1998 Bmw M roadster problems
The BMW M Coupé and BMW M Roadster are high performance models of the BMW Z3 and Z4 coupés/roadsters produced by BMW M. The first generation was based on the Z3 and was produced between 1998 and 2002. The second generation was based on the Z4 and was produced between 2006 and 2008.
All models were produced in the BMW Spartanburg plant in the United States. Some major components— such as the engine and transmission— were imported from Germany.
First generation (1997–2002)
Z3 M Roadster
The M-Roadster E36/7 was introduced in 1997 as the high performance version of the BMW Z3. The most significant cosmetic difference between the M-Roadster, including the M-Coupe, is the substantially flared rear quarter-panels ("fender flares") and the correspondingly offset rear wheels. Additional external differences compared to the standard Z3 models included front and rear bumpers, gills, quad exhaust, trunk, and mirrors.
The standard Z3 models received a facelift in 1999. The appearance of the M was not changed
In the 6 years from 1997 to 2002, 15,322 M Roadsters were produced.
The M Roadster is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The curb weight is 1,420 kg (3,130.6 lb).
Social links
Common 1998 Bmw M roadster problems
The BMW M Roadster, produced from 1998 to 2002, is known for its performance and handling, but like any car, it has its share of common problems and faults. Here are some of the issues that owners and potential buyers should be aware of:
- Water Pump: Another common issue in BMWs is water pump failure. While replacing the water pump can be a bit tricky, it's crucial to address this issue promptly to avoid engine overheating and damage. Some owners choose to replace plastic water pumps and other cooling-system parts with metal versions to improve durability.
- Brakes: The brakes on the BMW M Roadster can be expensive to replace, so it's essential to check their condition before purchasing. Make sure there is plenty of life left in the brakes, as they can be a significant expense if they need to be replaced shortly after purchase.
- Suspension Components: As with any car of this age, the BMW M Roadster may have worn suspension components. A pre-purchase inspection should reveal any issues with the suspension, which are not specific to BMW but are common in any car of this age.
- Rear Sub-Frame: The rear sub-frame of the 1997 BMW M Roadster can be a problematic area, with some owners reporting cracks and other damage. This issue is specific to the 1997 model and may require significant repairs or replacement of the sub-frame.
- DSC: The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which helps prevent skidding and loss of control, may not be present in some early models of the BMW M Roadster. If you're looking for a car with this feature, make sure to check the model year and options before purchasing.
- Timing Chain: The timing chain in the BMW M Roadster can stretch and cause engine problems if the car wasn't maintained properly. If the car wasn't maintained, you can get oil leaks and timing chain problems with the engine.
In summary, the BMW M Roadster is a high-performance car that requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. Potential buyers should be aware of common issues such as Vanos problems, water pump failure, brake wear, suspension components, rear sub-frame damage (specific to the 1997 model), DSC availability, and timing chain issues. A pre-purchase inspection and thorough evaluation of the car's history and maintenance records can help identify any potential issues before purchase.
What is the problem with the BMW Z3 Roadster?
It looks great, but its complex maintenance could be a turn-off for non-enthusiasts and aficionados. Common complaints about the BMW Z3 include oil leaks, faulty sound systems, and leaking power steering fluid.
What is the top speed of the 1998 BMW M Roadster?
In the 6 years from 1997 to 2002, 15,322 M Roadsters were produced. The M Roadster is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The curb weight is 1,420 kg (3,130.6 lb).
How much horsepower does a 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster have?
The 1998 Z3 ranges in power from the 4-Cyl Roadster 2D with 138 horsepower to the M Roadster 2D with 240 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. For a more detailed look at the 1998 Z3 specs, features and options check out Kelley Blue Book's 1998 BMW Z3 specs page.
What engine is in the M Roadster?
S54 straight-six engine
M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines.
What is the problem with the BMW Z3 Roadster?
It looks great, but its complex maintenance could be a turn-off for non-enthusiasts and aficionados. Common complaints about the BMW Z3 include oil leaks, faulty sound systems, and leaking power steering fluid.
What is the top speed of the 1998 BMW M Roadster?
In the 6 years from 1997 to 2002, 15,322 M Roadsters were produced. The M Roadster is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The curb weight is 1,420 kg (3,130.6 lb).
What engine is in the M Roadster?
S54 straight-six engine
M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines.
How much horsepower does a 1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster have?
The 1998 Z3 ranges in power from the 4-Cyl Roadster 2D with 138 horsepower to the M Roadster 2D with 240 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. For a more detailed look at the 1998 Z3 specs, features and options check out Kelley Blue Book's 1998 BMW Z3 specs page.
1998 Bmw M roadster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw M roadster problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Bmw M roadster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Bmw M roadster complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Bmw M roadster.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-01
- VIN: WBSCK9333WL
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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).
