In 1995, BMW introduced the Z3 roadster, following Mazda’s Miata in recreating the otherwise abandoned sports roadster market that was so popular from the 1950s through the 1970s. The cars were based on the E36 platform, though used the rear suspension design from the preceding E30. Fitted with inline 4 and 6 cylinder engines, they proved popular and in 1997 a coupe version was also introduced. For the 1998 model year, an M version of the car was added to the lineup powered by a 3.2 liter inline 6 and featuring upgrades to suspension and performance. Along with a more powerful engine, the M model had a wider rear track and corresponding bodywork, larger brakes, aerodynamic changes, and limited slip differential. They were also available with a range of M-specific colours. Production ceased in 2002 when it was replaced by the Z4. In all, 297,088 Z3s were built, with 15,322 being M Roadsters. This M roadster is Amanda’s and is a low mileage example, purchased from the second owner with just shy of 23,000 miles on the odometer. Painted in Evergreen with an Evergreen interior, it is one of less than 50 examples in that colour combination produced in 1999. Being a 1999 car, it has the S52 engine, which, though not as powerful as the later S54 fitted to the last of the M roadsters, still gives the car a good amount of acceleration, and is well paired with its handling to give comfortable performance when touring. It really doesn’t have the acceleration of a true high performance sports car but has more than adequate performance for street driving and is a great touring car. The colour matched factory hard top also improves the usability of this car in all seasons. These cars have some know faults, both with minor interior trim issues and more importantly, with some weakness in the rear suspension mountings. We’ve addressed some of the common interior failures, replacing seat belt guides, repairing the glovebox, etc. As far as the suspension issues, these cars usually develop problems when driven quite hard. Under inspection this car is still in good shape and our use is unlikely to over-stress the rear subframe mountings, but it is still something to examine every time the car is up on a lift.