1999 BMW 328I Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 10%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 BMW 328I, 10% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,800 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bmw 328I year 1999. I have had vehicle inspected by a reputable technician who informed me that my car has problem with rear sub-fram seperation and cracking. He mentioned this is a dangerous issue, which could cause the vehcile to lose control. He also mentioned that this year and model have ongoing problem. After additional research on web, there are hundreds, if not thousands of complaints on the same problem with same model year(s) 1999-2002 3 series Bmw cars. I have over 200 names myself, of logged complaints on a Bmw blog site. …”
NHTSA complaint #10321555, filed 2010-03, 107,800 miles“Rear subframe torn away from chassis causing noisy and misaligned suspension parts and a definite safety concern for complete failure. Common enough problem that there are more than 100 websites detailing it. Time for a recall before someone gets hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10119686, filed 2005-05, 65,000 miles“1999 Bmw 328I (e46) - design defect in the rear suspension leading to a crack in the chassis floor where the rear sub-frame attaches to the chassis. This is definitely a safety hazard as the rear suspension is no longer attached to the frame of the car. There are at least 50 instances of this, occurring on 1999 - 2000 Bmw e46 cars and almost all occur on the driver's side, discussed on the internet. Simply do a google search for: Bmw e46 rear subframe cracks . …”
NHTSA complaint #10135682, filed 2005-09, 125,500 miles“Right and left rear springs both broke at same spots. Car has 92,000 miles. Car never 'bottomed out or hit large hole to cause such a break in spings.”
NHTSA complaint #10020930, filed 2003-06, 91,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Bmw 328I. While driving various speeds, the contact downshifted and heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact observed that the rear driver side bushing had separated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10983102, filed 2017-05, 135,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 11 | 10% |
| 1999 | 10 | 10% |
| 1998 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1999 BMW 328I
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 BMW 328I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology