MotorDeets

BMW M Roadster problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every M Roadster from 1998 to 2008: 66 owner complaints and 0 recalls across 6 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (19), 2000 (19), 1999 (18). Best fuel economy: 21 mpg combined (1998).

BMW M Roadster
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Body & structure42
Transmission & drivetrain13
Suspension8
Airbags5
Engine & cooling3
Visibility (wipers, glass)2
Other / unknown2
Equipment2

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199801921
199901820
200001919
20010418
200205–
200801–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the BMW M Roadster.

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OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the BMW M Roadster?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (19), 2000 (19), 1999 (18).

How many recalls has the BMW M Roadster had?

Across 1998–2008, NHTSA lists 0 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).