1999 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).
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Common 1999 Bmw M roadster problems
The BMW M Roadster 1999 is a popular choice among car enthusiasts due to its retro styling and performance capabilities. However, potential buyers should be aware of some common problems that have been reported by owners of this car.
One of the most significant issues is the potential rear subframe issues. The subframe is a critical component of the car's suspension system, and any damage to it can lead to serious handling problems. The subframe is made of aluminum, which is lightweight but not as strong as steel. Over time, the subframe can crack or break, especially if the car has been driven aggressively or has been involved in an accident. If you're considering buying a BMW M Roadster 1999, it's essential to have the subframe inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.
Another issue to look out for is the oil pump nut loosening on the S52 engine, which can cause oil starvation. This problem is more common in high-mileage cars and can lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly. If you're considering a BMW M Roadster 1999 with an S52 engine, it's essential to have the oil pump nut checked and tightened if necessary.
The vanos system is another component that can cause problems in the BMW M Roadster 1999. The vanos system is responsible for controlling the intake and exhaust valves, and if it fails, the car can suffer from a loss of power and poor fuel economy. If you're considering a BMW M Roadster 1999, it's essential to have the vanos system inspected and serviced if necessary.
Electrical problems are also common in the BMW M Roadster 1999, with gauges not working and hood sensors not functioning correctly being reported by owners. If you're considering a BMW M Roadster 1999, it's essential to have the electrical system inspected and any issues addressed before making a purchase.
Finally, it's worth noting that the BMW M Roadster 1999 is a high-performance car that requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. If the car hasn't been maintained properly, you can expect to see oil leaks and timing chain problems with the engine. It's essential to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase and to budget for regular maintenance and repairs.
In summary, the BMW M Roadster 1999 is a great car, but potential buyers should be aware of the common problems that have been reported by owners. These include potential rear subframe issues, oil pump nut loosening on the S52 engine, vanos system failures, electrical problems, and the need for regular maintenance and repairs. If you're considering buying a BMW M Roadster 1999, it's essential to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic and to budget for regular maintenance and repairs.
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 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 many M Roadsters were made?
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).
What is the life expectancy of a 2000 BMW Z3?
The estimated lifespan of a Bmw Z3 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
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 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 life expectancy of a 2000 BMW Z3?
The estimated lifespan of a Bmw Z3 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
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).
1999 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
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Bmw M roadster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Bmw M roadster complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Bmw M roadster.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-13
- VIN: WBSCK9333XL
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-24
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. ONE PERSON HAD A PHDS IN METALLURGY.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-20
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-01
- VIN: WBSCK9331XL
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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. MUCH LIKE THE 3 SERIES IN THE SAME YEARS ( 1999 - 2006 CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT) THEY ALL NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOME ONE GETS HURT. BMW IS NOT INTERESTED IN ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM AND BASICALLY OFFERED ME $2000 TO HAVE IT FIXED IN THEIR SHOP. IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PUT THE PUBLIC AT RISK. LOOKING ON LINE THIS IS A CHRONIC ISSUE THAT NEEDS ADDRESSED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-01
- VIN: WBSCK9331XL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW M ROADSTER. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO FATIGUE. THE SHEET METAL WAS TOO THIN AND THE BOX BEAM WAS TOO SMALL. UPDATED 11/04/11
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-02
- VIN: WBSCK9333XL
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FOR THE CAR HAS TORN LOOSE FROM THE TRUNK FLOOR IT IS WELDED TO. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT BECAUSE I FOUND THIS DEFECT BEFORE ONE OCCURRED. HAD I NOT FOUND THIS DEFECT, THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE COULD HAVE COME LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING IT. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NOISE DEVELOPING UNDER REAR UNDERCARRIAGE. *TR
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-01
- VIN: WBSCK9336XL
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-01
- VIN: WBSCK933XXL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR SUBFRAME SEPARATION ON 1999 M ROADSTER (Z3). *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-17
- VIN: WBSCK9337XL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORTING THE DIFFERENTIAL, RENDERING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. *JB
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-01
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: I OWN A 1999 BMW Z3 ROADSTER, PURCHASED IN NOV 1998. RECENTLY, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT HAVE BEGUN TO SLIP FORE AND AFT, AS WELL AS ROCK SIDE-SIDE . BOTH SEATS ARE MOTORIZED. I HAVE HAD THE SEATS EXAMINED BY MY MECHANIC WHO TELLS ME THE WORM GEAR/CRADLE ASSEMBLIES FOR BOTH SEATS ARE EXCESSIVELY WORN AND THAT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH SEAT ASSEMBLIES. INTERESTINGLY, MY MECHANIC TELLS ME EVERY Z3 THEY HAVE SEEN HAS DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS STATEMENT WAS CONFIRMED BY THE BMW DEALER, ALTHOUGH NOT IN SO MANY WORDS. ALTHOUGH MY CAR IS A 1999 IT HAS ONLY 29600 MILES ON IT. I AM ALSO UNLIKELY TO HAVE OVERLY-STRESS THE SEATS AS I AM 5'6" AND WEIGH 139 POUNDS. I AM WRITING TO ASK IF THE NHTSA HAS RECEIVED ANY OTHER REPORTS OF SEAT FAILURE IN Z3 AUTOMOBILES, SINCE BMW NORTH AMERICA TELLS ME THAT THEY CONSIDER THIS "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR." THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME RONALD AIKAWA, MD. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-18
- VIN: WBSCK9337X1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FOUR MONTHS AGO I PURCHASED A STOCK EXCELLENT CONDITION 99 M ROADSTER (MY 4TH BMW IN 5 YEARS). 75000 MILES, NO TRACK TIME, NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE DRIVELINE. NORMAL DRIVING HAS CAUSED THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTS TO FAIL - THE MOUNT IS RIVETS TO THE TRUNK BED AND THE RIVETS ARE POPPING OUT. IF I LAY ANY SIGNIFICANT POWER THROUGH THE DRIVELINE THE DIFFERENTIAL WILL TORQUE RIGHT OFF. MY DIFFERENTIAL IS FALLING OFF DUE TO NOTHING MORE THAN ILL-DESIGN. I WILL HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO REBUILD AND SUPPORT THIS AREA BECAUSE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND IT'S NOT REALLY DRIVABLE. I HEAR FROM LOCAL FOLKS AND READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND BMW'S ONLY REPAIR IS BACK TO FACTORY SPEC. CONSIDER THIS COMPLAINT OFFICIAL FROM ME TO BMW FOR THEIR INADEQUATE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT DESIGN ON THE Z3 BODY. TRUE REPAIR WILL BE VERY COSTLY AND TIME CONSUMING. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-24
- VIN: WBSCK9336XL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I AM HAVING A SUBFRAME FAILURE ISSUE WITH MY 1999 BMW M ROADSTER. IT HAS 70,000 K OR ABOUT 43,000 MILES ON IT. NEVER BEEN WINTER DRIVEN. I HEARD A KNOCKING AND SQUEAKING SOUND FROM THE REAR, IT LOOKS LIKE THE SUBFRAME IS CRACKING ALSO ON ME. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-09
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE THE EXACT PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN COMPLAINT 10062088, AND KNOW OF OTHER M ROADSTER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE IN THE BMW AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS PERSON WAS TOLD BY BMW THAT THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS ARE NOT RELIABLE, BUT THE BAGS SHOULD STILL WORK. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-17
- VIN: WBSCK9335XL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1) FAILURE OCCURRED SUDDENLY DURING ACCELERATION 2) THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTS AND SUBFRAME ON MY 1999 BMW M ROADSTER (MZ3) GAVE WAY, ALLOWING THE DIFFERENTIAL TO DROP TO THE ROAD MOMENTARILY AND CRACK THE HEAT SINK. THE DIFFERENTIAL THEN RESTED ON THE EXHAUST PIPES. THIS CAUSED THE CV JOINT BOLTS TO IMPACT THE EXHAUST PIPE UPON ROTATION, CREATING NOISE AND VIBRATION. 3) A TEMPORARY WELD WAS MADE ON DEC 19, 2005, UNTIL PERMANENT BODY WORK CAN BE COMPLETED. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-18
- VIN: WBSCK9339XL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AFTER OTHERS TOLD ME OF THE DEFECTS IN THEIR Z3 CARS, I DECIDED TO CHECK MY OWN CAR. AFTER REMOVING THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK AND IT REVEALED MULTIPLE BROKEN SPOTWELDS OF THE CROSSMEMBER THAT SUPPORTS THE DIFFERENTIAL AND CONNECTS TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PAN. ALSO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FLOOR PAN IS PULLING LOOSE FROM THE BODY AND EXTENDS ALONG THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF THE FLOOR PAN. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRUNK HAS RECESSED BY ABOUT A HALF INCH. THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT THAT CONNECTS THE CROSSMEMBER TO THE DIFFERETIAL HAS A CRACK IN IT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-12
- VIN: WBSCK9337XL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SRS LIGHT, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT JUST TURNED ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBSCK9334XL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 1998 & 1999 M ROADSTER AND M COUPE BMWS HAVE A HUGE REARVIEW MIRROR THAT IS POSITIONED LOW, AND IMPAIRS FRONT VISIBILITY. MIRROR CREATES A HUGE BLIND SPOT. REPORTED TROUBLE TO DEALER AND BMWNA REPRESENTATIVE, BUT THEY HAD NO RECOMMENDATION AND STATED THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY ISSUES. MANY OWNERS DISAGREE. Z3 MESSAGE BOARD LISTS MANY OWNER COMPLAINTS. URL IS "HTTP://WWW.BIMMER.ORG/Z3/MESSAGES/SEARCH.HTML" SEARCH ON "REARVIEW MIRROR". I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALL INCIDENTS, PARTICULARLY AT A 4 WAY STOP. WILL PROBABLY HAVE MIRROR CHANGED AT MY OWN COST TO FIX SAFETY HAZZARD, BUT DO NOT FEEL THIS IS PROPER. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT DO NOT LIKE BEING TOLD THAT A PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST, PARTICULARLY WHEN I HAVE EXPERIENCED IT MYSELF. THE FACT THAT OTHERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE JUST PROVIDES CONFIRMATION. *AK
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