1998 BMW M Roadster Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 16%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 BMW M Roadster, 16% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10177032, filed 2006-12Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 BMW M Roadster
← All problems reported for the 1998 BMW M Roadster
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology