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.
2000 BMW 328I. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle defective subframe structure issues. The consumer stated a recent inspection, revealed the sub-frame was cracked. With the crack, the consumer was no longer able to safely drive the vehicle. The consumer was never informed of the defect which was the subject of a class action suit launched against BMW of North America.
I have a 2000 BMW 323 ci convertible and have problems with the remote trunk release. Neither the key fob nor the release button function; the only way to get into the trunk is with the key in the lock. I did some online research learned two things. 1. this is a very common problem. (type 'BMW trunk release problem' into a search engine to see the extent.) while the problems I have are merely annoying, it is not hard to imagine them being far worse. 2. the problem is in the harness where the wiring goes from the body to the trunk lid. This link is contains several pictures of exactly what I found when I pulled my harness back: www.M3forum.net/M3forum/showthread.php?T=248956. In my case, there are three completely broken wires, one that is hanging on by a few strands, and about 4 more where the insulation is at least partially cracked. Yes, the car is 10 years old, but this seems like a major design flaw to me.
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 328ic. The contact stated that the rear differential detached from the vehicle and caused the sub-frame to crack where the two parts were attached. BMW stated that they are currently investigating the failure. The current and failure mileages were 90,000.
At about 106K miles I noticed a creaking noise coming from the rear suspension. Upon inspection, the drivers side rear differential mount has multiple stress fractures and separations at the point where the mount is welded to the unibody. This vehicle has had all required maint. At normal intervals. This car is driven on the highway 90% of the time and the rest in residential streets. It is a family car and has had no modifications period. This situation is very dangerous and requires immediate attention. The suspension should never seperate from the body because of torsional forces from the trans/diff. It is clear that this is a design flaw. I implore the NHTSA to address this issue immediately before someone dies !!
The rear differential is completely torn away from the sub-frame caused either by weak sheet metal used or poor design. As a result countless other BMW E46 owners have experienced the same. Should this actually tear completely off the vehicle, it has the potential to cause a major accident and a possible fatality. Please see the picture of my vehicle at jayhowell.servebeer.com/images/BMW/subframe/subframedamage.jpg.
- Toms River, NJ, USA
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Vehicle started making strange noises from the rear suspension while driving. Took it to a mechanic who confirmed this was the subframe of the car tearing away from the unibody. He also stated that this is a frequent occurrence in the E46 and E36 BMW model vehicles and has seen it before. Went online to several resources and confirmed there are many owners who experienced the same problem with their subframe tearing, cracking, or complete torn away.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fresno, CA, USA