1997 BMW 328I less than 80,000 miles. Driving 40mph with cruise control on. Snowing but straight level concrete road. Approaching asphalt curve entering small mountain village, I tapped brake to disengage cruise. It didn't disengage so hit it harder. Cruise started to accelerate and threw car into a skid. Tried steering column lever, no effect. Cruise now accelerated strongly, spun car 180, car slid into ditch at under 30mph and flipped over. Car driven back 600 miles to home but total loss from crushed in roof. BMW has possession of the car pending product specialist review. Cruise had started acting erratic on 4-5 occasions earlier that week being reluctant to disengage with two different drivers. After accident 3 witnessed that brake lights failed to light without excessive petal pressure. Many BMW owner reports of same problem on internet from britain. BMW service advisor stated it was probably the switch starting to fail. BMW dealer now has car and BMW corporate appears to have issued gag order to dealer employees.

- Elgin, IL, USA

When shifting from drive to park vehicle would suddenly accelerate on its own. Can only be stopped by turning off ignition. Brakes would only slow it down, but not stop it. Has happened 4 times, and was an intermittent problem. Been to dealership, and mechanic could not duplicate problem, will not repair it. Manufacturer agreed with dealership, and policy was to return vehicle if not repairable.

- Dana Point, CA, USA