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1998 BMW M Roadster M Roadster

All BMW M Roadster E36/7 trims (1998–2002) → All BMW M Roadster generations →
1998 BMW M Roadster – exterior Unverified
Photo: BMW Z3 3.0i (Facelift) – f 03102024 by © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the M Roadster (E36/7, 1998–2002); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: BMW Z3 3.0i (Facelift) – f 03102024 by © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: BMW Z3 3.0i (Facelift) – h 03102024 by © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: BMW M Roadster PL by Beemwej, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: BMW Z3 M - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot by Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: BMW Z3 M - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (1) by Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1998 BMW M Roadster M Roadster is a 240-hp 3.2-liter convertible with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $42,200 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm, spinning to a 6,500 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The M Roadster measures 158.5 inches long on a 96.8-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,142 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$42,200 ($84,141 *)
Engine
Engine TypeS52B32
Displacement3.2 L
Horsepower240 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque236 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Redline6,500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24-valve inline-6
Bore and Stroke86.4 x 89.6
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD (limited-slip differential)
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual (ZF)
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tank Capacity13.5 gal
Brakes
Front Brake Disc12.4 in (vented)
Rear Brake Disc12.28 in (vented)
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17 in
Wheels Rear17 in
Tires Front225/45ZR17
Tires Rear245/40ZR17
Dimensions & Weight
Length158.46 in
Width68.5 in
Height50.39 in
Wheelbase96.81 in
Front Track56 in
Rear Track58.7 in
Cargo Volume5.8 ft³
Curb Weight3,142 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M ROADSTER.

19 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M ROADSTER

Owner Complaints

19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M ROADSTER (1 mention a crash). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Structure16
Power Train3
Air Bags2
Suspension1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 26, 2011 · Suspension, Power Train
“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…”
Dec 24, 2009 · Structure
“RATTLING NOISE FROM BACK OF VEHICLE. LOCAL SHOP REPLACED WORN EXHAUST BRACKET; DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. SHOP LOOKED MORE CLOSELY AT CAR AND SAW CRACKS IN DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET AND CRACKS IN REAR SUBFRAME…”
Jul 10, 2008 · Structure
“MY 1998 BMW M ROADSTER, WITH UNDER 71,000 MILES, IS SHOWING SIGNS OF REAR SUBFRAME FAILURE. I AM AWARE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY OF THEM THAT WERE DRIVEN HARD ON TRACKS, BUT THIS CAR HAS BEEN…”
Feb 8, 2008 · Structure
“MY BMW M ROADSTER HAS SUSTAINED A MASSIVE CHASSIS AND SUBFRAME FAILURE MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND INOPERABLE. *TR”
Dec 6, 2007 · Structure
“2 MONTHS AGO MY EXHAUST SYSTEM DROPPED ON MY CAR, AND WAS RUBBING ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. I TOOK IT INTO A SHOP, AND THE EXHAUST BRACKET WAS MODIFIED TO CLEAR THE DIFFERENTIAL. I WENT IN TO HAVE MY…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1998 BMW M ROADSTER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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