1999 BMW Z3 M Roadster - POV Ownership Review

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Thanks for watching!

[@bradkramer838]

I miss this era of BMW, which is when I was in high school. I had a friend with one of these and it may be one of the best cars they've made for pure driving enjoyment. Nearly everything they were making in the late 90s was a home run. 25 years later, I don't have that excitement at a BMW showroom.

[@Alltracavenger]

I completely agree. I was also in high school at this time; my mom left one day in her bland Subaru Legacy and came home in a Z3 2.8. It wasn't the M, but getting driven to school every day in that car felt absolutely special. Unfortunately she let go of that car when my siblings started having kids and she had to cart them around, but she missed that car to the point of nearly being in tears whenever we talked about it. She had a couple other BMWs along the way; an E46 and a later 1-series, but out of those cars she always loved the Z3 the most. Last year we talked about that Z3 as we were planning a road trip that summer; while she wasn't in a place to have multiple cars I was. So, I made the difficult decision to sell my somewhat sorted AE86 and started looking for a Z3. I found one almost identically specced to her 2.8, just with the spicier E46 330 engine(almost as potent as the earlier M). Pulling up to start our summer road trip in that car is a memory I'm going to always cherish.

[@themaestro3034]

I had a 328 coup. Friggin loved it and havent driven a BMW since but I will never forget how smooth the throws were with that manual gear box

[@natebarry5553]

The older I get the more i hate modern cars

[@brq44]

@user-fo9in6wy2k you mean a computer on wheels

[@aquifer9480]

I hate the trend of large pickups and soulless suv designs. I understand why they sell, and sell so well, but damn. One of my coworkere drive one of these BMW roadsters and its such an experience every time you step into it. At least my generation has the BRZ/86...

[@khelgarironfist3301]

Would you like some of them most modern hybrid cars with 3x electric motors and 2x combustor engines combined sir? Very good mpg we assure you. Totally conform with climate regulations too. Buy now while stocks remain!

[@sigmaliquidity]

Modern designs trump the cockroach 🪳 looking cars.

[@lizzy.023]

I’m only 18 and I don’t like it. These car manufacturers are making rolling computers tbh.

[@frankvee]

I have the same car. Mine is a 1998 M Roadster in black. It has been a phenomenal car. I’ve owned it almost 25 years and it has been super reliable. Common issues are the glove box, take it apart and remove the 5 pound weight in the glove box door, it’s easy to do. The seat bushings are also easy but a bit more involved than the glove box, if you get the polyurethane bushings they will permanently resolve the issue. The top tear will mean a new convertible top, unfortunately. Don’t put the top down in temperatures below 50 degrees or you can risk cracking the window. The Achilles heel of the M Roadster is it’s cooling system. Keep an eye on it and you should be fine. If you keep yours long term consider replacing the radiator with an all aluminum, a Stewart water pump, and an electric fan. Coil overs will take the M Roadster to a whole new level. I have TCKline dual adjustable coils on mine and the performance improvement is mind blowing. I also have 265/18 rears, up from 245 and 225/18 up front. I still love my M Roadster after all these years. Best car I’ve ever owned. It’s a true joy to drive.

[@theforbiddenglacier3744]

Might buy the same exact year and model as you,,, very much appreciated 🐸

[@MDEV-86x86]

What's brand do you recommend for radiator?. Thanks.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

You can't go wrong with a BMW inline 6-cylinder engine~~ What an amazing sound this car has

[@ZondaF355]

The S52 M Roadster/Coupe is one of the all time great sports cars. Anyone who loves these should try early Gen 1/2 Vipers. Vipers are an M Roadster with the engine we always wanted it to have. Early Vipers are still tops on my list for a pure driver's car. They love to slide around and have fun yet the chassis is pure race car. Love the vids

[@hhaste]

I'd consider it, if this stupid car market would go away

[@averagebro413]

@@hhaste it will not go away, there are too many rich people in wester countries and we ain't one of them

[@MultiSneakerLover]

@@averagebro413 how do u know hes one of u💀

[@Aikaramba12]

S50 better

[@Viper_593]

I have an 01 Rt/10 viper as well as a 2000 m roadster. The roadster is essentially a mini viper without the torque. Both fun cars

[@alexandram9477]

I had an S52 2000 M Roadster I bought in 2002 with 10K miles, I regretfully sold it 2 years ago with only 46K miles - almost couldn't bare to watch this video!! I did end up getting a 2022 BRZ which I like more in some ways but that car was such a little beast!! I miss it!!

