1999 BMW 328i

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: BMW recommends that owners do not continue to drive their vehicles.

Defect. ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CLIP TO DETACH FROM THE PIN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM ALLOWING THE PUSHROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE ARM.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLIP FOR TIGHT INSTALLATION AND REPLACE THE CLIP IF IT IS LOOSE.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS) FOR FRONT OCCUPANTS, A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HPS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT AFTER STOPPING, COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.

Central locking module failed , car will not lock unlock

1999 BMW 328I. VEHICLE IS REGISTERED AND IS A DAILY DRIVER IN MASSACHUSETTS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON 05/01/2021 IN THE BOSTON AREA ON A SMOOTH ROAD AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR & SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO ACCIDENT, NO POTHOLES, NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, JUST DRIVING AND THEN AN EXPLOSION FROM AIRBAGS AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IMMOBILIZED AT THE BATTERY.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHAPMAN BMW CHANDLER (7455 W ORCHID LN, CHANDLER, AZ 85226) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. BMW OF ROCHESTER (4250 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623, (585)359-7373) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

ON JUNE 11, 2020 MY CAR WAS DELIVERED TO CLASSIC BMW IN PLANO, TEXAS FOR 1999 BMW SAFETY RECALL 19V-851 FOR THE TAKATA NON-AZIDE DRIVER INFLATOR. THEY WERE ONLY SUPPOSED TO CHANGE THE IGNITER, BUT WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I TRIED THE HORN AND IT DID NOT WORK AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR BACK FOR REPAIR. I GOT THE CAR BACK ON JUNE 25.2020 AND WAS TOLD THAT A CONNECTOR WAS NOT COMPLETELY ATTACHED. HOWEVER, THE PAPERWORK THEY GAVE ME STATED - "FIRST VISIT A DUAL STAGE AIRBAG WAS RECEIVED FROM PARTS. VEHICLE HAS A ONE STAGE IGNITER. THE HARNESS WAS DIFFERENT CAUSING HORN TO BE INOP." THE CAR WAS RETURNED WITH THE ORIGINAL AIRBAG (OR ONE THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE IT) AND THE HORN NOW WORKS. EVERYTHING I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE STATES THAT THESE 2 SYSTEMS (SINGLE STAGE & DUAL STAGE AIRBAGS) ARE NOT COMPATABLIE WITH WIRING AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND WILL NOT FUNCTION. HAD I NOT CHECKED THE HORN THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RETURNED FOR MONTHS UNTIL THE NEXT INSPECTION AND MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITHOUT A FUCTIONAL AIRBAG. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THIS THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE THAT THEY RETURNED TO ME ON JUNE 12. IF THAT WAS TRUE, WHY DID THEY PUT THE ORIGINAL BAG BACK ON THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND MISTAKES HAPPEN AS BMW CHANGED TO THE DUAL SYSTEM SOMETIME IN 1999 BUT I FEEL THESE GUYS WERE LYING TO ME TRYING TO COVER UP THEIR MISTAKE.

I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR WAS RECALLED IN JANUARY 2020. NO REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND CALLING BMW AND BMW DEALERSHIPS FOR 6 MONTHS. *TR

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT EAST BAY BMW (LOCATED AT 4350 ROSEWOOD DR, PLEASANTON, CA 94588) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION AND OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED DANIELS BMW DEALER, (4600 CRACKERSPORT RD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104) AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFORMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF LAS VEGAS LOCATED AT 6900 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117, WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME OF THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER CREVIER BMW (1500 AUTO MALL DR, SANTA ANA, CA 92705) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WERE NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE BUT WAS UPSET THAT A LOANER VEHICLE WAS NOT OFFERED AND THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO DISENGAGE THE AIR BAGS. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND STROKE A TRUCK. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE GOT SEVERELY DAMAGED. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED THE POLICE WAS PRESENT, BUT NO REPORT WAS ISSUED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED RECEIVING A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) ON JANUARY 21 2020 AFTER THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE. . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE DATE FOR THE PARTS BECOMING AVAILABLE REMAINED UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF THE BUY BACK OPTION HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW (5070 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90036) TO BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR BEING PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT, BY LAW, THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN IN CUSTODY OF THE DEALER DUE TO THE RECALL PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHERE AN OFFER FOR A BUYBACK WAS MADE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BUYBACK WAS BASED ON THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE OF THE VEHICLE PLUS $1,500 IN INCENTIVES TO PURCHASE ANOTHER SIMILAR VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN THREE WEEKS TO MAKE A DECISION. THE CONTACT REQUESTED A LOANER VEHICLE, WHICH WAS DENIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

HI SO I BOUGHT A CAR FROM SOMEONE I TRIED TAKING THE VIM OF SALE AND THE TRANSFER REASSIGNMENT FORM TO THEM AND THEY DENIED ME SAYING I NEED THE PINK SLIP AND I DON'T HAVE THINK PINK NEITHER DOES THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM SO HOW DO I GO ABOUT THAT BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER THE VECHILE IN MY NAME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DOWNSHIFTED AND HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BUSHING HAD SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

AT 0735HRS I WAS DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON I-215 IN UTAH'S SALT LAKE CITY AT 70 MPH WHEN THE DIVERS SIDE, SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO IMPACT TO THE SIDE OF CAR NOR ANYWHERE ELSE TO THE CAR. THE AIRBAG IN THE DOOR SHOVED ME AGAINST THE CENTER CONSOLE CAUSING AN ABRUPT STEER. NO LOSS OF CONTROL TO THE CAR. RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, IE. HEADLINER, WINDSHIELD PILLAR, SIDE PILLAR AND THE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECT RENDERS THE POSITIVE CABLE USELESS. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN UNSAFE CONDITION THE COULD CAUSE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OPERATOR OR OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY.

THE WELDS SECURING THE PASSENGER SIDE FUEL STRAP BRACKET TO THE BODY FAILED WHILE DRIVING AROUND 45MPH ON A SMOOTH ROAD. I NOTICED A METAL SCRAPING NOISE AND PULLED OVER. THE BRACKET WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE STRAP AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND UNTIL I TOOK IT OFF. THE FAILURE HAPPENED DURING COMPLETELY SAFE CONDITIONS, WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF FAILURE. INSPECTION OF THE BRACKET AND AREA OF THE FRAME SUGGESTS THAT THE TACK WELDS WERE DEFECTIVE. IF THE FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ON A ROUGH SURFACE, IT COULD WELL HAVE CAUSED A BLOWOUT OF THE REAR TIRE AND POSSIBLY DROPPING THE GAS TANK. THIS DEFECT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. A QUICK SEARCH TURNS UP DOZENS OF ACCOUNTS OF THE EXACT FAILURE FOR THIS MODEL.

THE SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT, AFTER HITTING THE CURB. TYPICALLY ONLY THE TIRE AND WHEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BASED ON THE IMPACT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A CURB CAUSING A CRASH. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S ARM THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

THE SAME VINTAGE BMW 3 SERIES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAGS NOW IN LATE MAY 2015 . MY VEHICLE IS NOT BEING RECALLED NOW, BUT I HAVE ASKED BMW NORTH AMERICA WHO MADE MY AIRBAG TO DETERMINE IF MY FAMILY IS ALSO AT RISK FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER (TAKATA ). AFTER ASKING MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN AN ANSWER. I HAVE ALSO ASKED MY DEALER IF THEY KNEW, AND THEY SAID THAT THE AIRBAGS HAVE BMW LOGO AND BRANDING ON THEM, BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO ACTUALLY MADE IT. I WOULD LIKE BMW NORTH AMERICA TO TELL ME WHO MADE THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE SO I KNOW THE MANUFACTURER.

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A SIDESWIPE COLLISION. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

THE SAME VINTAGE BMW 3 SERIES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR AIR BAGS FROM 2001 AND FORWARD. MY VEHICLE IS NOT BEING RECALLED NOW, BUT I HAVE ASKED BMW NORTH AMERICA WHO MADE MY AIRBAGS TO DETERMINE IF MY FAMILY IS ALSO AT RISK FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER (TAKATA ). AFTER ASKING MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN AN ANSWER. I HAVE ALSO ASKED MY DEALER IF THEY KNEW, AND THEY SAID THAT THE AIRBAGS HAVE BMW LOGO AND BRANDING ON THEM, BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO ACTUALLY MADE IT. I WOULD LIKE BMW NORTH AMERICA TO TELL ME WHO MADE THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE SO I KNOW THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

GM5 CONTROL MODULE DOOR LOCK FAILURE. INTERMITTENT FAILURE, USUALLY IN HOT OR HUMID WEATHER, CAUSES DOOR UNLOCKING TO FAIL USING EITHER THE KEY FOB OR THE CONSOLE BUTTON. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE DOORS CANNOT BE UNLOCKED FROM THE INSIDE. ONLY THE DRIVER DOOR CAN BE UNLOCKED USING THE PHYSICAL KEY INSERTED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE DOOR! THERE ARE ENTIRE WEBSITES, MESSAGE BOARDS, AND EVEN MICRO-BUSINESSES DEDICATED TO FIXING THIS FLAW IN THE GM5 CONTROL MODULE, BUT I FEEL THIS IS ALSO A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE AS PASSENGERS CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS. IN AN EMERGENCY, THE ONLY OPTION WILL BE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS AND CRAWL OUT OR BREAK A WINDOW IF THE WINDOW CONTROLS ALSO FAIL, AS SOME PEOPLE ALSO REPORT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AND DOOR PANEL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CRASH DID NOT OCCUR NOR DID SHE DRIVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. SHE SUSTAINED A BURN ON HER HAND AND BRUISES ON HER HIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000...UPDATED 07-15-13 *BF

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING ALERT WAS ILLUMINATED AND ALL PASSENGERS WERE SECURED IN THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHO STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT SEAT SENSORS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

CAR PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVER 24HRS IGNITED AND RESULTED INTO FIRE. NO KNOWN ISSUE BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCUR, FROM THE LOOKS OF THE CAR THE FIRE STARTED IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR AND COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL. NO AFTER MARKET INSTALLED EQUIPMENT, NO EQUIPMENT LEFT INSIDE THE CAR THAT HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. ALMOST BURNED DOWN MY HOUSE. *TR

" BMW [XXX] [NO-REVERSE] TRANSMISSION"-HELLO, I'M A 17 MALE STUDENT WHO WORKS A PART TIME JOB, EVER SINCE I WAS A KID I HAVE DREAMED ON HAVING A BMW FOR MY FIRST CAR,AND DO I SAVED MY MONEY SINCE I WAS 5 YEARS OLD. I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MAY AND WAS EXTREMELY HAPPY! BUT JUST THE OTHER DAY I WAS STUCK AT SCHOOL BECAUSE MY CAR WON'T REVERSE? ALSO LAST WEEK THERE WAS A ROAD BLOCK BY THE POLICE AND SO I HAD TO REVERSE TO GO BACK BUT OF COURSE MY LUCK,THE REVERSE ISSUE STARTED TO HAPPEN IN THAT SITUATION, HAD TO GET A TOWING TRUCK TO HELP ME OUT.. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED AND SO I CALLED A COUPLE OF MECHANICS AND BMW AND THE COST ON FIXING THIS ISSUE COST AS MUCH.AS THE CAR!! AND I AM ONLY 17 WITH NOT SO MUCH MONEY DUE TO SPENDING IT ON "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE".. LOOK AT THIS SITE "HTTP://WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG/COMPLAINTS_2009Q3.HTML" MANY PEOPLE ARE DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE I DON'T THINK I HAVE TO PAY $5000 ON A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION IF I WASN'T WARNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE BY BMW! THE CAR WAS NOT EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH AND AGAIN I'M ONLY 17 AND WORK A PART TIMED JOB.. THIS IS MY ONLY RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION, I AM AFRAID ON FUTURE ACCIDENTS AND PROBLEMS IF I DON'T FIX THIS ISSUE AND I'M CONCERNED ON MY SAFETY AND OTHERS WHO RIDE WITH ME IN THIS VEHICLE. I HOPE YOU GUYS HAVE READ THIS AND ARE CONCERNED ABOUT EVERYONE WHO DRIVE THIS MODEL WITH THIS ISSUE AND HELP US OUT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.. *TR

ELECTRIC LOCKS FAIL TO UNLOCK IN HOT OR HUMID WEATHER. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS ARE ALSO UNABLE TO UNLOCK THREE PASSENGER DOORS MANUALLY, THOUGH THE KEY CAN BE USED TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN PASSENGERS ARE LOCKED IN CAR. THE ONLY METHOD TO EXIT AT TIMES IS TO ROLL DOWN WINDOWS AND CRAWL OUT. IN THE INSTANCE OF AN EMERGENCY WHERE PASSENGERS NEED TO EXIT QUICKLY, THIS CAN BE A PROBLEM. *JS

MY 1999 NMW 328I WONT GO INTO REVERSE ON OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS IN A DARK PARKING AREA ALONE. THE CAR GAVE ME NO WARNING. I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR ALL THE DAY AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I GOT INTO THE CAR LATER TO GO HOME AND IT WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE. I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE CAR SO THAT I COULD GO INTO DRIVE WHICH WORKS FINE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BMW PLACE AT 10,000 MILES TO GET TRANSMISSION SERVICED AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO NEED BECAUSE IT WAS A LIFETIME TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE BMW PLACE IN TALLAHASSEE FLORIDA CAPITAL EURO CHECKED THE CAR. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR ALMOST A MONTH AND THE PROBLEM WOULDN'T HAPPEN FOR THEM SO THEY COULDN'T TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I TOOK THE CAR HOME AND IT WAS FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND STARTED AGAIN. IT DOESN'T DO IT OFTEN BUT IM SCARED TO DRIVE IT FAR OR TO MUCH SO IM LIMITED TO WHERE I CAN GO BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD A NEW TRANSMISSION RIGHT NOW AND MY CAR IS PAID FOR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE DEALER MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V223000 (AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW), BUT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SUB FRAME WAS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A MAINTENANCE CHECK WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE MOUNT FOR THE REAR WHEELS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE REAR AXLE AND SUB FRAME. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS WON IN JUNE OF 2009 AND THAT THE TIME FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO MAKE THE REPAIR HAS ELAPSED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE REAR WHEELS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 190,000.

THE DOORS DO NOT UNLOCK AND CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY. PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN BE MANUALLY OVER-RIDDEN. *KB

MY 1999 BMW 328I (E46) TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS REGULARLY FAIL, CAUSE FALSE FAULT DISPLAY WARNINGS, TURN SIGNAL BULBS BURN OUT OR FLASH AT A HIGH SPEED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN FLASH NORMALLY, AND THEN BURN OUT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR. NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS OF TURN SIGNAL/BRAKE LIGHT HARNESSES OVERHEATING, SHORTING OUT, AND MELTING. WHEN CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BMW TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG, IT WAS JUST BAD BULBS. I HEAR BMW IS NOW CHARGING $400. PER SIDE TO REPAIR OUT OF WARRANTY CARS. MY CAR WENT OUT OF WARRANTY IN 2003, AND THIS WAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM BEFORE IT RAN OUT. THE MILEAGE WAS APPROX. 25K WHEN PROBLEM STARTED AND CONTINUES NOW AT APPROX. 89K MILES. *TR

ON A RAINY DAY, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON MY 1999 BMW 328I FAILED UNDER STRESS. I DID NOT NOTICE A TURN ON A COUNTRY ROAD AND THEREFORE WENT INTO IT TOO FAST. THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FIRST PULLED ME OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE INSIDE OF THE TURN, WHERE THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON THE GRAVELY SHOULDER. AT THIS POINT THE TRACTION SYSTEM MAY NOT HAVE FAILED YET. HOWEVER, I SPUN OUT LEFTWARD, AND THEN TO THE OTHER SIDE. I CROSSED ON-COMING TRAFFIC, AND GAINED CONTROL BEFORE LEAVING THE ASPHALT AND POTENTIALLY HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE. HOWEVER, ONCE I HAD THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AFTER LOSING TRACTION AND SLIDING ACROSS TRAFFIC, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CONTROL SYSTEM THREW ME INTO A SECOND SPIN THAT I HAD NO CONTROL OVER, AND I ENDED UP GOING BACKWARDS AGAINST TRAFFIC. THE SYSTEM WANTED TO GO BACKWARDS. I WORKED SO HARD THAT MY HANDS WERE BLEEDING AFTERWARDS. I KNOW THE SYSTEM HAD FAILED BECAUSE THE TRACTION INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON, AND WHEN I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND ON AGAIN, THE TRACTION SYSTEM WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON (INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINED ON) FOR . SO THE CAUSE APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FAILURE, NOT A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM, AND THUS REPLACING MY SYSTEM MAY NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I WOULD HAVE DIED IF THERE WAS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN THE CAUSE WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN KNOWN. SO THIS INCIDENT IS REAL, BUT MAY ONLY OCCUR UNDER STRESS. SO TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE, BMW MUST TEST THE SYSTEM UNDER STRESS (I KNOW - I AM A RELIABILITY ENGINEER). BMW WILL NOT PAY TO INVESTIGATE OR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE UNTIL EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER CLIP WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V100000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,500. UPDATED 05/12/11 *BF UPDATED 05/31/11

THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM (GM5 MODULE) IS MALFUNCTIONING AS IT FAILS TO OPEN THE DOOR LOCKS. THE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN MANUALLY AND THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN WE CANT EXIT THE VEHICLE. ONLY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS DOES THE DOOR FINALLY OPEN. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR THE TEMPERATURE RISES THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE EXITING OF THE VEHICLE.

I HAVE A 1999 BMW 328I (E46 BODY). WITHIN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, I HAVE HAD RECURRING ISSUES, USUALLY ON HOT OR COLD DAYS, WHERE THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN LOCKED, THE CAR ALARM WILL GO OFF AT RANDOM INTERVALS. I'VE EVEN HAD ONE INSTANCE WHERE THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AUTOMATICALLY AND THE DOORS LOCKED WHILE I WAS STILL IN THE CAR AND THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET OUT WAS BY UNLOCKING THE DOORS WITH THE ELECTRIC KEY FOB. NEITHER OPENING THE DOOR HANDLE OR UNLOCKING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE WORKED. SOME RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THESE SYMPTOMS ARE COMMON INDICATORS OF A FAULTY GM5 MODULE AND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN. GETTING IT FIXED WOULD REQUIRE A SERVICE VISIT, PERHAPS MULTIPLE DIAGNOSES, AND CLOSE TO $1000.00 TO FIX. I FEEL THAT BMW SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A FAIRLY SEVERE SAFETY CONCERN. I WOULD NOT WANT TO FIND MYSELF LOCKED IN MY CAR WITH NO WAY TO EXIT. *TR

I WENT TO BACK OUT OF MY GARAGE AND MY 1999 BMW 328I WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THE SHIFT LEVER SEEMED TO BE WORKING. THE INDICATOR ON THE DASH SAID "R". BUT THE ENGINE JUST REVVED. I PUSHED IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND DROVE TO MY AUTO MECHANIC. WHEN I GOT THERE, IT WAS WORKING PERFECTLY. I DROVE IT AROUND FOR ABOUT A WEEK, AND THEN IT DID IT AGAIN. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR 10 MINUTES I CHECKED AGAIN AND IT WAS WORKING. I CALLED TWO BMW DEALERS AND ALL THEY WOULD SAY IS "YOU NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND IT WILL COST 5 GRAND". *TR

HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY 328I BMW NOT GOING INTO REVERSE. *TR

