2001 BMW 330I Fuel system Problems

“While driving on the freeway I suddenly heard a thump or pop followed by a grinding noise. I pulled over at the next exit and discovered that the bracket holding the strap that holds the fuel tank on the passenger side had torn off the body and the fuel talk was left hanging a few inches above the ground. The shop where I normally take my car for service couldn't fix it and recommended a body shop where the bracket could be welded back on to the body.”

“The stainless steel strap that supports the fuel tank came off of my vehicle yesterday while driving on the highway. The strap is spot welded at 4 points on the front. The spot welds failed, leaving the strap dragging behind my car at highway speeds. As a result, the fuel tank itself is sagging about 4 from the surface of the road. The spot welds do not sufficiently support this strap - this seems to be an obvious safety issue. More robust mounting points should have been incorporated during design and manufacturing.”

“Upon exiting the freeway a horrible, continuous metallic scraping noise began. I had heard this periodically on my drive, but until now it was not continuous. Looking under the car, I could see the metal gas tank strap hanging and resting on the ground. It was the passenger side front that failed, so the strap was pointing forward. I assume it was only periodically at first because it took some time for my actual gas tank to slip down forcing the strap against the asphalt. …”

“The metal strap that supports the passenger side of the fuel tank just broke off. I was driving down the street and heard a pop sound and then metal grinding and jumping around (like a needle on a scratched record/ a cd) the bracket to which the forward end of this strap mounted to the underbody broke free leaving a gash like tear on the underbody. I am having the car serviced for repairs, but when I called the dealership the parts department didn't have any fixable solution for the mishap. …”

“I was driving on the highway at 70mph when I heard a pop sound followed by a grinding of some sort. I pulled off the next exit and could hear the continuous scraping noise. I parked my car and could see that the gasoline tank strap had separated from the frame and it was just hanging from the back. The gas tank was 4 inches from the concrete. I had it towed home, and needless to say I am glad the tank did not hit the ground and explode. I see this is an ongoing problem with all e46 bmws. Please look into this issue before someone gets killed.”