2001 BMW M Roadster

Description

Sparked by the runaway success of the venerable Mazda Miata, in the late 1990s the trio of major German performance manufacturers—Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW—each introduced their own small, two-seat roadster. Contending with Porsche’s Boxster and Mercedes’s SLK230 was BMW’s entry, the M Roadster.

This new, high-performance version of the Z3 roadster was powered by the M3’s stout “S52” six-cylinder. Aside from dropping in the 240-horsepower, M-tuned engine, BMW widened the track, retuned the suspension and steering, fitted larger disc brakes, and added quad exhaust outlets. Then in 2001, North American M Coupes and Roadsters received the all-new 3.2-liter “S54” inline-six engine rated at 315 horsepower. And that 75-horse increase made a huge difference in the 3,100-pound M, which can handle curves like a go-kart and scoot down a quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat. Replaced by the Z4 in 2003, just 1,564 M Roadsters were equipped with the more powerful S54 engine before production ceased, making them one of the most highly sought-after M cars today.

This high-contrast 2001 M Roadster is one of only 921 built with the S54 engine that year. It has been carefully maintained by its owner, and is ready for some high-speed, top-down fun.

Highlights 

• Rare and powerful M Roadster in eye-catching white on black 

• 3.2-liter “S54” inline-six engine rated at 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque 

• ZF five-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in (300) Alpine White 3 with Black nappa leather interior 

• 17-inch Shadow Chrome wheels wearing 235/40ZR17 front, 255/40ZR17 rear tires 

• Black power convertible top with built-in roll hoops 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Factory-equipped options include: 

  • S710 M Sports Steering Wheel, Multifunction 

  • S785 White Direction Indicator Lights 

  • S494 Seat Heating Driver/Passenger 

  • S658 Radio BMW Business CD RDS 

  • S674 Hi-Fi System Harman Kardon 

  • S692 Preparation, BMW 6-CD Changer I-Bus 

  • S530 Air Conditioning 

  • S540 Cruise Control 

  • S209 Differential Lock 25% 

  • S210 Dynamic Stability Control 

  • S243 Airbag For Front Passenger 

  • S260 Side Airbag For Driver/Passenger 

  • S314 Door Mirror, Driver Lock, Heated 

  • S354 Windscreen, Green-Tinted Upper Strip 

  • S388 Soft top, Black 

  • S395 Rollover Protection System 

  • S398 Soft top, Electromech. Semiautomatic 

  • S818 Battery Master Switch 

  • S845 Acoustic Fasten Seat Belt Reminder 

  • S853 Language Version, English 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor interior leather wear 

• Imperfection on passenger rear wheel finish 

• Small paint chips on front of hood by grille 

• Tires are older but within 10 years old 

Included 

• Two keys 

• Owner’s manual 

• Tool kit 

• Car cover 

• Rear window cover 

• Replacement rear window (the current window is also in good condition) 

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this three-owner 2001 BMW M Roadster in California and Georgia. The consignor states, “I am helping list this car on behalf of the owner with a clean title in their name since 2006. Factory stock, no accidents, and very well-kept. Regular service performed by the owner, a longtime BMW owner, and occasional work done at a BMW specialty shop with receipts for your records.”