subframe issues on 99 model e46's

[e46jase]

few months back my e46 started handling badly and id have a weird noise from the rear evrytime i revearsed i got it checked out at the local supaquik found out the rear left subframe mounting completely ripped off the boot floor!! was told it can happen after some spirited driving or burnouts:mmm: i got home and searched it on the net turns out the 99 model e46's had a weakness in the subframe there was a huge legal matter concerning this problem in the states and many people got there vehicle fixed by bmw overseas i contacted bmw they said they would cover it but needed to do an inspection on my car took it in and they did a report on it the came back to me and said they were not going to cover it bacause the inspection revealed that my car had possibly been involved in an accident which lead to the subframe ripping off the boot floor and not due to the defect , this was total BS, there are literally thousands of e46 owners around the world which can be seen in a simple search on e46 subframes in google :cursin: wondering if any e46 owners on e46fanatics subframe has also ripped?

 

[Hellas]

Not heard that much on subframe legal issues in SA, but it would be nice to hear some stories off the street. I think if you push BMW a bit harder, you might get something. They will come up with ANY bs argument not to pay up.

 

[freerider]

Yeah Jase, dont you know a laywer friend everyone has one man..... Get them to draft a letter to BMWSA, there are many cases like this in the US

 

[e46jase]

yeah was huge issue struggled for so long with it but took bm's report to insurance and they covered it which was very very unexpected haha weird that im the only one i know in SA whos had same issue yet overseas evry second e46's subframe cracked lolers

 

[lucian]

I have a similar problem (2000 model). Busy having it repaired.
I phoned BMW SA and they said they've never heard of this happening. I am a very cautious driver and do not misuse my vehicle. I think once your car gets older, the dealers and manufacturer want nothing to do with you. I will remember this when I buy again.

 

[Hellas]

Phone BMW again and tell them to pay else you sue them. The person you spoke to are definitely not aware what is happening to BMW in the world.

 

[freerider]

Read this, it was posted by a guy that got BMW to pay for the fix 100%

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=5680109#post5680109

I'm from Canada, and not 100% sure it will also applies to US. But since there is more BMW 3 series in US, they should have better service and idea of subframe ripping out.

to mod: please do not move this thread to regional forums. this thread is to give fellow fanatics idea of how to get BMW to cover 100% of repair cost.

Here is step by step chronological procedure of what I did.
Currently, my car is 99 323i with 140000km, warranty is long gone. It has H&R Touring cupkit suspension but BMW never cared about it at all.

March 6, 2007 Tuesday
Took it to Edmonton BMW(local dealer) to check clunking noise coming from rear. This is what they wrote as cause. "Fault found rear subframe mount crack."

March 7, 2007 Wednesday
Took it to local bodyshop and got an estimate. With the estimate, I called BMW Canada regarding the issue, but they didn't know anything about subframe craking and insist Service Manage at dealer to call.

March 8, 2007 Thursday
Went to Edmonton BMW, and met Service Manager. Before trip, I printed out the service bulletin number and bodyshop quote.

Service Code: 41119101
Description: E46 Cracking in rear axle support

Service Code: 41009385
Description: E46 Inspection of rear axle carrier (on customer request)

TIS article # 41 03 03 025 - Fractures on rear-axle support E46

During the meet, I raise the concern about safety and fact that no bodyshop will give warranty because it's structure design problem from factory. DO NOT SCREAM. CONTROL YOUR TEMPER. Service Manager seems like he understood my concerns and told me that he will give a call BMW Canada by next week Tuesday and try to get something for me.

March 12, 2007 Monday
Just little heads up call to Service Manager, and he told me, there is personal from BMW Canada coming on Wednesday, so he will have answer by then. Also, I didn't have to bring my car in.

March 14, 2007 Wednesday
Called Service Manager and he told me BMW Canada will cover 100% of repair cost. They didn't offer me loaner up front, I had to ask for it. This is pretty much what I said. "I know I shouldn't push this, but it will be really superb if I can get loaner during repair." Serivce Manager told me he will get me one.


My car is booked on March 28, 2007 for repair and my god.... it's so much relief now. I really wish everybody who has or will have subframe ripping out, be covered by BMW 100%.

Simon

 

[Jandre]

I had a 99 328i and did not experience this problem, but then again, I only had it for two years and sold it with 110 000 on the clock.

