AI Damage1999 BMW M Roadster: common problems
Owners of the 1999 BMW M Roadster filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about structure and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 18
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 50% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 28% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 28% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 11% of all complaints
- 5 Seats 6% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 6% of all complaints
- Structure: 9 complaints (50% of all).
- Powertrain: 5 complaints (28% of all).
- Suspension: 5 complaints (28% of all).
- Air bags: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Seats: 1 complaints (6% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.2 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 18 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Failure of the trunk floor supporting the differential, rendering the car undriveable.
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…
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.
I heard a knocking and squeaking sound from the rear, it looks like the subframe is cracking also on me.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,622 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the M Roadster has 11 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 18, above average.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1999 BMW M Roadster?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: structure, powertrain, suspension. Total complaints: 18. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (17%), airbag warning light (11%), warning lights, check engine (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1999 BMW M Roadster?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1999 BMW M Roadster from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1999 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.