Wanted: 2002 M roadster

[cgcarlson]

I am looking for a 2002 M roadster with low mileage. Color doesn't matter. Can someone recommend the best strategy for finding one. Any suggestions?

[Honestmechanics?]

I was looking at regular Z-3s + SLKs and saw a 2000 M Roadster for $19.9K. I was shocked. It had 60k miles. Lt blue all over.

[Chance Mc Call]

THESE CARS ARE RARE

Remember there were only around 400 made for US distribution in 2002. They were the last year model with a number of extras not available in previous years. Most of the people who own them understand that ten + years from now these cars will be selling for considerable more that the original MSRP.

It took me over 6 months to find mine, and then I had to go to Texas from Illinois to buy it. I purchased it in Oct, 2003 and paid close to 40K for a car with 8,500 miles on it. It was immaculate, and was a BMW Certified vehicle which most really knowledgable people consider a must as there are some potential engine problems that could show up after the regular warrantee is expired.

Specific:

Avoid ebay - there are many horror stories from people who had serious problems buying this car there.

Watch out for cars with modifications that may void the warrantee and/or destroy the collector's value.

Buy only from a BMW Dealer who is selling the car as BMW Certified.

There are several internet sources to look around for cars being sold by dealers and that is a good starting point.

Join the Z3 clubs. I found my car through the person who traded it back to the dealership they purchased it from. (He thought he was buying a high end Z3, but once he owned it, the car scared him because of the raw power the 02 M roadster possessed and he was afraid to drive it.) I loved what scared him, so it was great for me. I had to wire transfer 30K to the dealership without even seeing the car except in photos, because while I was talking to them, two other parties from Houston were in there trying to dicker on the same car.

Good Luck! It is worth the effort. I will check back to see if you need additional help.