1999 BMW M Roadster

So, the BMW M Roadster is an absolute corker, a state of affairs helped by the fact that it’s something of a rarity too; with fewer than 1,000 right-hand-drive examples built, finding a low-mileage example in the right colours can be tricky.

So, we’re delighted to be able to offer this Estoril Blue car with a blue folding roof and matching upholstery. Owned by the same couple for the last thirteen years, the car has yet to rack up 40,000 miles in its entire life. Yes, that’s right; this is a low-mileage car that has spent its whole life being treasured and cossetted. Bet you wish you could say that of your life, don’t you?

When it wasn't being driven, this 1999 car spent its life under a fitted car cover in the owners’ garage. As a result, the paintwork is still in very, very good condition, as you can see from the photographs. Count the stone chips on the front? you almost only need one hand!

We have just noticed a small spot of rust eeking out from under the quarterlight, smaller than a fingernail, but a photo is included for your analysis.

The electric folding roof in blue cloth still works as well as it did when it left the factory and it is supported by the original tonneau cover that is in perfect, as-new condition.

The unique 17-inch alloy wheels are all present and correct. One rear has a few rim marks, the other has a single scratch on the rim and there is the start of alloy corrosion on some,  so if utter perfection is required, they might benefit from a gentle refurbishment.

Distinguished from lesser Z3s by the presence of temperature and oil gauges in the center console, an M Sports steering wheel and gear lever, and M seats, this example is still in almost showroom condition. There are the most minor of scuff marks on the black leather (not really enough to see on the photos), otherwise this is factory-fresh. It even still has the factory toolkit, warning triangle, and first aid kit.

The internal wind deflector does a surprisingly effective job of taming wind chill when the roof is furled, making this a genuine all-season convertible that can be enjoyed in even sub-zero temperatures.

The mechanical components are in exactly the condition you’d expect in a car that has been driven so little yet serviced so conscientiously. The engine bay and underbonnet present perfectly, it is obvious this car has not needed any major works, all the clips, brackets and stickers are as they left the factory.  A recent service notes that there are no leaks anywhere underneath. There is nothing of note to report, which might be boring but is certainly reassuring. Nearly new Avon tyres are fitted.

A history check (certificate in the history below) shows nothing untoward and supports the provenance of this car. There is a near-perfect suite of annual servicing stamps in the service book from the supplying BMW dealer for every year to 2006. The car has been little used since then and now reads only 8,000 miles more. 

During this time the current owner used to have regular oil changes with their local garage but unfortunately did not keep a complete paper trail. So to assure potential bidders of this car's excellent condition we commissioned a complete service and inspection by highly regarded BMW independent specialist Mark Purcell Ltd in Oxford. 

The result was largely a clean bill of health; as well carrying out the required service activity, the brake fluid was changed and all the brake discs and pads were renewed due to minor corrosion on the inside of the discs. The only other comment from the garage (if you exclude their enthusiasm for the car) was that the cover trim for the aerial is missing and should be replaced to protect the aerial. Picky. Not bad for an eighteen year old car!

With one of the best colour combinations and has a mileage of under 40,000 miles, this is a rare opportunity to a low-mileage, guaranteed future classic car that doesn’t demand a degree in mechanical engineering and a well-equipped workshop to keep it on the road.

The best bit might just be the guide price of only £19-21,000. This represents a substantial saving on the £25-27,000 cars of this quality and condition usually go for - and, as is always the case with our cars, the reserve is set lower than the guide price, making this a potential bargain for the canny bidder.

The car is with us and can be viewed at our premises in South Oxfordshire, to arrange please use the 'Contact Seller' button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments or view our frequently asked questions below.