While driving on freeway 210 in the second lane next to fast lane, going 70-72 mph in heavy traffic the rear brakes locked up. Causing the rear tires to skid, in turn causing it to start a clockwise spin two times. Because I was in heavy traffic I quickly desided not to try to control the car in that lane causing a mayor car pile up, so I desided to try to make it over to the side of fwy. I missed three cars and a semi truck and ended up stopping before I hit the third car. I was still setting part way in the slow lane, so I tried to move the car. It would not move forward or back ward even though the engine was running and the car would go in gear. My wife and I came out with no injuries and no one hit us. Wow as I think about it now. I had it towed home and it still sets in my back yard. Is there a recall on this because of the brakes or the P/C that may have cause it?

- Duarte, CA, USA

I backed my 2003 BMW M5 out of the drive way and heard a terrible sound, I attempted to drive the car forward, and the noise got worse. I returned the car to the drive way and put it on jacks and stands to find the noise. I discovered that the rear subframe was broken (I have pictures and will be getting the original parts back for testing) from the mount holding it to the frame. I have researched forums for 1999-2004 BMW 5 series cars and have located 14 more people that have suffered the same fate (is has happened in 528, 540, and M5 models from 1999-2004). The repair is costing me approximately $4000. If this break had occurred at highway speed the drive shaft and differential would have separated and would been free to fly around and cause severe damage to the car and anyone in it.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Incidental finding of huge crack on left rear lower control arm discovered by mechanic who was servicing the vehicle. I have photos and the part in question.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 530I. The contact stated that when the brakes were applied, the vehicle would shake violently. The brake pedal would have to be released then re-applied due to the failure. When the vehicle would drive over numerous bumps at one time and the brakes were applied, the shaking would occur. The failure would normally not occur if there were no bumps present in the road. It seemed as if the entire front end of the vehicle would fall apart. He took the vehicle to the dealer, but they found no failure. The issue worsened and the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer. They were able to duplicate the failure; however, the service manager who noticed the failure no longer worked at the dealer. He then took the vehicle to a certified BMW mechanic, who noticed cracks on the suspension bushings and asked for a second opinion. The other mechanic noticed the same issue. The contact paid approximately $800 to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer advised him to take the vehicle to a dealer, but offered no further assistance. The contact still has the original parts from the repair. The current mileage was approximately 67,000 and failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

- Staton Island, NY, USA