2000 BMW M Roadster Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 BMW M Roadster, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure1555.6%
- Powertrain (other)311.1%
- Suspension27.4%
- Interior & seats13.7%
- Steering13.7%
- Tires & wheels13.7%
- Airbags13.7%
- Visibility13.7%
- Electrical13.7%
- Fuel system13.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUB FRAME HAS CRACKED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING.DURING REGULAR COMMUTES AND DRIVES ON RESIDENTAL ROADS I BEGAN TO HEAR NOISES FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR AND I TOOK A LOOK UNDERNEATH CAR, THERE WAS A SMALL CRACK IN THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING EAR. I ALSO CHECKED INSIDE OF THE HATCH AREA AND REMOVED THE SOUND DEADENING REVEALING A SMALL SEPARATION OF THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE.
THE SUB-FRAME HAS SEVERAL FAILED WELDS THAT HAVE CAUSED A SAGGING OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE BROKEN WELDS HAVE CAUSED SEVERAL, SEVERE CRACKS AND SEPARATIONS IN THE SUB-FRAME AS WELL AS ALMOST COMPLETE FAILURE AND SEPARATION IN THE TRUNK FLOOR. THIS HAS CAUSED THE CV AXLE TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE AND HAS CAUSED HOLES AND RIPS IN THE RUBBER BOOT, LEADING TO THE IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OF THAT COMPONENT AS WELL. THIS RENDERS THE CAR IMMOBILE AND WILL REQUIRE AT THE LEAST 3,500$ IN REPAIRS. THIS IS IN NO WAY AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AS IT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED BY SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A FAILURE OF THE COMPONENTS OF A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL. *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 FLAW! THE CAR AT THIS MOMENT IS NOT DRIVABLE! MY CAR IS NOW AT A DINAN SHOP. DINAN IS A COMPANY THAT MAKES HIGH PERFORMANCE PARTS FOR BMW'S. WHEN DINAN PARTS ARE USED AND INSTALLED AT AN AUTHORIZED DINAN DEALER A BMW WOULD STILL BE ENTIRELY WARRANTED BY BMW. DINAN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALSO AND HAVE CREATED A DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT REINFORCEMENT KIT TO ADDRESS THIS. SO OBVIOUSLY BMW IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. IT COSTS $299 HOWEVER REQUIRES 16 HOURS OF WORK BY A HIGHLY SKILLED TECHNICIAN WITH FABRICATION AND WELDING SKILLS. I SEE THIS HAS A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING SCENARIO IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I THOUGHT WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE WELL ENGINEERED BMW VEHICLE! I HOPE THIS IS ADDRESSED BEFORE A FATALITY ACTUALLY OCCURS. *TR
SUBFRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT TEARS. SPOT WELD TEARS IN FLOOR PAN WITH MULTIPLE FRACTURES ALONG SEAMS. THE DIFFERENTIAL IS READY TO FALL TO THE HIGHWAY WITH ANY HARD BUMP OR JOLT SUCH AS EXPANSION JOINTS. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FAILURE. SUBFRAME SEPARATES FROM TRUNK FLOOR. COMMON IN THE Z3M ROADSTERS. SUBFRAME IS JUST SPOT WELDED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR AND NEEDS TO BE RE-ENFORCED. THE RE-ENFORCEMENT KITS ARE SOLD BY FURTHER CONFIRMING THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. DROPPING YOUR DIFFERENTIAL WHILE DRIVING COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
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/CONTROLS INOPERATIVE, FAULTY LIGHTING, BODY EQUIPMENT, POWER CONTROL WIRES FOR AUX COOLING FAN/MISROUTED OVER DRIVER'S FRAME RAIL, AND HORN CIRCUIT BURNED BEHIND DRIVER'S HEADLAMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO THE DRIVING HABIT OF CONSUMER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HYDROPLAINED AND SPUN OFF THE ROAD(POOL OFF WATER ON THE INTERSTATE). THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SERVICE DEALER AND OR MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE VEHICLE AT NO COST DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW-AT THE TIME/STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SCC *TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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/CONTROLS INOPERATIVE, FAULTY LIGHTING, BODY EQUIPMENT, POWER CONTROL WIRES FOR AUX COOLING FAN/MISROUTED OVER DRIVER'S FRAME RAIL, AND HORN CIRCUIT BURNED BEHIND DRIVER'S HEADLAMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO THE DRIVING HABIT OF CONSUMER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HYDROPLAINED AND SPUN OFF THE ROAD(POOL OFF WATER ON THE INTERSTATE). THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SERVICE DEALER AND OR MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE VEHICLE AT NO COST DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW-AT THE TIME/STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SCC *TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALSO MAKES A NOISE WHEN MAKING TURNS.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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/CONTROLS INOPERATIVE, FAULTY LIGHTING, BODY EQUIPMENT, POWER CONTROL WIRES FOR AUX COOLING FAN/MISROUTED OVER DRIVER'S FRAME RAIL, AND HORN CIRCUIT BURNED BEHIND DRIVER'S HEADLAMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO THE DRIVING HABIT OF CONSUMER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HYDROPLAINED AND SPUN OFF THE ROAD(POOL OFF WATER ON THE INTERSTATE). THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SERVICE DEALER AND OR MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE VEHICLE AT NO COST DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW-AT THE TIME/STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SCC *TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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/CONTROLS INOPERATIVE, FAULTY LIGHTING, BODY EQUIPMENT, POWER CONTROL WIRES FOR AUX COOLING FAN/MISROUTED OVER DRIVER'S FRAME RAIL, AND HORN CIRCUIT BURNED BEHIND DRIVER'S HEADLAMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO THE DRIVING HABIT OF CONSUMER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HYDROPLAINED AND SPUN OFF THE ROAD(POOL OFF WATER ON THE INTERSTATE). THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SERVICE DEALER AND OR MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE VEHICLE AT NO COST DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW-AT THE TIME/STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SCC *TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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/CONTROLS INOPERATIVE, FAULTY LIGHTING, BODY EQUIPMENT, POWER CONTROL WIRES FOR AUX COOLING FAN/MISROUTED OVER DRIVER'S FRAME RAIL, AND HORN CIRCUIT BURNED BEHIND DRIVER'S HEADLAMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO THE DRIVING HABIT OF CONSUMER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HYDROPLAINED AND SPUN OFF THE ROAD(POOL OFF WATER ON THE INTERSTATE). THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SERVICE DEALER AND OR MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE VEHICLE AT NO COST DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW-AT THE TIME/STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SCC *TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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/CONTROLS INOPERATIVE, FAULTY LIGHTING, BODY EQUIPMENT, POWER CONTROL WIRES FOR AUX COOLING FAN/MISROUTED OVER DRIVER'S FRAME RAIL, AND HORN CIRCUIT BURNED BEHIND DRIVER'S HEADLAMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO THE DRIVING HABIT OF CONSUMER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HYDROPLAINED AND SPUN OFF THE ROAD(POOL OFF WATER ON THE INTERSTATE). THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SERVICE DEALER AND OR MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE VEHICLE AT NO COST DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW-AT THE TIME/STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SCC *TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .