1998 BMW M Roadster problems & reliability
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M Roadster. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure → | 16 | 84% |
| Power Train | 3 | 16% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 11% |
| Suspension | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Power Train · filed Feb 26, 2011
“Rattling noise from back of vehicle. Local shop replaced worn exhaust bracket; did not fix problem. Shop looked more closely at car and saw cracks in differential bracket and cracks in rear subframe. Took car to local frame shop and they also saw popped tack welds. Quoted $1800 to fix. Advised car is not safe to drive…”
Structure · filed Dec 24, 2009
“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…”
Structure · filed Jul 10, 2008
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
7 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M Roadster.
Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
B340714 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 13, 2023
Information on revised schematics developed for 1998 model year vehicles produced from 9/97. *tt
000799 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 1, 1999
Customer may complain of engine running rough on cold start. *tt
120299 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1999
Procedures on installing I-bus wire for the cd changer. *tt
651698 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1999
Installation of voltmeter. *yc
620798 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1999
Information on installing cable straps on battery cable. *tt
61 11 98 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 1998
Information on the new bmw remote keyless entry security system kit. *yc
65 11 98 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 1998
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1998 BMW M Roadster in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1998 BMW M Roadster?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.