This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 328I. While driving approximately 45 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. After inspecting the vehcile, the contact discovered that the rear driver side subframe was cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the suspension started to exhibit an abnormal popping noise. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the sub frame was cracked. The dealer was then notified who stated there are no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Subframe crack!! on October 24, 2006, [xxx] filed a class action complaint against BMW of North America, alleging that 1999-2006 BMW 3 series vehicles suffer from defective sub-frames. According to the complaint, the constant loading and unloading associated with normal driving can weaken the sub-frame to the point where it cracks and separates from the chassis, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to the vehicle. The complaint alleges that BMW was aware of the alleged sub-frame defect, but failed to notify consumers or pay for sub-frame repairs under warranty. On March 3, 2009, hon. Judge [xxx] granted preliminary approval of a proposed class settlement, under which BMW will reimburse E46 owners or lessees in full for their sub-frame repair expenses. As part of the settlement, BMW has also agreed to implement a national sub-frame inspection and repair program. All current owners and lessees of a 1999-2006 BMW 3 series vehicle will be notified of the sub-frame problem and will have one year to present their vehicle for a free inspection and repair (if needed). The court is scheduled to decide whether to finally approve the proposed settlement on August 3, 2009. I've called bmwna but they won't help me. Just simply claim the "lawsuit is over." Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
BMW series 3 subframe cracking. There was a class action suit -- I had no damage during the time period allowed. The damage is just beginning, and it is still a safety issue. BMW should cover the repair ! there is still low mileage on the car -- but if I continue to drive it without the repair (several thousand dollars), there will probably be a major accident.
The technician discovered that my subframe has started to fail. Today I had my BMW in for a normal brake service at my repair facility. They noticed my subframe is starting to crack along the mounting points. This is usually not found in an automatic transmission BMW especially since the car is a non M3, it's just a 328ci coupe.
- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
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The rear subframe on the 1999-2006 :BMW 3 series cars can tear or rip, causing the rear end to fall out of the car. My 2000 328ci shows evidence of this frame cracking.
My 2000 BMW 328I bracket which connects the belt that holds the my gas tank broke off while driving around a residential street. I heard a noise and stop. The bracket connected to the right inside sheet metal was missing. The belt was dragging and my tank drop a few inches. BMW which no longer makes the part quoted me $1.800 and said they have had 3 similar instances. The repair requires wielding; removal of gas tank; back seat and rug. I took my car to my regular mechanic and he has encourage me to write this letter. He feels this is defective and should be covered by the manufacture.
The fuel tank support strap bracket on my 2000 BMW 323ci coupe snapped off without warning. It happened while driving, I noticed a loud metallic grinding sound coming from underneath the car. I stopped, and noticed an 18 inch metal strap being dragged along the ground, still attached at one end (rear end) of the fuel tank. The front side of the strap had disconnected from the car and the fuel tank on the passenger side had dropped several inches, and was 'dangling' to some extent - it bounced up and down when pushed. The weld that broke was holding the front side of the fuel tank support strap, on the passenger side of the car. It appears that a small amount of metal had torn out of the frame that the bracket was attached to. The car is currently being repaired by a mechanic. To repair it, they need to remove the entire fuel tank and weld the bracket back onto the frame, so that the support strap can be re-attached. I have been quoted $600.
While driving I heard a squeaking noise coming from the rear. I took the car to get an oil change at BMW dealership and they then informed me of the subframe tearing away. No way the should happen so many times to any vehicle. Dangerous and should be addressed immediately by bmwna.
I drove from North Carolina to California prior to pcsing overseas. Halfway I noticed a creaking sound. Upon arrival to California I took it to a shop only to find out the rear subframe was tearing from its mounts. Insurance claims it as a wear and tear issue and refuses to pay for the repairs. Under normal conditions the tearing of the subframe does not seem possible. I took it to a BMW dealer where they are now ripping apart the rearend to only spot weld the repair I do not even believe is a proper repair. Now with insurance refusing to cover it I'm stuck with an 8,000 dollar repair that should not even exist.
Common failure on 2000 BMW 3 series cars: The rear subframe tears away from unibody. I just received a report from the dealer that my car is experiencing this problem. It is acknowledged by BMW as a defect in the materials but it is not necessarily covered by BMW. The car is unsafe to drive in this condition and will require upwards of $5000 in repair.
Rear subframe (left rear mount) is completely torn out of the floor. Currently causes a jolting action in normal driving conditions and a creaking noise in low speed driving. If left unattended, could cause misalignment, poor performance, and the rear axle to drop from the body. This is not only bad but also a major safety issue.
I had been hearing a noise for a couple of months and thought it was the clutch, I took the car into a BMW-approved body shop and they pointed out the flaw in the subframe and rear differential and how the metal had torn due to stress.
In may '06 I purchased my (E46) 2000 BMW 328I. A couple of months later I noticed a subtle squeak coming from the rear end. Thinking it was nothing serious, I ignored it for a while as my life was very busy at that time. After consulting some vehicle-savvy friends and a visit to motorsports of lexington (the place to go if you live near lexington, ky); they were unable to locate the source of the squeak as it was winter and just my luck, the squeak was almost non-existent that day. I was asked to bring it back during warmer weather. So today (70 degrees and sunny) I took it back to the shop. To my utter dismay I was shown that the rear driver-side differential mount had completely separated from the chassis. They told me this is a common problem with E46's. total repair costs were estimated between $600-$1000. Out of curiosity I visited the dealer (don jacobs BMW) to see if my powertrain extended warranty covered such damage. To no surprise it does not. However, the shocking part was that the dealer told me they had never heard of this problem. After about an hour of searching the internet for other BMW owners who might have experienced a similar problem, I found many who had the exact same problem, as well as similar problems with the subfloor and not just on the E46. This having resulted in a class action lawsuit in 2005, from what I've read, many people have received reimbursement for this repair.
In may '06 I purchased my (E46) 2000 BMW 328I. A couple of months later (I don't recall the exact date) I noticed a subtle squeak coming from the rear end. Thinking it was nothing serious, I ignored it for a while as my life was very busy at that time. After consulting some vehicle-savvy friends and a visit to motorsports of lexington (the place to go if you live near lexington, ky); they were unable to locate the source of the squeak as it was winter and just my luck, the squeak was almost non-existent that day. I was asked to bring it back during warmer weather. So today 3/13/2007 (70 degrees and sunny) I took it back to the shop. To my utter dismay I was shown that the rear driver-side differential mount had completely separated from the chassis. They told me this is a common problem with E46's. total repair costs were estimated between $600-$1000. Out of curiosity I visited the dealer (don jacobs BMW) here in lexington, to see if my powertrain extended warranty covered such damage. To no surprise it does not. However, the shocking part was that the dealer told me they had never heard of this problem. After about an hour of searching the internet for other BMW owners who might have experienced a similar problem, I found many who had the exact same problem, as well as similar problems with the subfloor and not just on the E46. This having resulted in a class action lawsuit in 2005, from what I've read, many people have received reimbursement for this repair. I can send pictures if necessary, as the repairs have not yet been performed.
There was a clunking noise coming from the back. After taking the wheel off to investigate I saw where the rear suspension mounts to the frame it had pulled through. I have just found out about this and will E contacting BMW about this shortly. An internet search will find that this is not a rare occurrence and I believe BMW should be held responsible for this.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fort Worth, TX, USA