BMW’s wildly successful open two-seater, the Z3, was re-engineered by the company’s Motorsport (“M”) department with the first M-badged examples taking to European roads in late 1996. An instant success, the M Roadster was made available to eager buyers in North America in early 1998, where nearly 9,000 were sold over the ensuing two years. Meanwhile, outside of Munich, BMW was working on an even better version of the M Roadster for its final iteration in 2001. The addition of the more powerful and advanced S54 engine, which was developed for the E46 M3, brought with it Dynamic Stability Control and firmer suspension settings, along with a host of aesthetic updates and a new list of available colors.

The impressive M Roadster offered here was built in the final production run, which concluded in early 2002, with just 1,565 completed for the North American market. This two-owner example is finished in the exciting shade of Laguna Seca Blue; only 78 are thought to have left the factory in this bold color. Showing less than 29,000 miles, the BMW is offered with its rare hardtop, original window sticker, manuals, tire inflator, top boot, and optional CD player. The M Roadster presents beautifully throughout and will provide its next fortunate caretaker the opportunity to take part in marque events and enjoy one of the purest BMW sports car experiences of the modern era.