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U.S. public vehicle records

1999 Bmw M ROADSTER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

18 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

74,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1999 model year. Data updated: . 16 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Structure:Frame And Members is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 18 complaints (38.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Structure:Frame And Members
7
Suspension
4
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
3
Air Bags
1
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
1
Power Train
1
Power Train:Driveline
1
Seats
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Structure:Frame And Members7
Suspension4
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit3
Air Bags1
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module1
Power Train1
Power Train:Driveline1
Seats1

Structure:Frame And Members: 7; Suspension: 4; Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit: 3; Air Bags: 1; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 1; Power Train: 1; Power Train:Driveline: 1; Seats: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 0

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2000
1
2004
1
2005
2
2006
4
2007
2
2009
3
2011
2
2012
1
2015
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20001
20041
20052
20064
20072
20093
20112
20121
20152

2000: 1; 2004: 1; 2005: 2; 2006: 4; 2007: 2; 2009: 3; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2015: 2

Pattern summary

Structure:Frame And Members leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

18 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

88.9%Usable mileage16 / 18 records
94.4%Valid incident date17 / 18 records
100.0%Valid filing date18 / 18 records
94.4%Ordered incident and filing dates17 / 18 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199819992000200120022008
Structure:Frame And Members
1157.9%
ODI 10055446 · 45,000 mi

CROSS MEMBER OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BROKE. *AK

Look up ODI 10055446 at NHTSA ↗

738.9%
ODI 10133599 · 74,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10133599 at NHTSA ↗

1052.6%
ODI 10124033 · 56,171 mi

IN SEPT. 2003, I PURCHASED A USED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2000 BMW M ROADSTER FROM AN AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER. IN LATE 2003, I NOTICED NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE CAR WHICH THE DEALER ATTRIBUTED TO A LOOSE GAS TANK HOLDER, WHICH THEY REPLACED. SOON AFTER, THE NOISE RETURNED. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK 2 MORE TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. AFTER REASEARCHING ONLINE, I FOUND OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE DISCOVERED THE SUBFRAMES OF THEIR CARS WERE COMING UNWELDED FROM THE BODY. AFTER HAVING MY CAR INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE, WE DI…

Look up ODI 10124033 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10141099 · 18,000 mi

2002 BMW M ROADSTER TRUNK CROSSMEMBER (SUPPORTS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL) SEPARATING FROM THE REST OF THE CAR. SPOT WELDS PULLED OUT. DANGER OF THE WHOLE CROSSMEMBER SEPARATING FROM THE CHASSIS. CORRECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT IN TOLEDO, OH. CROSSMEMBER REINFORCED BY AN INTERNAL I-BEAM, WELDED TO NEW CUSTOM-FABRICATED SUPPORTS ON THE LONGITUDINAL RAILS. THE OEM CROSSMEMBER IS NOW MERELY COSMETIC. DIFFERENTIAL COVER REPLACED BY ONE WITH A PAIR OF MOUNTS INSTEAD OF JUST ONE TO DISTRIBUTE LOAD. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 25,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. J…

Look up ODI 10141099 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
210.5%
ODI 10165581 · 75,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10165581 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 10168630 · 75,000 mi

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 NO…

Look up ODI 10168630 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10082371 · 31,000 mi

DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT ON '00 BMW M ROADSTER CRACKED AT APPROXIMATELY. 31000 MILES. *LA

Look up ODI 10082371 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

240.0%
ODI 10133487 · 45,000 mi

THE REAR-SUBFRAME IS SEPARATING FROM THE TRUNK IN MY CAR. AS A RESULT, THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT HAS CRACKED AND THERE IS THE RISK OF THE DIFFERENTIAL TOTALLY SEPARATING FROM THE CAR.

Look up ODI 10133487 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
210.5%
ODI 10062316 · 44,000 mi

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 BE…

Look up ODI 10062316 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 10257030 · 60,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10257030 at NHTSA ↗

421.1%
ODI 10130164 · 38,500 mi

I HAVE A 2000 BMW MZ3 ROADSTER. IN APRIL I NOTICED THAT THE SPOT WELDS IN THE TRUNK AREA HAD STARTED TO PULL APART AND RUSTED. I SEARCH THE WEB AND FOUND THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON WITH THESE CARS. BMW IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, THEY REFUSE TO ADDRESS IT. SOME OWNERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET BMW TO REPLACE THE TRUNK, HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE. ONCE THE TRUNK IS REPLACE, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD. BECAUSE BMW IS NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE BUT JUST COVERING IT UP I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A POSSIBLE FIX BY A…

Look up ODI 10130164 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10484839 · 67,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW M ROADSTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SQUEAKY NOISE WAS HEARD FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME EXHIBITED SEVERAL CRACKS AND WAS SLIGHTLY SEPARATED. THE DEFECT BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Look up ODI 10484839 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
15.3%
ODI 10385548 · 90,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10385548 at NHTSA ↗

