Table 1 shows two common structure related problems of the 2001 BMW 3 Series.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Structure problems | |
| Frame And Members problems |
The engine of my car shut off, and upon being towed to the dealer, they got back to me to say that the engine failed as a result of drivers error from a downshift from 4th to 2nd. The dealer said that this was identified by the car's computer system. However, after talking to many mechanics, I have been instructed that this problem could never have been identified by a car's computer, and this was just an out for the manufacturer and dealer. I am not satisfied with their answer, and am looking for a way to protest their decision. For right now, I was stuck paying for the total bill which exceeded $6000.
BMW e46 model 3-series have a known subframe weakness causing the rear axle to separate from the vehicle. A class action lawsuit supposedly resolved this, but the terms of the suit ended in 2010 leaving anyone that experiences the problem after the term of the suite to fix the BMW admitted engineering failure themselves. This leaves thousands of 1999-2006 BMW 3 Series as potential hazards on the road.