[@heissiseissen]

I have a 2000 MR that I bought 12 years ago for $4500, 77k. Silver / black (converted interior to Estoril blue / black). It needed a top, seats were ruined from leaking top. Owner thought the clutch was going out, needed SS hydraulic line. It now has 185k, drives better than the day it was born. Still has original clutch, feels like new (I know how to drive). B8's and polyurethane bushings. Some comments in your video: Shifter - needs bushings, trans probably will need detent springs and pins. I have always used Red-Line in my transmission, have not experienced the detent pin issues. Seat bushings - Driver seat was loose when I bought the car. I used valve cover seals, probably from an M50. 108k miles later they are just starting to get a little loose. My S52 has software from an eastern European tuner that was supposed to deliver an additional 36hp. Also has cold air intake and Megan Racing exhaust, very sweet tunes. Definite boost in power, soon almost ripped the differential subframe out of the car. Big job. I've restored and owned many high performance cars in my life (67 E Type, Fiat Dinos, 64 Corvette cpe, Lancia Scorpion, at least 30 Alfa Romeos, 88 M3. The M Roadster is my favorite.

[@aroundomaha]

These are intersting cars but I stayed away due to not wanting to chase gremlins. I have autocrossed in a six cylinder BMW of this era and did fall in love with that engine. So smooth. Thanks for sharing this!

[@theodor12]

This and the Z4M Roadsters are around the top of my dream car list. I currently have a Z4 2.5i manual and I love it!

[@submiss1on]

and some honda s2000 and mazda miata as well :)

[@Xartes430]

13:53 - "Sometimes life is all about being optimistic". I like this attitude toward life. Sometimes sh*t happens, and you can't do anything about it. I really like your videos, and I'm waiting for the next one with the Volvo 850 R.

[@motaz1975]

i had a 2000 m roadster. loved the car. never felt i was missing anything without the s54 engine. my only gripe or wish for the car is i always thought it needed a 6 speed.

[@JamesonsDiecastCars]

I converted my '98 to the e46 6mt. Really not a hard swap.

[@motaz1975]

@@JamesonsDiecastCars how was it to drive after that? i wish i had done it to mine.

[@JamesonsDiecastCars]

@@motaz1975 I LOVE it. So much more chill on the highway. If I didn't have the Vortech blower and still naturally aspirated, I'd throw 3.73 gears in it.

[@sebfriday5114]

I got my 1997‘ Z3 Roadster for almost 3 years now. Man I love this car so much.

[@gettcouped]

Once you get the mechanical stuff sorted. Definitely get a paint correction and a headlight restoration. This car definitely looks like it can pop once you put a little TLC! Congrats on the car. I hope it can get decently reliable for you!

[@VirtualGuth]

Just as with sports cars in general, fewer and fewer drivers are into roadsters these days. (One big reason behind the success behind SUV's and pickups is how safe people feel siting up high with a lot of steel around them). Of course roadsters have always been more of a niche vehicle. But for those of us who aren't daunted by them, driving doesn't get any better than when behind the wheel of a capable roadster with the top down.

[@Vilmir]

I had a Z4 2.5L for 2 years when I was a bachelor. Roadsters give you way more fun than a SUV, I drive a family X5 now. But if you can only have 1 car and you have a family, no real choice...

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

"They always punch you when you're down." 😆 Thanks for the ride along, ST, it was fun. Enjoyed being able to hear the surroundings with the top down and earmuffs on. All the best. 👍🤙

[@e30_lad_ireland]

Love Love Love It! I speak as an owner of a Z3 3.0 that was rolled out of an assembly line on 18 June 2002! ❤

[@gothops154]

Get an alignment and get that steering wheel centered. My OCD is off the charts with this one 😂 P.S. always check your steering wheel is set straight after getting an alignment bc those techs don’t always do a good job 😡

[@GreekCarFreak]

Back when BMWs were actually good. My dad's '84 E30 went to almost 400K miles and his '91 E34 to like 250K (both manuals). Good luck trying that on these newer BMW nightmares.

