8,516 Actual Mile Z8 Roadster Supercharged 4.9L 6 Speed

When one thinks of BMW they generally envision well-rounded sports sedans and plush grand touring cars. But every now and then the fine folks in Munich throw caution to the wind and create a platform that's so edgy and so exotic you'll find yourself scrutinizing its body for faint Italian markings. Back in 1997 Henrik Fisker's Z07 show car, penned in tribute to BMW's classic 507 model, caused such a stir that the firm decided to commence a five year, limited production build schedule. This silver stunner, one of only 524 Z8s shipped to America in 2002, combines a high tech 4.9 liter V8 with a hand-finished aluminum body, a lightweight aluminum chassis and world class luxury to become the ULTIMATE expression of the Ultimate Driving Machine. If you're looking for a cool modern car that's fun to look at, a blast to drive and virtually guaranteed to be a highly exclusive collectible, this low-mileage roadster is just your style!

In case prestigious BMW bloodlines simply aren't enough to impress, this Bavarian drop-top also features a long list of bolt-ons which transform it from a superb curve carver into a first rate speed machine. Before we go any further, I'd like to take a moment to highlight all the top notch aftermarket hardware included with this sale.

* Full custom supercharger system that's complete with a Vortech blower
* Rogue short shift kit
* Eisenmann performance exhaust
* KW Variant 2 (V2) coil over system
* Brembo 380mm eight piston front brake system
* Brembo 345mm four piston rear brake system
* Rogue 5mm front and 12mm rear wheel spacers
* 19x9 front and 19x10 rear HRE 897R wheels
* 245 front and 275 rear Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta ultra high performance tires
* Alpine CDA9887 CD player
* Alpine Sirius radio interface
* Audison Bit One sound processor
* Morel Elate three way speaker system
* McIntosh MCC406 six channel amplifier that's wired to the front speakers
* Audison SRX4 amplifier that's wired to the rear speakers and subwoofer
* Escort Passport 9500ci fully integrated radar and laser system

There's just something about a BMW that conveys the perfect combination of aggressive performance and excellent driving dynamics; and this rare Z8 roadster, dressed in a great looking coat of original Titanium Silver Metallic, puts a fresh twist on a traditional favorite. Looking official enough to carry a secret agent on a crusade against terror, the car's pristine urethane has been meticulously pampered and protected by two owners since it rolled off BMW's Munich, Germany assembly line. Its hand-finished aluminum body is straight, solid and still possesses every bit of the drama and tension Fisker's original design inspired. Its fit and finish are the typical high quality stuff you'd expect on a German automaker's flagship model. And today, only 8,516 miles into its life, this awesome super car is one of the nicest modern classics on the planet!

Because the Z07 was penned from the get-go as a production intent show piece, practical and regulatory considerations necessitated very few changes for its Z8 counterpart. The result is a car that remains extremely faithful to BMW's original vision and is unencumbered by the 'rough edges' that inevitably plague most concept-to-product creations. Up front, a 507-inspired valence hangs sensors for the car's Escort radar system between chrome trimmed fog lights, a familiar BMW propeller emblem and trick neon parking lights. At the top of that valence, sculpted plastic covers shield bright Xenon headlights; and at the sides of that valence, slightly ridged fenders feature chrome trimmed cooling vents which cleverly conceal European-spec turn signals. At the center of the body, production-revised greenhouse glass is capped by either a pristine canvas roof or a body-matched accessory roof that, unlike most hardtops, was designed to actually enhance the car's profile. At the base of that glass, chrome windshield washers and an aerodynamic center high mount stop lamp are tangible reminders of the amount of thought put into small details; and at the sides of that glass, prominent chrome mirrors combine with high beltlines and slick chrome door handles to give the body a decidedly vintage flavor. At the back of the car, a sculpted decklid proudly displays a second, familiar BMW propeller emblem. At the sides of that decklid, chrome trimmed brake lights feature the same impressive neon tube technology as the car's side turn signals; and below that decklid, rear fog lights hang over spotless stainless exhaust tips.

