The Daddy…’s Brother.

Callum Richards January 17, 2025
A z3 m roadster in estoril blue parked outside an old country pub.

The Z3M Coupe is ‘The Daddy’ of the Z3 breed. The definitive, the one to have. By my logic, that makes the M Roadster the exotic globetrotting uncle. The one who blows through the door once a year, no children, unmarried but often attached. Just ‘popping in’ before disappearing off the face of the Earth again. You know the type…

It’s been a few years since I’ve driven a Z3, but I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for them. So when the opportunity came to grab my camera, drop the roof and head out in this Estoril Blue M Roadster, I almost punched a Wile E. Coyote shaped hole through the door in excitement.

A rear quarter and alloy wheel of an Estoril blue z3 m roadster next to a sandstone wall.

I’ll just get this out the way and start by saying, what a brilliant little car! It’s small and nimble, sitting on the precipice of electronic invasion. The steering is heavy and reassuring, yet light enough to take a corner with just an index finger hooked through the wheel. It practically taunts you on roundabouts and sweeping bends as you find yourself dropping down a gear to hear the exhaust burble, a chorus beginning in your ear “do it again, Do It Again, DO IT AGAIN!’.

So, you do it again.

A country church with an Estoril blue bmw z3 m roadster parked in the shade.

The Z3’s S50 3.2 litre engine won’t melt any faces by modern standards, dishing up a respectable and era appropriate 321bhp -but my word it sounds brilliant as it slingshots you out the bends!

Of course, ultimate speed is not why you buy a Z3 Roadster. Like most convertibles, it’s about driving experience. It’s a bit of an occasion, a treat for sunny afternoons. Don’t feel jilted if you’re a fan of the S50, it’s still plenty quick, with more power than I would ever feel inclined to deploy on such a leisurely morning romp.

An Estoril blue bmw z3 m roadster parked on gravel by an old building.

I’ve said before that the BMW Z3 is hands down the best bang for buck entry into BMW, with a plethora of engine options and trim levels to choose from. For the most part, they were second cars, often owned by sensible professionals and kept in the garage for 8 months of the year and serviced like clockwork, which makes them an utter steal on the used market if you’re patient.

This example which has ticked over 100,000 miles still feels torquey, planted and tight as a librarians button, It’s a testament to the owner who adores it -and you know what, I can see why.

-Callum