2000 BMW 323I: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 8, 2011 · Body · 170,000 miles · GA

Have been informed by my mechanic that my subframe is failing on the rear end of my bmw. He pulled a report saying that a lawsuit has been filed against bmw but no recall had been issued (I.e, a 'silent' recall). His words: "man you're totally screwed." my reading of the lawsuit is that there was a limited time to seek redress from bmw; having just found out about the problem, I'm having a hard time imagining how something that apparently is epidemic in 3-series bmws and can cause catastrophic failure (in one case, apparently locking up the brakes and causing the car to come to a screeching halt) has not resulted in a recall of model with mandatory repairs! Again, I'm not a lawyer but my reading of the document my mechanic showed me seems to reveal an enormous dodge by bmw in limiting the time frame during which one can have them repair the problem! My internet search this weekend shows that there are many others with the same complaint, people describing loss of control of their cars, etc., and of course I'm not in the drive this thing anymore. It seems the serious nature of potential problems and obvious defect in manufacturing should warrant some sort of mandatory redress by the manufacturer. (my car has never been used in racing or extreme activities, just highway driving, mostly for commute.) had I not asked him to check the cause of the squeaking in the rear, my 1st notice of this could well have been a loss of control of the vehicle.

Filed Apr 1, 2009 · Brakes, Fuel system · 111,000 miles · WI

A year ago, my gas gauge sensor went out. The car had less than 100,000 miles on it. Today, my 2000 bmw 323i has 111,000 miles on it and the vehicle will not drive in any gear without a grinding sound. I almost got killed by a car behind me because I could suddenly not accelerate at a stop light and I had to get out to push the vehicle to safety. Within the past few months the car would drive, but only when it was warm. Now it is completely inop. This car has been well maintained! It would cost me over $4000 to get a new transmission and I still over $6000 on the car. Despite thousands of complaints regarding the 2000 bmw 323i transmission failure, bmw refuses to do anything. I currently have no operable vehicle and I still have to maintain my auto loan payments and find alternate transportation to work. I have spent over $3500 in additional repairs to this vehicle on brakes, new catalytic converter sensors, trailing arm, ball bearings, etc.

Filed Oct 26, 2006 · Steering · 31,018 miles · TX

Car type - 2000 bmw 323ci miles when purchased new - 23 miles when first incident occured 29,725 miles sept 13th, 2002 miles when service call opened 31,018 - october 23, 2002 I noticed a swooshing noise close to my steering column and subsequently turning my car became more difficult. This lead to substantial grinding/winding noise when I turned the vehicle. Power steering then went out altogether and vehicle was towed to the nearest bmw service center (san antonio, tx 180 miles away). Bmw center- san antonio replaced the power steering pump and other related components under warranty. This issues has reoccured four times, approximately 1 once a year and again on tuesday october 24th. The power steering pump has been replaced 4 times and it needs to be replaced again according to the service write up. Now from the reoccuring damage, I have to replace other related components at my expense - $1846, since my car's warranty is expired. Please help. Joe ugarte .

Filed Nov 19, 2004 · Suspension · CA

While driving 30 MPH consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. Vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. It was taken to the dealer for inspection.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Transmission · AL

Manual transmision won't go into 2nd intermittently, pops out of 2nd intermittently and grinds going into 2nd. Have had it independently check and verified to be a serious safety issue.