2000 BMW E46 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 44%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 2000 BMW E46, 44% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,500 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.
“At approximate 73,000 miles I noticed a squeaking noise coming from my car, I took it to my mechanic and he found cracks in the subframe around the left rear bushing. I have researched this and it is a common occurrence with this car and model. I have taken it to the dealership and they so far are saying it is not covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10163758, filed 2006-07, 73,000 miles“This car is my daily driving car and that is its sole purpose. The rear subframe mount has begun to rip out of the car on the driver side. Nothing has been done to correct the failure, but Bmw has been contacted and I am awaiting their reply.”
NHTSA complaint #10174979, filed 2006-12, 76,000 miles“My Bmw 328ci year 2000 has a factory defect and the manufacturer does not want to take responsibility. Seperation of rear under chasis, my car is in the dealer now at Bmw san francisco and they told me that Bmw north america does not want to take responsibility and they are charging me $22000 for repair. The car is only 5 years in august and its only 37k miles on it. I talked to the body shop of Bmw san francisco and they showed me 3 cars that have the same problem . A $45k car easy to seperated the underchasis and so dangerous to drive. I hope you take a chance to take a look on this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10078873, filed 2004-06, 37,000 miles“I drive a 2000 328ci Bmw with 84,000 miles on it. 1. It has been a daily driver for 3 years. 2. The subframe has torn behind the driver side rear wheel. 3. Bmw is not recognizing this as an engineering defect and is giving a hard time covering the fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10179069, filed 2007-01, 84,000 miles“The problem with my 2000 323 ci Bmw is, the rear mounting points for the subframe have ripped out from their spots in the sheet metal because the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, then into the chassis. The constant loading and unloading weakens the insufficient sheet metal, causing it to fatigue and separate from the chassis. This failure of the chassis threatens the safety of the vehicle. The approximate cost to fix this defect is around $9,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10205743, filed 2007-10, 51,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 8 | 44% |
Other parts of the 2000 BMW E46
5 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 BMW E46
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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