 

[freerider]

better yet, print this out and take it along with you
I find it absolutely amazing that BMW SA claim no knowledge :shakehead:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.co...ll-Repair-3-Series-Cars-with-Subframe-Damage/

BMW Settles Lawsuit, Will Repair 3-Series Cars with Subframe Damage

Posted: Jun. 19, 2009 11:06 a.m.

BMW has settled a class-action lawsuit that alleged that an undisclosed subframe defect in 3-Series cars built between 1999 and 2006 was costing some owners thousands of dollars in repairs.

Motor Trend explains, "The suit originated in 2006 and claimed that defects in E46 3 Series models cause fractures in the rear-axle supports in the subframe. Symptoms include clunking from the rear and outright subframe failure." The company has not admitted that a defect exists, but has agreed to inspect and repair affected cars.

A website has been created to administer the repair program, located at e46subframeclassactionsettlement.com. The website explains, "If your vehicle is covered by the settlement, you will be able to participate in a National Sub-Frame Inspection and Repair Program. If you have already incurred out-of-pocket-expenses for sub-frame repairs, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement from BMW by submitting a claim form." Former owners or lessees who paid for subframe repairs on a car no longer in their possession may also be eligible. Visit the settlement website for details.

 

[lucian]

Phoning back with my VIN nr (that they asked for) did not help. I just listened to stupid music playing. Will call again tomorrow morning. By now my car is probably repaired. Lucky for me I have brother who owns a workshop and they also do panelwork. My main concern is that this is defective work that can cause harm to uninformed BMW owners, let alone the cost implications.

Sent this email of to them in the meantime:
"I will cut a long story short. I own a BMW 2000 e46 vin Nr [Vin Nr here]. Rear subframe broke and mounting came out of the body. This cause knocking/clunking noises from the rear of the vehicle when pulling away and on gear shifts. This problem has occurred worldwide in these vehicles as proven by a quick search on the internet. My question is. Are BMW SA aware of this and what is being done to rectify this matter. All owner paid good money on the assumption that they purchase a good product. This is clearly a defect in the car."

 

[Hellas]

Well put. Hope to see a reply.

 

[freerider]

Phoning back with my VIN nr (that they asked for) did not help. I just listened to stupid music playing. Will call again tomorrow morning. By now my car is probably repaired. Lucky for me I have brother who owns a workshop and they also do panelwork. My main concern is that this is defective work that can cause harm to uninformed BMW owners, let alone the cost implications.

Sent this email of to them in the meantime:
"I will cut a long story short. I own a BMW 2000 e46 vin Nr WBA###########. Rear subframe broke and mounting came out of the body. This cause knocking/clunking noises from the rear of the vehicle when pulling away and on gear shifts. This problem has occurred worldwide in these vehicles as proven by a quick search on the internet. My question is. Are BMW SA aware of this and what is being done to rectify this matter. All owner paid good money on the assumption that they purchase a good product. This is clearly a defect in the car."

As admitted to by BMW when settling a class action lawsuit

 

[CheapnNasty]

I own a BMW 2000 e46 vin Nr WBAANxXxXxXxXxXxXx

You might want to censor some of the vin nr out in a public forum :hammerhead:

 

[freerider]

I own a BMW 2000 e46 vin Nr WBAANxXxXxXxXxXxXxX.

You might want to censor some of the vin nr out in a public forum :hammerhead:

Unfortunately this is SA, my uncle went to re license his car here in CPT, and was told that it had been re-registered in JHB after being stolen and recovered :shocked: Took him about 5 Months of fighting to get his reg number back CBR900

 

[lucian]

Edited my post, can other guys please edit theirs.
TIA

 

[Hellas]

Fixed :thumbsup:

 

[lucian]

Freerider, You have another one to fix please.

Hopefully my car will be repaired by today. I am so busy, no time to follow up. BMW SA has acknowledged receipt of my mail.
Called again this morning and gave vin nr and all my details to a lady called Ilse. Will investigate and get back to me. Now we all know that line, so just have to wait.

 

[freerider]

done, I think HELLAS must have missed that one

 

[Hellas]

My bad! :slap:

 

[lucian]

Got my car back. No more clunking from the back. Also on gearshift and clutch release the usual thud sound and feeling also gone. Think the repair fixed more than what I expected. Car feels firmer when driving fast and on cornering. Could be my imagination but I'm happy for now. Think I must renew my Car magazine subscription and post a letter to their "Speak Out" column. Unfortunately work and some private issues keeps me very busy. Just glad to have my own car again.