I did a quick search of the federal safety agency database and have found approx. 60 complaints about this exact safety issue. I'm quite surprised that the federal safety agency 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).
The worst 1998 BMW M Roadster problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body16
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body16
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Suspension1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 BMW M Roadster 7
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- Information on revised schematics developed for 1998 model year vehicles produced from 9/97
- Installation of voltmeter
- Procedures on installing i-bus wire for the cd changer
- Customer may complain of engine running rough on cold start
- Information on installing cable straps on battery cable
- Information on the new bmw remote keyless entry security system kit
What 1998 BMW M Roadster owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 in this condition. I saw the cracks and I am inclined to believe them. Car creaks, groans, and rattles a lot when being driven.
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 hearing some more rattling from the rear, I've lifted the trunk mat and found the tell-tale sign: popping spot-welds. I'm not sure how severe it is at this point, and as a student, I can't afford to take it to a dealership or other shop to have it checked yet, but it will become a severe problem, and I have heard that bmw is unlikely to offer any assistance. I would like any advice you can offer.
My bmw m roadster has sustained a massive chassis and subframe failure making the car unsafe to drive and inoperable.
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.
I have a 1998 bmw m roadster. The subframe is starting to rupture (tear) and welds in the trunk are breaking. If this continues the result could cause an accident. The problem was just diagnosed so no repair action has been taken.
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.
1) driving, sub-frame weld separation (seam and spot welds) and differential mount crack. 3) one failed attempt at re-weld by body shop.
I have a 1998 bmw m roadster with 101,000 miles on it. The rear of the car has many cracks in the rear subframe and trunk area, including the differential mount. The car was never raced or autocrossed, but is my daily transport to work. This is very dangerous, as the transaxles could easily fall out of the car at speed. Fortunately, I spotted it while replacing the exhaust and no one was hurt. I am a phd materials scientist and spot this as metal fatigue.
Consumer request that the air bag in the passenger side in his 1998 bmw m roadster be disconnected for the safety of his young children. *ts *nm *** transfer to tis***
Compare the 1998 BMW M Roadster
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Questions about the 1998 BMW M Roadster
Is the 1998 BMW M Roadster reliable?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 1998 BMW M Roadster, 4.8 times a typical M Roadster model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 BMW M Roadster?
Body and structure, with 16 complaints, typically around 76,550 miles. Next is transmission (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW M Roadster have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the BMW M Roadster have the most body problems?
The BMW M Roadster model years with the most body complaints are 1998 (16 complaints) and 2000 (15 complaints).
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