BMW M Roadster Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints across the 4 model years of the BMW M Roadster (1998–2002) that have at least 5 complaints. 2000 has the most, with 19. Across all years, the part named most often is body and structure (42 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All M Roadster model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 5 | 33,140 | 0 | 5 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 19 | 68,086 | 0 | 4 | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 18 | 74,500 | 0 | 2 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 19 | 75,775 | 0 | 1 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Body and structure42 56%
- Transmission and drivetrain13 17%
- Suspension8 11%
- Air bags5 6.7%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)2 2.7%
- Other or unknown2 2.7%
- Equipment2 2.7%
- Tires1 1.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2000: “Sub frame has cracked under normal driving.during regular commutes and drives on residental roads I began to hear noises from the rear of the car and I took a look underneath car, there was a small crack in the differential mounting ear. I also checked inside of the hatch area and removed the sound deadening revealing a small separation of the trunk floor panel on the passenger's side.”
NHTSA complaint #11139007, filed 2018-10, 115,000 miles1999: “While driving the car, the rear end fail and began to drag. After getting the car towed to the shop, it was noted the rear end subframe welds came lose. After contacting the insurance company they totaled the car out. I bought the car back and made repairs to the car that cost me $4000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10451824, filed 2012-03, 67,000 miles1998: “2 months ago my exhaust system dropped on my car, and was rubbing on the rear differential. I took it into a shop, and the exhaust bracket was modified to clear the differential. I went in to have my belts replaced yesterday, and found that the entire rear subframe of my car had torn away from the body. This is a manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10211084, filed 2007-12, 128,780 milesOther BMW models
3,167 complaintsBMW 328I
2,577 complaintsBMW X3
2,018 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology