Rear Suspension Coil Springs problems of the 2001 BMW 325

Second rear coil failure. First was 4/2007 at 39800 mi (ref odi 10189296). Exactly same location in coil as last time. Corroded cracked surface (>95%) indicates part failed long before the coil end broke off and flew out of car. Final failure was under braking. Part was forcebly ejected and could have injured a bystander or oncoming vehicle.

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. During scheduled maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the rear coil springs had failed. The contact stated that he previously heard a popping noise. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 73,784.

Dealer performing 60,000 maintenance check on 2001 BMW 325ix reported that both rear springs were cracked. Also reported that they had seen similar cracked springs on a half dozen 3 series cars of the same vintage (1999-2005) over the last year.

Both rear springs failed, requiring replacement, at less than 50,000 miles with no excessive driving. My mechanic mentioned that the problem seems endemic to the e46 BMW 3 series. Should the rear suspension have become unloaded on a bump, etc. A serious accident could have resulted. If this problem with the rear springs is common, it could represent a design defect.