422.2%
ODI 10417535

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 AL…

Look up ODI 10417535 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10003885 · 40,125 mi

THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: FIRE RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS, DUE TO DESIGN FLAW/ OR MISROUTING OF WIRES DUE TO SERVICE DEALER (BMW)-WHILE DRIVING, ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR (TIRES COMPLETELY BALD ON INSIDE @ 150K MILES) DUE TO ALIGNMENT, RIGHT REAR TRAILING ARM BENT, NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS-(BLOWN FUSE/INOPERATIVE GAUGES/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/HEAD LAMP CIRCUIT BURNED/ & AIR FLOW METER CIRCUIT), POWER WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS,, RADIO MALFUNCTION, SENDING UNIT, CLOCK-INTERMITTENT, HEATING/AC-MISSING INSULATION/CAUSED SHORT/CONTROL…

Look up ODI 10003885 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
15.3%
ODI 10144279

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***

Look up ODI 10144279 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 10062088 · 37,800 mi

SRS LIGHT, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT JUST TURNED ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK

Look up ODI 10062088 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10061976 · 25,000 mi

THE AIRBAG (SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM) LIGHT ON MY CAR'S DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL KEEPS COMING ON. INFORMATION ON THE Z-3 ROADSTER INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD (HTTP://BIMMER.ROADFLY.ORG/BMW/FORUMS/Z3/) INDICATES THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A COMMON FAULT ON THE BMW Z-3/M ROADSTER MODELS, DUE TO FAULTY ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS UNDER THE SEAT OR FAULTY SENSORS IN THE SEAT BELT LATCHES. SINCE THIS COMMON FAULT AFFECTS THE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM, BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS.*AK

Look up ODI 10061976 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
210.5%
ODI 10133480 · 28,470 mi

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

Look up ODI 10133480 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 10451824 · 67,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10451824 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
15.3%
ODI 10385548 · 90,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10385548 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 10744495 · 145,000 mi

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 OPINI…

Look up ODI 10744495 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Driveline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.6%
ODI 10257030 · 60,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10257030 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10257963 · 95,000 mi

MY ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE IS SPLITTING FROM THE SEEMS!!! I HAVE A 2000 BMW M ROADSTER (Z3) AND RECENTLY I NOTICE A CREAKING IN THE REAR. THEN ONE DAY ON MY WAY TO WORK I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A TEAR. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SHEET METAL UNI-BODY CONSTRUCTION. THE CARS DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING WAS PRACTICALLY DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE ONLY THING HOLDING IT TO THE CAR WERE THE SHOCKS AND SPRINGS. THE TRUCK FLOOR THAT THE MOUNT WAS SPOT WELDED TO HAS SEPARATED FROM THE CAR. THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGN FL…

Look up ODI 10257963 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Structure:Frame And Members78,151–104,778 mi98,010 mi7
ODI 10133599 · 74,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10133599 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10145621 · 82,302 mi

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

Look up ODI 10145621 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10166750 · 44,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10166750 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range90,019 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10451824 · 67,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10451824 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10744495 · 145,000 mi

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 OPINI…

Look up ODI 10744495 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10764225 · 90,019 mi

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 IMPOSSIBL…

Look up ODI 10764225 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Driveline:Differential UnitToo few reports for a range75,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10168630 · 75,000 mi

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 NO…

Look up ODI 10168630 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10187026 · 62,221 mi

FAILURE OF THE TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORTING THE DIFFERENTIAL, RENDERING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10187026 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10290785 · 98,010 mi

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

Look up ODI 10290785 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range37,800 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10062088 · 37,800 mi

SRS LIGHT, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT JUST TURNED ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK

Look up ODI 10062088 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModuleToo few reports for a range45,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10156557 · 45,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10156557 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range145,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10744495 · 145,000 mi

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 OPINI…

Look up ODI 10744495 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:DrivelineToo few reports for a range60,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10257030 · 60,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10257030 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range29,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10168927 · 29,000 mi

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 WOR…

Look up ODI 10168927 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2002: 2 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2002112
2008000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2002500
2008100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentStructure:Frame And MembersSuspensionPower Train:Driveline:Differential UnitAir BagsAir Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModulePower TrainPower Train:DrivelineSeats
Structure:Frame And Members—0
1
ODI 10290785 · 98,010 mi

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

Look up ODI 10290785 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Suspension0—000
1
ODI 10744495 · 145,000 mi

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 OPINI…

Look up ODI 10744495 at NHTSA ↗

00
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
1
ODI 10290785 · 98,010 mi

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

Look up ODI 10290785 at NHTSA ↗

0—00000
Air Bags000—0000
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module0000—000
Power Train0
1
ODI 10744495 · 145,000 mi

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 OPINI…

Look up ODI 10744495 at NHTSA ↗

000—00
Power Train:Driveline000000—0
Seats0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 41,400 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10062088 · 37,800 mi

SRS LIGHT, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT JUST TURNED ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK

Look up ODI 10062088 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10156557 · 45,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10156557 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b