Even with the M Roadster model powered by the M3 engine, power was still insufficient. Accordingly, Mr. Lubeck added a turbo charger, upgraded the suspension, and braking system, creating this “pocket rocket.”

The M Roadster is wider than the base model Z3, but this is not unique to the M. BMW was already making a six-cylinder version of the car with a wider body, so this was simply used for the M. There were still a few changes though, the front and rear fascia were given a more aggressive look, and the fog lights were replaced with brake cooling ducts. M badges were added, obviously, and the car received M side mirrors. The Nappa leather interior was offered in several special colors only available on the M, and there were obviously M logos sprinkled liberally throughout. Things like heated power seats, the power top, air conditioning and cruise control might seem to run contrary to the spirit of a roadster as nothing more than a pure driving experience. But with as expensive as the car was, BMW was probably right to expect its customers to want a well-equipped interior.

Even though the original M Roadster was only built from 1998 to 2002, there were three different engines used for it, although all of them are inline-6 engines. From 1998 to 2000, the car used the engine from the E36 M3.