BMW 328I YEAR 1999. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A REPUTABLE TECHNICIAN WHO INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH REAR SUB-FRAM SEPERATION AND CRACKING. HE MENTIONED THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHCILE TO LOSE CONTROL. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THIS YEAR AND MODEL HAVE ONGOING PROBLEM. AFTER ADDITIONAL RESEARCH ON WEB, THERE ARE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SAME MODEL YEAR(S) 1999-2002 3 SERIES BMW CARS. I HAVE OVER 200 NAMES MYSELF, OF LOGGED COMPLAINTS ON A BMW BLOG SITE. HERE IS MY COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA AT ABOUT 112K MILES I NOTICED A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. UPON INSPECTION, THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT HAS MULTIPLE STRESS FRACTURES AND SEPERATIONS AT THE POINT WHERE THE MOUNT IS WELDED TO THE UNI-BODY. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL REQUIRED MAINT. INSPECTIONS AT NORMAL INTERVALS. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY 90% OF THE TIME AND THE REST IN RESIDENTIAL STREETS. IT IS A FAMILY CAR AND HAS HAD NO MODIFICATIONS PERIOD. THE CAR WAS PRUCHASED WITH A BMWNA CPO WARRANTY THAT HAS SINCE EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO COVER ANY REPAIR COSTS ( ESTIMATED AT >3000 DOLLARS) BMWNA HAS IGNORED REPEATED REQUESTS FROM OWNERS TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION. IN FACT, BMW GERMANY HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND COVERS THE COST OF REPAIRS, THEY EVEN HAVE A METHOD OF REPAIR. THIS SITUATION IS VERY DANGEROUS AND REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. THE SUSPENSION SHOULD NEVER SEPERATE FROM THE BODY BE

1999 BMW 328I WAS RUNNING FINE UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN IT WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. ENGINE WOULD JUST REV UP LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS $4500.00. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE IN NOREVERSE.ORG. FOR THE BMW. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFAULT FROM BMW AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. PLEASE HELP RENDER THIS ABUSE BY THIS MANUFACTURER. *TR

1999 BMW 328I 4DR (E46) DOOR LOCK FAILURE DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER UNLOCK DOORS WHEN BUTTON IS PRESSED ON FOB OR FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. HAPPENS 2 OUT OF THREE TIME'S DOOR ARE LOCKED, DOORS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN CAR BEGINS TO MOVE. PROBLEM: LOCK NOT OPERATING, TRAP OCCUPANT IN VEHICLE, THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN MANUALLY. THIS IS SERIOUS, YOU CANNOT UNLOCK THE DOORS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE! *TR

I, LIKE THOUSANDS IF NOT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, NOW HAVE A BMW THAT THE REVERSE HAS GONE OUT ON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 328I. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS FINE. NO ISSUES PRIOR. JUST ONE DAY AFTER HAVING PARKED SOMEWHERE THE REVERSE WOULD NOT WORK. FROM THE WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THIS ISSUE I SEE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS THIS HAPPENS TO. DOES NOT SEEM TO MATTER HOW MANY MILES A CAR HAS. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO BMW YET AS I KNOW WHAT THEY WILL SAY. IF THIS IS THIS BIG A PROBLEM WITH A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE REVERSE GOING OUT THEN BMW NEEDS TO FIX IT. IT IS NOT JUST A FEW HUNDRED CARS. IT IS THOUSANDS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR IN DRIVE, BUT THE VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,300. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

MY BMW 1999 328I/AUTO TRANSMISSION HAS 98K ON IT AND 90% OF THE TIME, IT CAN'T REVERSE. *NM

2000 BMW 328I HAS CRACKED AND TORN REAR SUBFRAME UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY FACTORY ORIGINAL WITH ALL SERVICES UP TO DATE. IF LEFT UN-REPAIRED, VEHICLE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD.

1999 BMW 328I (E46) - DESIGN DEFECT IN THE REAR SUSPENSION LEADING TO A CRACK IN THE CHASSIS FLOOR WHERE THE REAR SUB-FRAME ATTACHES TO THE CHASSIS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE REAR SUSPENSION IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR. THERE ARE AT LEAST 50 INSTANCES OF THIS, OCCURRING ON 1999 - 2000 BMW E46 CARS AND ALMOST ALL OCCUR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, DISCUSSED ON THE INTERNET. SIMPLY DO A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR: "BMW E46 REAR SUBFRAME CRACKS". BMW HAS AGREED TO PAY 75% OF THE REPAIR COST BUT I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN ISSUE AFFECTING THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD BE EXTREMELY UNSAFE FOR UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CLEAR SITUATION REQUIRING A RECALL TO FIX AND/ OR STRENGTHEN THE SUSPENSION IN THESE CARS. I DO NOT BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING TO FIX WHAT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT AFFECTING THE SAFETY OF THIS MODEL (E46). MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR WITH MY THREE CHILDREN AGES 6, 5, AND 2! *JB