Rear Suspension Coil Springs Problems of BMW 325

Tl the contact owns a 2003 BMW 325ci. While the vehicle was being inspected by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the rear driver's side coil spring was fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,550.

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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.

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The rear coil springs have broken three (3) times. The car was purchased new in 2001. The springs failed at 52000 miles in 2008, at 77000 miles in 2013 and at 89000 miles in 2017. The bottom coils fractured and rusting in the area was evident. I have both broken springs from the latest incident. BMW refuses to participate in the cost to repair. BMW cost is $1100. This is a safety issue.

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I would like to bring to attention of NHTSA that my car's rear coil springs cracked due to rust. I came to know about it when I took the car for oil change at bridgewater NJ BMW dealership. I got the part replaced by a certified independent mechanic as the dealer's quote was way high. I have the removed part if NHTSA want?s for analysis. I have done some online search on this issue and found it to be a common problem due to kind of paint and coating being used for the springs. I believe this is a quality of workmanship issue and should be addressed by a recall and request NHTSA to urge BMW na to look into this matter and take necessary steps to improve the quality of the component in question as it is a huge safety issue as well.

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The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325xi. While driving approximately 45 mph, a loud clanking noise emitted from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact continued driving and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician detected that both rear coil springs were fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325xi. The contact stated that the rear coils were fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the rear coil springs needed to be replaced. In addition, the hand brake light would not illuminate to indicate if the hand brake was on or not. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,000.

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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.