As the result of a class action lawsuit settlement against BMW, the luxury German automaker will begin an inspection-and-repair process for potentially faulty subframes in fourth-generation 3-series models. The particular model in question is the E46, and covers the complete model run from 1999 through to 2006. The suit originated in 2006 and claimed that defects in E46 3-series models cause fractures in the rear-axle supports in the subframe. Some customers have reported clunking noises from the rear and some have even experienced complete subframe failure. This settlement only pertains to U.S. residents for now and is not classified as a recall of any kind. Details will be forthcoming, pending the court's final approval of the proposed class settlement. In advance of the final settlement, BMW customers with questions should visit the website e46subframeclassactionsettlement. In the meantime, all E46 3-series owners and leases in the U.S. who have not noticed the problem or have already fixed it themselves should check the website as well as they may be eligible for reimbursement. - BMW settles E46 3-series subframe lawsuit, promises to repair affected models - [E46 BMW 3-series] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots
Yikes... I had 2 E46s and thankfully no problems at the time. Kinda lame that it took a lawsuit to make BMW admit fault.
Sounds like a very serious defect which could affect the car's safety. I hope they pay more attention to build quality these days...
My bro has owned several e46 (330i and d, and M3) and he was very aware of this problem. Extra-checked for any noise or anything from the rear of the car. The 330d especially, because of the torque. The rear axle link with the bodyshell is not well conceived, and ultimately the bodyshell of the car gets cracks where the rear axle is linked with it. Here some pics (from bmwblog.com) Extremely expensive to fix, as you can imagine... And can be very dangerous, too.
