The metal strap that supports the passenger side of the fuel tank just broke off. I was driving down the street and heard a pop sound and then metal grinding and jumping around (like a needle on a scratched record/ a cd) the bracket to which the forward end of this strap mounted to the underbody broke free leaving a gash like tear on the underbody. I am having the car serviced for repairs, but when I called the dealership the parts department didn't have any fixable solution for the mishap. They told me that the only thing that I could do was take it to a body shop to have a fabricated piece made. I've researched this incident and found that there have been several other BMW owners who have experienced the same incident. I am also experiencing the loss of reverse. The drive gear seems to be fine; however, the reverse is not operating. I am now looking into having it serviced for that issue as well. When I called the dealership, they did tell me that there was an open campaign on the transmission (though the service manager said that it was only for programming issues). I had also found that there has been other BMW owners that have experienced this issue as well. I know that they had mentioned that there were two types of transmission (the GM and the zf transmission). There was a mention that it could be a faulty solenoid or the reverse drum has broken/ shredded. None the less you can place into "reverse" and give it gas and nothing happens no movement unless you place into "drive." My car does have the steptronic feature.

- Mesquite, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330I. While driving approximately 60 to 65 mph on normal road conditions, there was a loud noise outside of the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle to their residence. The following day, the contact observed that the fuel tank support strap was disengaged. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the technician confirmed that the failure was related to the fuel tank strap. The technician welded the fuel tank strap in place; however, the contact has concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were unavailable.

- Yorba Linda, CA, USA