Every great car brand has at least one car that is loved by loyal fans but mocked by everyone else. One such car for BMW is the Z3 M. Either in Roadster or Coupe form, the BMW Z3 M is commonly mocked by most non-BMW enthusiasts for its odd looks, small size and secretary’s-car reputation. However, the Z3 M is a little rocket of a car and one of the most enjoyable sports cars to drive of its era. This 2001 BMW Z3 M Roadster is currently up for auction on Bring-A-Trailer and it’s very…red.
Painted in Imola Red, this specific BMW Z3 M and is a pretty rare car/color combination. According to BAT, only 921 Z3 M Roadsters were made in 2001, with much less being made in Imola Red. So it’s a bit unique. Being a 2001, it’s a later model Z3 M, therefor it had a 3.2 liter naturally-aspirated I6 engine (S54) under its hood, the same engine as the E46 M3. In Z3 M-spec, that engine made about 315 hp and was mated to a five-speed manual and a limited-slip diff.
Inside, this car is also very…red. Imola Red and Black leather adorn the entire cabin and it’s a bit much. Some of the red accents are cool, such as on the seats and the steering wheel but the center console being red is going a bit too far. But if you want a side car or weekend toy to have fun in, this could be the perfect amount of flamboyance. Though, if you’re a grown man, driving around in a red convertible, with red interior, with the top down can make you look a bit silly.
This specific car seems to be in very good shape, with few blemishes on both the exterior and interior. Even the engine bay looks spotless. It also only has around 72,000 miles on it, which is pretty good for its age. It’s enough that you know it was driven and cared for but also not enough to be worn out yet.
The only modifications were done to the suspension. New Bilstein HD shocks and struts replaced the stock ones and new bushings have been installed as well. So it should have a bit firmer of a ride but Bilstein HDs usually offer a good balance of firmness and comfort.
At the writing of this article, the BMW Z3 M Roadster is currently at $3,399, with six days left on the auction. Considering the rarity of these cars and the desirability among BMW enthusiasts, expect that price to get quite a bit higher before the auction ends. So what do you think, is this very, very red BMW Z3 M roadster enough to make you blush with desire?
[Source: Bring-A-Trailer]