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-23
- VIN: WBSCK9334WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-10
- VIN: WBSCK9339WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-28
- VIN: WBSCK9331WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MY BMW M ROADSTER HAS SUSTAINED A MASSIVE CHASSIS AND SUBFRAME FAILURE MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND INOPERABLE. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-05
- VIN: WBSCK9338WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-03
- VIN: WBSCK9337WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *NM
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-25
- VIN: WBSCK9331WL
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *NM
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-01
- VIN: WBSCK9333WL
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1) DRIVING, SUB-FRAME WELD SEPARATION (SEAM AND SPOT WELDS) AND DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT CRACK. 3) ONE FAILED ATTEMPT AT RE-WELD BY BODY SHOP. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-23
- VIN: WBSCK9331WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: WBSCK9335WL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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***
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-19
- VIN: WBSCK9331WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: (1)I NOTICED THERE WERE CREAKS COMING FROM THE TRUNK. I SAW FIVE SPOT WELDS PULLED THROUGH THE SHEET METAL FROM THE MIDDLE TO THE LEFT SIDE, AND THE SHEET METAL WAS SEPARATING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRUNK. (2) AFTER BRINGING IN THE '98 M-ROADSTER IN TO A BMW DEALERSHIP FOR AN ESTIMATE I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE IF I WERE TO BE INVOLVED IN A REAR END ACCIDENT. (3) THE TRUNK WAS RE-WELDED, BUT NOT REINFORCED. *NM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-04
- VIN: WBSCK9339WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TEAR IN SUBFRAME OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL SUPPORT. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-07
- VIN: WBSCK9338WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CAR IS A 1998 BMW M ROADSTER. SPOT WELDS ATTACHING THE SUBFRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTS TO THE CAR ARE SEPARATING, CAUSING AN UNSAFE STRUCTURAL SITUATION. *NM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-05
- VIN: WBSCK9332WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR SUBFRAME WELD FAILURE ALLOWING THE DIFFERENTIAL TO DROP TO THE POINT THAT THE ONLY THING HOLDING IT IN ARE THE HALFSHAFTS RESTING ON THE FRAME RENDERING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-05
- VIN: WBSCK933XWL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1998 BMW M ROADSTER REAR SUB-FRAME FAILURE (1) NORMAL DRIVING (NON-RACING) LED TO A TORN REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT AND SUB-FRAME CRACK. (2) CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE AS THE REAR AXLES WERE RUBBING ON THE EXHAUST AND THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS 5" FROM TOUCHING THE GROUND (3) I HAD A PRIVATE MECHANIC DO THE REPAIR WORK WHICH CONSISTED OF REPLACING THE WHOLE REAR SUB-FRAME AND PUTTING IN A NEW, REINFORCED ONE. *NM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-19
- VIN: WBSCK9336WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CHASSIS IS DEFECTIVE. THERE ARE CRACKS, PULLED SPOTWELDS AND SEPARATION (DELAMINATION) OF UNIBODY IN THE TRUNK AREA. THE SEPARATION CAN LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, AS THE DIFFERENTIAL WILL BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE CHASSIS.*AK THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW Z3 CARS. MORE DETAILS OF THE PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND AT HTTP://WWW.368S.COM/INDEX.PHP?P=23 PLEASE REQUIRE BMW TO FIX THIS DESIGN DEFECT BEFORE IT CLAIMS A LIFE. # OF FAILURES IS ESTIMATED. ACTUAL FIGURE IS PROBABLY HIGHER AND BELIEVED TO BE DOUBLE DIGIT PERCENTAGE OF VEHICLES PRODUCED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBSCK9333WL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: IN REGARD TO ALL MODEL YEAR Z3 BMW AUTOMOBILES. LATELY, INCLUDING WITH MY CAR, BMW Z3'S AS WELL AS ///M ROADSTERS AND COUPES (LIKE MY CAR), HAVE BEGUN EXPERIENCING HORRIFIC FAILURE IN THE REAR END DUE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CRACKING AWAY FROM THE CHASSIS. COUNTLESS OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING LARGE CRACKS IN THEIR FRAME NEAR THE DIFFERENTIAL, CAUSE THE CAR TO BECOME LOOSE AND RESULT IN A POTENTIAL CRASH. MANY OWNERS HAVE EVEN SEEN THEIR ENTIRE TRUNK FLOORBOARDS BEGIN TO SEPARATE FROM THE CAR DUE TO WEAK WELDING. BMW HAS FOR THE MOST PART BEEN EXTREMELY UNRECEPTIVE TO OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS, BLAMING THE FAILURES ON DRIVER ERROR. IT IS NOT DRIVER ERROR, AS THERE IS CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT BMW ITSELF ACTUALLY REINFORCED THE PROBLEM AREAS IN 2001-2002 WITHOUT ACTUALLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM. AS OUR CARS GET OLDER, MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE NOTICING THIS DEFECT WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO BECOME UNSTABLE. PLEASE HELP. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBSCK933XWL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CROSS MEMBER OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BROKE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Bmw M roadster problems:
98-00 m roadster problems?
Aug 6, 2003 ... i decided on bmw because of the high class and reliability that i hope for. i was wondering if anyone knows of any common or known problems ...
What to watch out for on a Z3M Roadster - Page 1 - M Power ...
Feb 7, 2010 ... I'm considering a BMW Z3M Roadster (the plan ... Are there any common problems / faults? ... © 1998 to 2024 CarGurus UK Limited, All Rights Reserved.
M Roadster reliability
Jul 6, 2012 ... How is the reliability on these cars? I really need a reliable car to take me back and forth to work (which happens to be the BMW plant in ...
BMW M roadster opinions | FerrariChat
In other words, you'll probably not be using the car for long road trips to out of town destinations. - Reliability was an issue with mine. I ...
1999 Z3 M coupe reliability
Aug 8, 2012 ... My experience is most BMW production runs in the same time period have similar reliability. So, I don't think you will see a big increase in ...
Other years of Bmw M roadster
Are you having problems with your 1998 Bmw M roadster?
Leave your review of 1998 Bmw M roadster