Takata recall. There has been numerous issues with the integrity of the subframe of this particular model and year of BMW. It experiences rust issues frequently. I need to replace subframe do to this and will not pass inspection because of this issue. This has happened over the years, it has not been stationary or anything of that matter. It has been used as a daily driver, as that should not happen to a daily driver subframe, specially from a BMW.

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

Cracked rear subframe

- Oakton, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323ci. While driving various speeds, a loud knocking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. While inspecting the trunk area, a large crack was discovered in the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to braman BMW located in jupiter, Florida, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 165,000.

- Jupiter, FL, USA

Rear subframe body has separated from subframe mounting support. The chassis is no longer properly attached to the frame. The tied down bolts have sheared off. This is a major safety defect.

- San Rafael, CA, USA

BMW subframe recall. Took my 2000 323ci in for tune up. Was told by mechanic that LH rear subframe separated from unibody. Was told there was a recall in 2009 but was never informed by BMW. Wanting to know how to access recall for BMW to fix. Vehicle was in shop when notified of issue.

- Newcastle, WA, USA

I was unaware of the previous defect notices about the frame / body having a weak spot and was driving at 40 mph when my rear shock and the part that holds the shock in place went through the metal frame ripping the metal away and allowing the shock to puncture through the frame just below the trunk area and the car was then inoperable. I was quoted a price for repair of 6500 and was informed of the 2005/2006 lawsuit where BMW was sued for this defect and repaired some cars for a year after the lawsuit ended but this was prior to my purchase of the vehicle and when I contacted BMW of no America headquarters, they asked me to take the car to the nearest BMW dealer and have them do a diagnosis which I immediately did and that cost was over $10K of which BMW offered to pay only 20%. I then took it to another BMW mechanic who repaired it for $3000 and BMW will not pay any part of the bill because it was not done at a dealership, I do not understand how BMW can get away with a defect like this and so many cars affected by it and not have to repair it at their cost? it is their defect.

- Lawndale, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 BMW 328ci. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, a loud noised emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the contact resumed with caution. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the sub frame was severely cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 110,500.

- Miami, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323I. The contact stated that while accelerating, an abnormal sound came from the rear of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic, who advised the contact that the sub frame was damaged. The contact did not call the manufacturer or take the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The failure mileage was 200,000.

- Mattapan, MA, USA

All passenger doors fail to open (even manually) due to a faulty GM5 (computer) or door lock actuator resulting in a hazard if there were to be a fire or accident.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

I heard a squeaking noise coming from the rear end, took it to my mechanic, and was told the subframe has torn off of the rear suspension. He checked to see if there is a recall, but none has been found. He did notice online that this has been an ongoing problem, with many complaints, and that a class action lawsuit had been filed.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

I took my year 2000, BMW 328ci in to replace a rear differential bushing. The mechanic discovered frame damage where the driver-side rear differential bushing attaches to the car body/frame. The mechanic suggested I call my insurance agent to see if this was covered. The insurance company sent an investigator who informed me over the phone & email (including photo attachments) that the damage could not be caused by any collision and was not covered by my insurance policy. The agent stated that this was a BMW issue. He also sent a link of a video of another BMW 3 series with similar problem showing metal fatigue video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8362789948066992482#. I sent photos of the damage to another mechanic who specializes in BMW repair. He said it was not something seen everyday but something BMW knows about based on what he has read. He also stated this was a safety issue and suggested I call the BMW dealership and ask about any recalls. I called the BMW dealer who asked for my VIN # and then said there were "no open campaigns at this time". I called the dealership on 10/25/2011. The estimated cost of repair is around $5000, which is almost the same as the kelley blue book value of the car. I was informed that the car is not safe to drive in this condition.

- Woodland Hills, CA, USA

Heard loud noises coming from rear end of vehicle. Upon inspection by repair facility it was determined that the rear drivers side subframe mount had pulled away from the body, a large tear is present in the body panel on either side of the subframe mount. Repair facility indicated the risk is that the car may not respond as expected in an emergency or evasive action. Form would not allow me to complete VIN, last character is a 2.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

I have a 2000 323ci BMW my problem is the weld from the straps that hold the gas tank detached from the metal there seem to be E defect on the weld and the gas tank dropped to the floor!! please don't wait for someone to get hurt before something is done about it!! I drilled some holes and attached a metal plate through the inside of the body(metal to weak) then I used bolts and pressure washers to reattach it!

- Bellflower, CA, USA

My 2000 BMW 323I has sub frame fractures as defined in a class action lawsuit against BMW. In the settlement, BMW has agreed to inspect and repair all effected vehicles. The dealer told me my car was unrepairable and offered me a cash settlement well below avg trade-in value. I want my car fixed.

- Paxton, MA, USA

A horrible creaking noise starting developing in the rear of my 2000 BMW 323ci (with 82000 miles) while driving. The noise has gotten worse with time, and after a thorough search online on the www.E46fanatics.com forum website, I found many other owners of vehicles with the same chassis experencing the same problem. Further searching lead to a common problem that has been linked to the failure of the driver side rear subframe. This section of the chassis fails under prolonged stress and a crack in the chassis of the vehicle develops, exposing a bare component of the rear suspension and ultimately damaging the suspension system, causing the vehicle to be unsafe to drive. The problem is not recognized by BMW of North America, however the problem is recently beginning to surface among many late model BMW cars owners as this part seems to fail after an extended period of time. Nonetheless, this is a dangerous problem that is not isolated to a select few vehicles, but enough to raise alarm and suspicion. I was very surprised and dissappointed to find that my vehicle has experienced this exact failure just out of warranty.

- San Diego, CA, USA