[@jeffbizzle694]

I got a 98 Estoril S52 M Roadster as a daily, best car I have ever owned. Picked it up with 43k miles now has a healthy 56k miles

[@jared2224]

Congrats! How much was it?

[@jeffbizzle694]

@@jared2224 hi jared i purchased the car for 23k

[@realitycheck_]

3.2L Inline 6?! love this sound! I'm dreaming to have late 90s era M car. Such a joy to drive

[@missiontwa8340]

You should really get Tedward to drive this car and review it! I've been waiting for a regular Z3 review, particularly an M54 2001-2002 Auto. But, my luck has not arrived.

[@brendan7632]

I have the M54 engine in my 2004 530i. I cannot endorse it enough. It is so buttery smooth and runs like a dream almost 20 years later. Burns some oil and has a few other issues, but for the age of the engine, it runs like a dream

[@Alltracavenger]

I have a low mileage 3.0 that I absolutely love, however with the manual instead of the autobox. If that's what you're looking for, I don' t think you'll be disappointed with that car.

[@mikebennett9356]

The seat bushings are really easy to fix and super cheap. I think under $15.00 for bushings for both seats. Took me about an hour to do both seats in my wife’s 2000 Z3.

[@theEdmundFitzgerald]

i couldn't find how to do this without spending 3 hours on it. what did you do?

[@mikebennett9356]

@@theEdmundFitzgerald the seats come our pretty easy, four bolt on each. Then remove tracks, clean them up and replace bushings. Might have taken a little more than an hour, but not much.

[@rileygarrett6407]

@@theEdmundFitzgerald there is a guy I believe his channel is moment of zed and he has a video, his entire channel is dedicated to the z3

[@SerPurple51]

It's funny seeing a steering wheel that's only purpose is for steering. Not a ton of buttons all over it. She's a good ol girl!

[@mattkiss3]

Im in SC, I just traded my truck for one of these and after owning an e36 M3 10 years ago. I can finally say I AM BACK! I love this thing so much, I have the same Dinan upgrades as well and the sound is magnificent. I too need a new back window for the softtop (and stitching in places around the window) I have been noting the small things that are cosmetically wrong, but that does not take away my joy of driving it. I have a hardtop for mine thankfully. What a machine though!

[@jaylena682]

I picked up a 2001 z3 3.0 w/ only 35k mi on it. I absolutely love it! Great video!

[@Gab75428]

Feliz Navidad 🎄

[@RareWareDude]

Looks sharp, always wanted to drive one of these since I saw it in Goldeneye

[@willjam465]

Have always felt the S52 sound is superior to the S54. Love this color as well. My first E36 M3 was Estoril Blue. Wish I still had it.

[@ricepony33]

I’m 100% with you on that, they howl and bark just right.

[@infidel900rr]

@@ricepony33 And indestructible!

[@goldenflash0588]

Always loved the wheels on those M Roadsters. Wonder if they would fit a regular Z3. Have a 2002 3.0l and think they would look good on it. I would like to find a set if they would fit. That 3.2 sounds so good with the Dinan exhaust.

[@jaredtippets6255]

Yeah they’ll fit. Good luck finding a cheap pair though

[@andrewhkim]

Different offsets

[@Fahadfk8]

Very unique sounding s52, real muscular.

[@alexsternerup5636]

My dad has a 2001 z3 m trim/spec with the inline 6 and the manual. My favorite car I’ve ever driven

[@DonBMW]

The third to fifth gear could be the transmission detent pins. Start by refreshing all shifter components and then switch to Amsoil MTF. That should help a lot. As a last resort change out the pins. Thats where i’m at w my M Coupe.

[@gabef3798]

what an unbelievably fun car to drive. Learned how to drive manual on my dad’s s/c m roadster, what a blast, but also such a pain in the ass. It could also definitely use a shifter rebuild considering how undistinguishable gears can be.

[@bpearr8266]

I had literally just sat in a z3 for the first time yesterday, a really clean example too with only 43kmiles. I have to have one now

[@dzenannj]

Legit can't tell which topher it is by the voice anymore lol

[@luiselapostolfeliz2421]

Hi I love the VMW Z3 M Roadster I know it's not the newest and the most high-tech cars but this gives buyers a tSte of buying cars from another Era rather thN new cars built todY.

