While driving at night on interstate 5, southbound North of los angeles in vicinity of sun valley, my 1997 BMW 528I struck a large (30 gallon) plastic barrel in the roadway, impacting the lower front center/right of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. Damage was extensive enough that the insurance company considers it a total loss (exceeding $12,000). There is a NHTSA recall outstanding on the 1997 BMW 5 series (recall number 04V183000) regarding defective front suspension/strut components, but my call to BMW at 800-831-1117 did not result in any assistance with regard to my vehicle. They were only able to confirm two other recall services that had been performed. My insurance company is offering me a settlement for total loss, but I would prefer that the car be repaired and that BMW bear their share of the cost for the substantial portion of damage due to the known defect.

- Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

A rattling noise can be heard while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the front struts needed to be replaced. The front right strut collapsed and caused damage to the tire.

- Miami Beach, FL, USA

Consumer had already fixed the NHTSA recall campaign #4V183000. Original invoice was send to the manufacturer in May 2004. And still waiting for the reimbursement. Manufacturer call the consumer and indicated they wont honoring the recall because independent shop repaired the vehicle.

- Morristown, NJ, USA

On July 1, 2004 consumer received a recall letter, prior to having the strut NHTSA recall campaign 04V183000 repairs performed. The defect occurred. This resulted in a collision on June 25, 2004 while driving at 35 mph. Consumer lost control, and the right tire broke. As result, vehicle went into a ditch.

- Celina, TX, USA

While driving at 30 mph, the consumer heard an explosion, sounding like a tire blowout. While examining the flat tire, the consumer discovered that the right front strut broke, piercing the tire. Several months later, the exact same thing happened on the opposite side of the vehicle.

- Glenshaw, PA, USA

The driver side front strut has failed. The strut has broken half way and appears that it just a matter of time or a bump before the entire piece breaks off. If this happens while driving, vehicle control will be lost. A few months ago I replaced the passenger side strut because that strut spring base failed, at the time I considered a freak occurrence and just replaced the strut. Now that the other strut is failing I believe this is a manufacturing defect and very dangerous safety issue. Please contact me as soon as possible since I need my car to travel to work and I am planning on taking the car to the dealer tomorrow.

- Cicero, IL, USA