Designed exclusively for BMW's M5 sedan and Z8 roadster, this silver streak's extensively modified 4.9 liter DOHC V8 has been carefully positioned just behind its front axle to provide a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. That high tech mill, which is built by BMW's famous Motorsport division, utilizes an Alusil block, a forged crank, forged connecting rods, custom pistons, etched cylinder linings, re-jacketed cylinder heads, hydraulic lifters, nodular iron camshafts, a revised intake, Bosch Motronic port fuel injection and BMW's famous VANOS variable valve timing to crank out tough 11 to 1 compression, an even 400 horsepower and a dragon slaying 370 lb./ft. of torque. But wait, there's more: at the front of the block you'll find a Vortech V3 supercharger kit which spools the car's output to a cool 424 rear wheel horsepower all the while pushing its thrill factor from scary, right up to insane! Widely regarded as one of BMW's best powertrains, the S62 features a great combination of race proven technology and traditional BMW smoothness that creates one well-mannered roadster with excellent track capability. And based on its appearance, this silky engine has been meticulously maintained all the way from its “BMW MPower” branded engine cover and heavy duty aluminum radiator to its large puller fan and fabricated aluminum overflow tank.

Because that hot V8 needs a whole lot of top notch hardware to effectively transfer ALL its power to the ground, this rock solid Z8 comes factory-equipped with a durable 6-speed manual transmission which creates a perfect combination of light-footed launches and quick acceleration! That slick-shifting gear box, which has been upfitted with a Rogue short shift kit, spins torque to a standard limited slip differential which combines hardy 3.15 gears with a MIG-welded aluminum spaceframe. And that lightweight aluminum spaceframe is bolted to a Nurburgring-worthy Macpherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension which utilizes a KW Variant 2 coil over system, standard anti-roll bars and standard power rack and pinion steering to turn this already serious performer into a curve carving monster. Stops are supplied by a Brembo power four wheel disc brake system which squeezes slotted 380mm front and 345mm rear rotors via eight piston front calipers, four piston rear calipers and standard BMW anti-lock software. Exhaust is handled by aggressive Eisenmann performance pipes which optimize the supercharger's power numbers. And the final piece of the performance upgrade puzzle is a set of positively gorgeous 19 inch HRE 897R wheels which spin 245/40 front and 275/35 rear Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta ultra high performance radials around 5mm and 12mm Rogue wheel spacers.

Inside this slick BMW, it's all about a symbiotic relationship between cutting edge European performance and traditional 'old world' luxury. At the center of the car leather memory buckets, which show hardly any wear at all, perfectly complement great looking stitched leather covers which wrap tightly around both the console and sculpted armrests. Between those seats, attractive aluminum trim frames an aftermarket Alpine CD player which bumps the soundtrack for your weekend escape through an Audison Bit One sound processor, a Morel Elate three way speaker system, a McIntosh MCC406 six channel amplifier and an Audison SRX4 amplifier. At the base of those seats, like-new carpet is protected by thick, color-keyed floor mats and framed by satin-finish BMW sill plates. And behind those seats, leather wrapped roll bars combine with a sculpted, “Z8” branded waterfall to convey a since of style and comfort that isn't found in most drop tops. In front of the driver a Z8-specific, three-spoke steering wheel spins between a color-keyed horn button and white-needled gauges. At the back of the cockpit, a fresh and exceptionally roomy trunk is big enough to accommodate luggage for two. And throughout this aluminum-lined cockpit you'll find the usual assortment of luxury appointments and convenience features including cruise control, Sirius satellite radio capability, full power accessories and both front and side airbags.

The sale of this super cool BMW includes an original owner's manual, an original navigation manual, two extra keys, one extra remote, a hard top carrier, and a hard top storage bag.

Highly sophisticated and extremely potent, this killer Z8 is a no-compromises exercise in high-end German performance. It's still luxurious where it matters, features serious performance upgrades underneath, and will surprise almost any exotic car on the road without degrading ride quality or driver comfort. If you're looking for a modern classic that's reliable, streetable and poised to become a future classic, this awesome BMW truly is your Ultimate Driving Machine!