The subframe is separating from the main frame of the car. This is completely dangerous and not covered by insurance. Since this is an engineering fault (there are many other cases in the same type of car) it should be covered under BMW.

- Texarkana, AR, USA

The left rear subframe mount torn away from the vehicle unibody/frame mounting location. The rear body metal fatigue was caused from loading and unloading of the drive train due to an engineering design defect. This occurred under normal driving conditions and is a known defect by BMW. A class action law suit required BMW to fix the problem from 2009 to 2010, but there are still many vehicles on the road that have not been repaired or the metal fatigue showed up after the 2010 deadline for repair. This is a major defect making the vehicle unsafe to drive because the rear axle can separate from the vehicle. This should be a vehicle recall and all BMW E46 3 series should have the rear subframe mounting points repaired and reinforced by BMW at no cost.

- San Diego, CA, USA

The problem with my 2000 323 ci BMW is, the rear mounting points for the subframe have ripped out from their spots in the sheet metal because the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, then into the chassis. The constant loading and unloading weakens the insufficient sheet metal, causing it to fatigue and separate from the chassis. This failure of the chassis threatens the safety of the vehicle. The approximate cost to fix this defect is around $9,000.

- Miami, FL, USA

I own a 2000 BMW 323ci with just over 80K on it and my rear subframe mounts have ripped through the bottom of the car and the whole rear of the car is about to fall off. After some searching I found around 200 fellow 3 series owners who are in the same boat almost all of which are 99 and 2000 models. Bmwna insist this is not a defect but do to aggressive driving or suspenion modes none of which apply to me or the many others who are having the same problem. Its not just about the estimated 3 to 7 thousand dollar repair bill it needs to be addressed mainly for the people on the road endangering themselves and everyone else and the don't even have a clue because the only symptom is S slight rattle one which the average driver wouldn't even notice.

- Cumberland , RI, USA

Clunking noise from left rear underside of vehicle. Has to do with subframe and members, I.e., mounting point where subframe is attached to tears away from the rest of the sheet metal that forms the underside of the vehicle.

- Pasadena, Ca 91101, CA, USA

2000 BMW 323 ci - the rear sub frame mount tore loose from the car. Took vehicle to a mechanic and he said this was a common problem for this year, make and model. While driving, it was making a popping noise from the rear of the vehicle, and that was why the consumer took it to the mechanic. This was the first time that had any problem like this with this car. The cost will be $2500-$3000. Too vehicle to dealer to have it repaired. The consumer did research and there were no recalls on this car.

- San Fransico , CA, USA

My BMW 328ci year 2000 has a factory defect and the manufacturer does not want to take responsibility. Seperation of rear under chasis, my car is in the dealer now at BMW san francisco and they told me that BMW North America does not want to take responsibility and they are charging me $22000 for repair. The car is only 5 years in August and its only 37K miles on it. I talked to the body shop of BMW san francisco and they showed me 3 cars that have the same problem. A $45K car easy to seperated the underchasis and so dangerous to drive. I hope you take a chance to take a look on this problem.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

Rear subframe has torn away from the frame of the car.

- Sacramento, CA, USA