1998 BMW M Roadster Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,775miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 BMW M Roadster (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 1998 BMW M Roadster. The part named most often is body and structure, with 16 complaints (84% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (3) and air bags (2). 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,775 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure16 84%
- Air bags2 11%
- Suspension1 5.3%
Example complaints
Body and structure: “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 milesTransmission and 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).”
NHTSA complaint #10385548, filed 2011-02, 90,000 milesAir bags: “While driving 30 MPH vehicle lost control and went down an embankment. It only stopped because the vehicle collided into a tree head on. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy. No injuries reported.”
NHTSA complaint #10083684, filed 2004-07, 35,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
31% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 101,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 BMW M Roadster version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Roadster RWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 BMW M Roadster in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10244237Oct 13, 2023Brakes. Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
Other model years of the BMW M Roadster
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 5 | 33,140 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 19 | 68,086 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 18 | 74,500 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 19 | 75,775 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
All BMW M Roadster model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 BMW M Roadster have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 1998 BMW M Roadster as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 BMW M Roadster is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 16 complaints (84% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 3.
Has the 1998 BMW M Roadster been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW M Roadster get?
The EPA rates the 1998 BMW M Roadster (M Roadster, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 BMW M Roadster reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,775 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 101,000 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.