Class Actions

BMW Defect - Subframe Crack

Contact us about the BMW Subframe Cracks.

Wasserman, Comden & Casselman, L.L.P. is investigating claims concerning defects in BMW 3 series vehicles manufactured between 1999 and 2005.

The investigation revolves around claims that the BMW 3 Series vehicles manufactured during this time period may contain a manufacturing and/or design defect that severely compromises the safety, durability, and performance of the vehicle. A class action lawsuit has been filed which alleges that the manufacturing and/or design defect includes a weak or insufficient floor panel in the unibody of the vehicle that causes, among other things, cracking in the floor pan and misalignment, cracking or the complete or partial failure of the rear subframe of the vehicle. Plaintiffs are informed and believe that the rear mounting points for the subframe rip 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. Plaintiffs are informed and believe that Defendants first learned of this problem in the E36 vehicles, and tried to correct the problem in the E46 by placing a cross member on the front two mounting points of the subframe. Although the cross member keeps the front mounting points from having problems by placing the bushing and the stud in double-shear, thus reducing the twisting action on the sheet metal, the cross member creates an unfortunate side effect in that the load from the front of the subframe is transmitted to the left rear of the subframe, causing failures of the chassis, which then affects the safety of the vehicle. The cross member is defective in that it experiences movement, which then causes damage to other parts of the vehicle, including the floor plan. The cracks may initially develop during the warranty period, but not become visible to the naked eye until the warranty period has already expired.

An example of such cracks, after having become large enough to plainly see, is provided in the following photographs:

If you own a BMW 3 Series vehicle manufactured between 1999 and 2005 and have information to share, please contact Wasserman, Comden & Casselman, L.L.P.

Please see the Disclaimer page on this website for important information regarding communications with Wasserman, Comden & Casselman, L.L.P.