1999 BMW M Roadster Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 28%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,510miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 BMW M Roadster, 28% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,510 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.
“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 miles“Over several months I heard increasing noise from the rear of my car. When I took it to my mechanic he found that the entire crossmember that holds the differential to the subframe had pulled loose from the trunk. The car could not be safely driven, my bodyshop suggested I send it to the Bmw dealer in charlotte nc. They kept my car for about 3 weeks and fixed it. Now 5 years and 10k miles have passed and the sub-frame mount is pulling loose again, the welds pop out and the noise has started. It makes the car dangerous to drive and impossible to sell.”
NHTSA complaint #10764225, filed 2015-09, 90,019 miles“Differential subframe causes weld failures appearing in trunk and other body locations. I believe that this is caused by a defect that generates a significant safety hazard. This defect is being reported by an increasing number of z3 owners over time.”
NHTSA complaint #10257030, filed 2009-01, 60,000 miles“Took vehicle in for engine maintenance and asked them to address squeaks and rattles. On inspection it was found that the rear crossmember had almost completely separated from the unibody and the mount holding the differential in had only 1/4 in of 4 inches holding the aft end of the differential. Complete failure could have caused a catastrophic chain of events causing a crash and possible fatalities. Looking on line I found numerous failures of the same kind resulting from metal fatigue brought on by faulty design. At least this was the opinion of other people with the same failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10744495, filed 2015-07, 145,000 miles“Car was purchased new it now has a broken subframe. It began as a thumping noise in the rear of the car. I thought maybe it needed struts. After looking closer I saw a tear in the frame. I took it to a body shop first and they had never seen anything like it. So I contacted Bmw and they told me to take it to a local dealer. After they inspected it they told me it would take $10,000 plus to fix it. The rear end is basically sitting on the exhaust which is the only thing holding it to the car. Several spot weld have failed this is common among all Bmw z-3 cars. …”
NHTSA complaint #10417535, filed 2011-08Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 BMW M Roadster
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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