Gas Tank Strap problems of the 2001 BMW 3 Series

While driving down the highway, the passenger-side fuel tank retaining strap bracket broke from the floor pan of the car. It was not entirely clear to me if it was struck by something on the road or if the welds just failed, however I do know that I didn't hit a pothole or other road irregularity. I've done some research and found that this is not an uncommon problem on ~2001 BMW 3-series coupes and it appears that it is failing welds.

The welds on the front (passenger side) fuel tank support strap fitting (welded to the under side of the body) broke away allowing the support strap to fall, contact, bend backward and scrape along the road surface causing sparks. The tank was full of fuel, and the weight of the tank caused it to sag downward toward the road surface. Fortunately it did not break or contact the road surface before I was able to pull over and seek assistance. This is a dangerous design/manufacturing flaw that could cause serious injury if not corrected. I am reporting it because after this event I learned that there have been numerous reports of this failure in this model BMW.