BMW 323I grinding brakes problems

Filed Dec 13, 2012 · Body, Suspension · 123,000 miles · CA

After 6 months of squeaking & rattling sounds coming from the rear of my vehicle, I was driving on ca route 10 when I noticed the sounds were becoming more prevalent, as the car's handling began to feel loose. I reduced speed for the remainder of the trip, fearing loss of control of the vehicle, and upon arriving home had my vehicle inspected by beverly hills bmw, where they told me that my vehicle's subframe was damaged to the extent that the car was "not road worthy" ([xxx]) and I was advised to have the vehicle towed out of the shop. I contacted bmw customer service agent [xxx], who informed me that bmw had a program (that I believe is part of a settlement agreement of a class action lawsuit), in which they recognized there was a problem with some of the early e46 bmw models' sub-frames and offered to have them inspected & in some cases would pay for the cost of the repair. Bmw chose to deny me repair, citing that they had mailed me a letter about the program previously (that I had never received) & that the program had now ended. After having my vehicle repaired by an independent party, I contacted[xxx]to see if bmw would reimburse me for some of my costs of repair and car rental, seeing as how they were a fraction of the quote from bmw. She told me to forward my invoices ($2207.70 in total) to her email, which I did. Despite 3 follow-up emails, 3 voice mails, and one certified letter, I have received no further communication from bmw. The mechanical / structural integrity of a vehicle's frame, or sub-frame, should never be compromised by regular use. Having a defective sub-frame in a car manufactured in the last 80 years is wholly unacceptable and constitutes a need for investigation concerning a potential recall, rather than some manufacturer-controlled program with time limits that affect the safety of its customers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 12, 2011 · Body · 160,000 miles · NJ

The rear driver side sub frame mount tear/ripped from the body. Now it squeaks very loud, vibrates and moves.

Filed Jun 20, 2011 · Body · 196,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 bmw 323i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds he noticed a squeaking noise coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and they advised him that the sub-frame was not attached to the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where they advised the contact that they would install a frame. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle without the sub frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered to pay a portion of the repairs. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 8/29/11 *cn updated 10/03/11

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 8, 2004 · Body · 104,000 miles · TX

Consumer was concerned that a squeaking noise could be heard while driving at any speed. Vehicle was taken to dealer, who inspected vehicle and found a cracked sub frame.

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.

Filed Dec 9, 1999 · Brakes · CA

Vehicles brakes are squeaking upon braking, design characteristic. Nlm