The contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. The contact noticed a crack in the fuel tank that caused gasoline to leak out. Each time the gasoline tank is filled, he smells fumes. Recently, after filling the vehicle with gasoline, the contact parked his vehicle and observed approximately a quarter tank of fuel on the ground. He took the vehicle to his mechanic and was informed about the crack in the fuel tank. The BMW manufacturer advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer to determine if the fuel tank was cracked. Once this has been determined, the contact may be eligible for reimbursement or BMW will repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 68,172. Updated 8/18/09 the dealer determined the gas tank was not cracked, but the leak was caused by a seal that was installed incorrectly at the fuel pump. Updated 08/21/09.

- Covington, VA, USA

Engine stalled in traffic; had to coast to side of the road. Would not re-start, despite strong cranking. Computer read "38 miles to empty" and gauge read approximately 1/4 to 1/8 tank of fuel remaining. Car was towed in and several faults were found: 240, 243. Dealer tech (vista BMW, fl) stated in service receipt: Fuel sending units. Checked fuel pressure... pressure was 3.5 bar. Checked return fuel pressure at fuel tank... pressure was 1.0 bar. Removed both fuel sending units & performed resistance sweep of both resistance cars... both left & right sending units had an open. Replaced left & right fuel sending units. Parts replaced: Fuel sensor, suction unit. Safety consideration: Sudden engine stopage can be extremely dangerous, yet this is not an isolated event. Internet web sites relate other BMW's with similar problems. Especially troublesome is the complete lack of warning. Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional information. Mark peters bedford, tx pylt@comcast.net

- Bedford, TX, USA

1. transmission: After transmission repair, constant hard downshifting of automatic transmission when coming to a stop in D and S D modes. Vehicle jerks forward when decelerating between speeds of 42 to 35 mph (usually when driven before with speeds in excess of 50 miles an hour). Also, after transmission repair, constant loud thumping noise when coming to a stop 2. engine:intermittent loud engine revving and immediate torque loss occurring when taking off from a stop.intermittent delayed engine start of up to 3 seconds after turning key in ignition.intermittent prm idle fluctuation resulting in vehicle shuddering 3. brakes:loud break squeaking when coming to a stop 4. fuel tank / fuel pump:after defective fuel tank/pump replacement, recurrence of loud whining noise ( confirmed with BMW of North America) 5. cd player: Intermittent built-in business cd player skipping 6.steering wheel: Steering wheel creaking when turning.

- Walnut Creek, CA, USA