I'm seeing some of the ZKW complaints show up in NHTSA's complaint database. It's perhaps worthwhile to note that NHTSA's original investigation of the E46 tail light issue was initiated by a private citizen E46 owner...he submitted a petition to NHTSA and they accepted it:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011...ty-tail-lamps/

Here's a rundown on current recall activity on the car:

http://www.faqs.org/car/bmw-e46-2005/

Submitting a petition to NHTSA:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/...ampaigns.print

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Black Sapphire Met., Black Dakota Lthr., PP, Moonroof, convenient electronic "dip stick," Steptronic.
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E90 328i
E92 335i 6MT
E46 M3 6MT
E39 528i 5MT
MBz W140 S320
MBz W124 300E (slammed)
(unmentionables in between)
'71 AMC Javelin (4-Spd Stick on the floor)
'67 Pontiac Firebird 'cabrio' (1st car - "the leaker")
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Member: BMW CCA