1.2

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
140,000 miles

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problem #1

May 112013

540 8-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
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

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