Where's the pics?

 

[OSULugan]

Couldn't find a 2001-2002 car?

Nope, those are even more rare (I think that, according to wiki, < 4,000 of the production run included 2001/2002 model years).

As for accessories, check Bavarian Autosport.

I'll take a look, thanks.

Where's the pics?

Pics to come, it's been pretty smokey from the California fires out here, so I haven't had a chance to get some good shots of it yet.

 

[Krueger81]

bimmerforums.com would be an awesome place to start, those guys are awesome when it comes to your kind of questions.

 

[sgrinavi]

Anyhow, congrats on the purchase, welcome to the BMW club - hope you have thick skin

Have you cruised bimmerpost.com ?

 

[_Rick_]

I was half-seriously looking at the breadvan a few years ago. But better judgment won out.

The Z3M definitely looks much better than standard, the pointy bits give it just that masculine touch which the normal one was slightly lacking.

Hope she lasts well

 

[ViviTheMage]

welcome to the bmw club

 

[satyajitmenon]

Sweet. Nice find.

If you're looking to swap out the shift knob, check out the ZHP shift knobs. They're weighted and a popular aftermarket swap for most owners.

Keep an eye out on getbmwparts.com - they tend to have deals on those every once in a while.

 

[pauldun170]

I love those cars.

 

[sgrinavi]

Nice and clean. Hows the top?

 

[OSULugan]

Nice and clean. Hows the top?

Top is in good condition. The rear window has the creasing in it from being put down a fairly good amount, so I may have to replace that before too long.

Keep an eye out on getbmwparts.com - they tend to have deals on those every once in a while.

Cool, thanks for the tip. Bookmarked it into my new BMW Folder.

 

[master7045]

Nice find, love the M roadsters