Most common 1998 BMW M Roadster problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW M Roadster complaints by model year
Best M Roadster years: 2002, 1999. Compare all years →
What 1998 BMW M Roadster owners say
Body & structure
In regard to all model year z3 BMW automobiles. Lately, including with my car, BMW z3's as well as ///m roadsters and coupes (like my car), have begun experiencing horrific failure in the rear end due to the rear differential cracking away from the chassis. Countless owners are experiencing large cracks in their frame near the differential, cause the car to become loose and result in a potential crash. Many owners have even seen their entire trunk floorboards begin to separate from the car due to weak welding. BMW has for the most part been extremely unreceptive to owners who have experienced these problems, blaming the failures on driver error. It is not driver error, as there is clear and convincing evidence that BMW itself actually reinforced the problem areas in 2001-2002 without actually acknowledging the problem. …
My 1998 BMW m Roadster, with under 71,000 miles, is showing signs of rear subframe failure. I am aware that this has happened on many of them that were driven hard on tracks, but this car has been used almost exclusively for driving on the highway to/from work and between chattanooga and atlanta. After recently hearing some more rattling from the rear, I've lifted the trunk mat and found the tell-tale sign: popping spot-welds. I'm not sure how severe it is at this point, and as a student, I can't afford to take it to a dealership or other shop to have it checked yet, but it will become a severe problem, and I have heard that BMW is unlikely to offer any assistance. I would like any advice you can offer.
Transmission & drivetrain
I did a quick search of the NHTSA database and have found approx. 60 complaints about this exact safety issue. I'm quite surprised that the NHTSA has not sanctioned BMW about this problem. After being informed that this is a common safety problem with these cars and being advised to check for it, I found that the spot welds holding the differential mount to the sub-frame had torn loose, and the sub-frame and mount were both beginning to tear. Had I not found the problem in time, the differential would have separated completely from the car (as has happened to others).
I read about the rear subframe tearing off of BMW z3s and m roadsters and decided to have a look at mine. Found the welds holding the subframe on were failing badly and the bracket hold my rear differential was splitting. This is a very common problem I guess.
1998 BMW M Roadster engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 BMW M Roadster a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 M Roadster rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the M Roadster at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 BMW M Roadster?
The body & structure — 16 complaints, 84% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW M Roadster have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 BMW M Roadster. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW M Roadster?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 1999. See the full BMW M Roadster years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 BMW M Roadster problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.