Over the past few years BMW M cars from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s have seen quite an uptick in the collector car market. Cars such as the E36 and E46 M3 have almost doubled in value during this time. This was bound to happen, but I still find myself hunting for those hidden gems—cars that offer a lot of value for your money. Of all the BMW M cars from the golden era of M, the one that seems to have fallen out of favor lately is the Z3-based M Roadster.
The M Roadster was BMW’s attempt to combat the Porsche Boxster S. Over the years, they were often featured side by side in comparison tests, with the M Roadster holding its own against the Boxster S. In addition, the M Roadster offered more utility and was a better daily driver sports car than Porsche’s mid-engined Boxster. The M Roadster was also quicker to 60 and in the quarter-mile, but just a little less communicative through the steering wheel than the Porsche.
The Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2000 BMW M Roadster listed for sale on ClassicCars.com and located in Lutz, Florida.
The seller states that this M Roadster has covered only 60,000 miles from new. It is painted in Dakar Yellow over a black and gray leather interior, and features the supremely comfortable BMW Z3 sport seats.
Looking at the photos of this car, it appears the exterior is in excellent shape, with the Dakar Yellow paint—a color that looks amazing on these little roadsters—looking spectacular. This M Roadster is a small car, about the size of a Miata, but built by BMW and with about 100 more horsepower under the hood.
Notably, the top looks to be in excellent condition, as does the plastic window of the top, which looks perfectly clear. This is important, because replacing a convertible top can cost more than $2,000.
A look at the photos also shows the interior to be in excellent shape, with the black and gray leather sport seats showing no evidence of any wear, even on their aggressive side bolsters.
The engine compartment is the same, housing an engine that doesn’t appear detailed but instead looks clean and always cared for. I did notice that there is a stick holding up the engine, making me think it likely needs a new pair of hydraulic cylinder hood props. Those cost about $40 for the pair and can be swapped out in about 15 minutes, so a cheap fix.
After going through all the photos – including one of the owner’s manual and a large stack of service invoices—I think this BMW M Roadster is one to buy based on its apparent great condition combined with the terrific and desirable paint color. Having spent many miles behind the wheel of these M Roadsters, they are in many ways the modern iteration of a Sunbeam Tiger—though one that is comfortable, handles amazingly well, and is faster.
Now here’s the best part, which I don’t completely understand: the asking price for this car is only $16,995, which puts it at the lower end of the M Roadster market. Part of the reason is likely because, being a 2000 model, it is equipped with an S52 engine, which produces 240 horsepower. The later S54 engine-equipped cars have 315 horsepower and are a tiny bit quicker. Before you stop there, also keep in mind that the S54 engine does have higher running costs, which to me more than make up the difference in performance per dollar spent. Both are fast and, aside of the engine tune, are the exact same car, which makes this 2000 Dakar Yellow M Roadster seem to be one of those less-common great buys out there.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
