Front Suspension Strut problems of the 1997 BMW 528

A rattling noise can be heard while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the front struts needed to be replaced. The front right strut collapsed and caused damage to the tire.

Consumer had already fixed the NHTSA recall campaign #4v183000. Original invoice was send to the manufacturer in may 2004. And still waiting for the reimbursement. Manufacturer call the consumer and indicated they wont honoring the recall because independent shop repaired the vehicle. Please provide further information.

On July 1, 2004 consumer received a recall letter, prior to having the strut NHTSA recall campaign 04v183000 repairs performed. The defect occurred. This resulted in a collision on June 25, 2004 while driving at 35 mph. Consumer lost control, and the right tire broke. As result, vehicle went into a ditch.

While driving at 30 mph, the consumer heard an explosion, sounding like a tire blowout. While examining the flat tire, the consumer discovered that the right front strut broke, piercing the tire. Several months later, the exact same thing happened on the opposite side of the vehicle.

The driver side front strut has failed. The strut has broken half way and appears that it just a matter of time or a bump before the entire piece breaks off. If this happens while driving, vehicle control will be lost. A few months ago I replaced the passenger side strut because that strut spring base failed, at the time I considered a freak occurrence and just replaced the strut. Now that the other strut is failing I believe this is a manufacturing defect and very dangerous safety issue. Please contact me as soon as possible since I need my car to travel to work and I am planning on taking the car to the dealer tomorrow.