[@frankanderson5379]

Had a 2000 M Roadster in red bought new and kept for two years. Luv’d the car and frequently hit the limiter driving on I85/75 in ATL 😂. I originally wanted a S2000 but ended up with the BMW after be turned down to test drive the Honda due too popularity and demand.

[@hyenaman007]

S/o to this guy. Thanks to him, I know how to rev match down shift ! Thanks for that one tutorial, my guy !

[@akaJRob]

Inline 6,manual transmission and it weights nothing. BMW knew what they were doing with this beast of a car can y’all please hype up the Z series some more it’s so slept on

[@lisaleibman2780]

Have you joined the ZSCCA? If not, you should! Fantastic car club! ZFEST 2023 will be in Branson, MO, in August! Come join us!

[@igoresque]

the hand thrower is back

[@sesh3508]

Pretty damn good choice for a fun secondary car

[@TheTopher]

Or in Substitute Topher’s case…seventhary car

[@sesh3508]

@@TheTopher 🤣 I love it

[@shortroundChris]

I picked up a beater z3 2.3 project and despite having messed up tie rods I can feel the potential fun! Lol turn in is so easy. Slightly glorified miata feel

[@M-t3ch]

Love that sound! Dinan cold air doing it's job. Also the best color for these 🤟

[@NeilNBlome]

I had a 99 MCoupe. Great car that got looked at a lot at stop signs. Probably because it was so strange looking.

[@lisaleibman2780]

Please check the subframe.. It's a common failure in all variants of the Z3. Look for popped welds in the trunk floor under the carpet... The seat bushings are also a common problem in all variants Z3.

[@thesuperballer9]

true on the part about late 90s bmws always breaking, i own an e39 and there’s always a new problem whenever i fix one of the three problems i’m already sitting on haha

[@JamesonsDiecastCars]

I've owned my '98 M Roadster since '09 and it's been silly reliable. The most common issue is all the plastic in the cooling system. Address that and keep up on regular maintenance and these are very robust drivetrains.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Now that’s a better car than em3 or civic type r drek

[@robertweston5909]

Just watched your video on the z3.Shame you guys didn't get the full fat S50 with 320hp we got here in England.I am lucky to own two of these little beauty's one being the ultra rare 2002 s54 engine.Only 70 of these right hand drive cars built.To anyone who has never driven one the sound of the six cylinder power plant at 8000 rpm. And the handling will have you grinning from ear to ear.

[@user-mc8ys9hb3z]

enjoyable video. npc hand gestures

[@PompeyMatt17]

I have a 1998 1.9 Z3 Individual...and when you talk funky colours...mine in Fiji Green.....😎

[@nathanmartin3780]

For the 3/5 Miss shifts it may be due to the 5th gate bugging due to the cold weather. Depends on the trans in your Z3 tho

[@thehauke7981]

Ok this thing has soul. Loved to watch it

[@pikesbegone]

My mom had a z3 but it was black and had a v6 but she got in to an accident with it she got brake checked and spun into the barrier at like 75 miles per hour and then got hit on the side, she was ok except for some whiplash, the driver that brake checked her left the scene,that was a long long time ago, her car was just shy of being totaled but she got it fixed owned it for like six months and then traded it in The z3 is one of my dream cars

[@Thryce23]

You had to post this... now I want to go buy one 😁

[@MrGchiasson]

Just paid off my used 2013 238i...very nice. Road trip from Atlanta to Billings, Montana and back..very nice drive.I (Glad I left before the show began!) But...I've seen several Z3 & Z4's on the road...and they are gorgeous! Debating (head vs heart).. Keep or trade up in 2023? We'll just have to see.

[@the8419]

It actually started.

[@PompeyMatt17]

the seat bushings are a very common thing...mine has it...easy to fix after you have the seats out. They're plastic square spacers in the seat runners which just wear out. Also you'll probably want to fix that the clear coat peeling on the boot lid....

[@TheThend1234]

this guy is tedward 2

[@akaJRob]

I have a 2.5 Z3 it’s a experience everytime and after 2 months I still smile when I shift gears also experience a moment of sadness being that it only has 5 gears and I can’t shift to 6th :( it’s a rollercoaster of emotions is what I’m tryna say lmao

[@RandomlnternetGuy]

You HAVE to find a Clownshoe to review!

[@seanrevsgames5482]

Was just driving this car on Need For Speed High Stakes.

[@stove.d]

Beautiful car. Now I want one

[@crodrc51able]

I remember when the CEO or some higher up at Bimmer stated back then that all M cars would be manuals, NA, rwd, and 2 or 4 doors and never an SUV. No auto, awd, fwd, turbos, superchargers, etc. It was to be about the driving experience. Sadly now it’s just about numbers, and numbers is not everything. The drive is about the experience, man over machine and not the machine doing everything for the driver. BMW has lost its way since boost and XDrive made their way into M products. Sure, they sell well but collectibility will not be the same as their original NA products.

[@larney37]

Do you still haver this car? Did you have the trans detents fixed? I just bought basically the same exact car with the same mileage. Driver spec indeed!

[@Ottersmilk]

This was a good watch.

[@khelgarironfist3301]

Hey you forgot to clap your shoes before getting into the car.. don't let the original Topher see that lol

[@TheTopher]

For shame!!

[@bimmerlife5452]

I love my 99 M roadster it’s amazing 60k miles

[@dilmurad1643]

I love this car

[@bergbergberg4976]

hope you could do a year end "your top picks"

[@haidarali9069]

Kinda a shame you didn't show trunk space, but it's a gem of a car nonetheless.

[@motaz1975]

i think the interiors on the m roadsters held up better than the same generation m3s.

[@willjam465]

As an E36 M3 4/5 owner, I agree completely...lol.

[@ms8742]

Used to have the coupe version new. Hate I got rid of it.

[@akaJRob]

These cars have a great amount of power to only be paired with a 5 speed is crazy….. 5th gear revs to 3k so quick I’m like ok it’s geared that way and it clearly needs a 6th gear 😭😭

[@janbrzechwa9647]

I would throw out this exhaust and go for 4 stainless exhaust tips. And would paint the wheels on half mat finish. Otherwise noise car mister 😄

[@Technica1_]

my 2001 z3 3.0i is my dream car at it was only like $10k 😂

[@nealpatolia4883]

Definitely not a stage one. Should be a stage 3 or 4 Maf throttle body intake exhaust Need 11 points for the badge so I’m assuming it’s that

[@alexasesmas9756]

it works well for a 1999 bmw

[@Dfort_]

This dude is outside my job lmfao. S/O Michigan

[@ayo.oli.]

I'll give you 2 cookies, a paperclip, and some old crayons for it.

[@akaJRob]

13:24 I’ve left 4 comments but I can relate to this video so well bro everything will be mint then one day you turn somewhere and now you gotta replace something these cars are old and it’s showing 🤣

[@--LZ---]

This sounds exactly like my e46 330. S54 is much much better in my opinion, that engine has some character.

[@MorningDew33]

Hey I live next to Peoria, Illinois! Small world

[@TheDude613]

Rev it out man

[@louislutge9858]

Did they not come out with individual throttles? Looks like the standard 2.8 liter intake?

[@TrueFisp112]

Is this the American version with just 240 hp or the European with 321 hp?

[@christopherstanley3191]

Hey they call me topher too

[@jeffreygrullon2962]

Oooo yea that’s nice

[@marilyng1915]

Can u review the 2023 Mercedes glc please

[@imthrillz5255]

Do the new 2023 bmw 340i

[@fhowland]

Wonder how the driving experience stacks up against my S2000

[@JamesonsDiecastCars]

S2000 has a better shifter for sure. The torque vs the revs of the 2.0/2.2 is a very different experience.

[@edmundoarmingol2037]

This version is 321 hp or 240 hp? Thanks in advance

[@timhennessey1947]

Almost seems like vanos isnt working…

[@5765-opl]

You forgot to say z3

[@ed_fazlia]

Has it sold yet?

[@Alessandro-hc1kv]

Poor americans with that underated engine! You should try my européan version with S54 / 325 HP ;-)

[@nah3193]

Coupe>Roadster

[@-Wreckanize-]

Pedal box cam plz

[@larney37]

This vs ND2 Miata?

[@hypehybriiid2616]

I live near peoria and I'm ngl I'm pretty sure you stole this out from under me I was looking at a couple z3s