BMW M Roadster Problems by Year

We compared every BMW M Roadster model year from 1998–2002 using 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. No M Roadster year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2002 and 1999.

4model years
61complaints
0recalls
—worst years
2002, 1999best years

Complaints by model year

19981999200020021918195
Owner complaints per model year, BMW M Roadster. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20025−60%—TransmissionGood
2000191.3×—BodyAverage
199918−20%—BodyAverage
1998191.3×—BodyAverage

* Complaints compared with the median M Roadster year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW M Roadster problems

  • Body & structureworst: 1998
    4269%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1999
    1321%
  • Suspensionworst: 1999
    813%
  • Air bagsworst: 1998
    58%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1999
    23%
  • Other / not specified
    23%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2000
    23%
  • Seatsworst: 1999
    12%
  • Steeringworst: 2000
    12%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2000
    12%
  • Lightsworst: 2000
    12%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2000
    12%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2000
    12%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW M Roadster should you avoid?

None of the BMW M Roadster years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the BMW M Roadster?

2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other M Roadster years at the same age, followed by 1999. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common BMW M Roadster problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (42), transmission & drivetrain (13) and suspension (8). Body complaints peak in the 1998 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW M Roadster had?

0 recalls across 1998–2002.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.