The contact owns a 2000 BMW Z3. The contact heard a loud noise underneath the vehicle. A local mechanic stated that there was an 8 inch fracture in the subframe. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and they welded the frame. One year later, the contact noticed that the rear tires, where the crack was located, had abnormal wear. She took her vehicle back to a mechanic and is in the process of having it inspected. The failure mileage was 135,000 and current mileage was 148,000.

- North Middle Town, NJ, USA

Rear subframe differential mount was cracked on 2000 BMW Z3 2.5!

- Glendale, CA, USA

While on a trip I noticed an odd knocking noise from the left rear of vehicle during accelleration while in 1st gear. Upon further inspection I found the car's sub frame in the area supporting the rear differential mount fractured and breaking away from the vehicle. The noise was due to the emergency brake cable that had popped out of its retention clip, due to the physical movement of the supporting material around it. If this had not happened, I would not have noticed the failure until the mount had broken away entirely. Since this mounts the rear axle of the vehicle, it is possible for this to fail at high speed causing loss of control of the vehicle with a high potential of accident and/or injury. I am having this repaired immediately before driving the vehicle any further. This problem appears to be common to the "M" version and many of the straight 6 cylinder version of this vehicle. My version is a 2.8 liter standard roadster. It is likely a stress failure due to the higher torque of these engines. To correct this failure the damaged material needs to be rewelded and reinforced with additional support.

- San Jose, CA, USA

The sub frame is separating. All the spot welds along the edges of the subframe are coming apart. There is a crack in the subframe due to flexing.

- Huntington, NY, USA

Rear differential sheet metal mounting bracket tore loose from floor pan, for the second time. First time at 70000 miles, second time at 90000 miles. Thin sheet metal brackets and cross member do not appear adequate. Also welded seams coming apart on floor of trunk above differential.

- El Granada, CA, USA