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We all love a performance bargain. Especially one that never fails to deliver ear-to-ear smiles. Enter the oft-overlooked soft-top BMW M car: the BMW Z3 M. My experience driving the low-slung street-fighting hot rod with the heart of an M3 had me giddy.

The BMW Z3 M is part M car, part sun-soaked convertible, all fun

“You want to drive it?” The question seemed to pull me out of a trance as I studied the 275mm rear tires tucked under the BMW Z3 M’s flared arches. How could I say no? I had to admit, the 24-year-old convertible looked promising, despite being nearly old enough to rent its own car.

Unlike the E89 BMW Z4 I had driven recently, the Z3 was every bit as tight inside as I expected. Storage was limited, and if you’re any taller than five foot ten, you may feel a bit cramped. However, if these nitpicks put you off, you’re looking at the diminutive miniature M car for the wrong reasons.

If a convertible BMW with a melodic six-cylinder soundtrack is all you want, a Z3 with the 2.8L engine should tick the boxes. However, if you want an oft-overlooked soft-top BMW M hot rod, the Z3 M is the logical choice. Under the hood, BMW imbued the Z3 model with a 240-horsepower 3.2L inline-six-cylinder mill married to a five-speed manual transmission. Of course, later models produced as much as 315 horsepower courtesy of an E46 M3. 

A bright red BMW M car, the Z3 M, on the track.
BMW Z3 M | BMW

However, even more than the sheer awareness of the Z3 M’s power-to-weight ratio, the little roadster’s handling was its shining attribute. In all honesty, it had me seeking racing lines through urban and back roads. Flat, flat, flat. Like that singer at a high school football game with way too much confidence in their ability to sing the National Anthem.

Better yet, dumping a gear to merge is a joyful experience with the little BMW M car’s thrust. But, and it’s a big but, the car is even more moving for its auditory accompaniment. That all-too-typical buzzsaw report of a BMW inline-six has no trouble permeating the cabin, top-up or down.

As of this writing, Classic.com puts the average sale price of a decent Z3 M at about $23,370. It really is indicative of a dying breed. No all-wheel drive (AWD). No electric trickery. Oh, and very few driver aids. Just you, a rev-happy six-cylinder, a manual transmission, and the road. Oh, happy days.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).