Subframe Repairs - Who has had it done?

Is this a problem with the earlier models only? Mine is an 05.

Might be worth buying the reinforcing kit from turner in the US.

05 Models have the newer floor which is a stronger and more durable material.

BMW changed all part codes associated with the rear subframe area as they knew it was a defect and made changes to make sure the 05+ models were without the problems in the earlier models.



http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...67&hg=41&fg=25

if you look at the link above, there's a new part for the rear axle support, number 16. Part 41007030266 is what's on the older M3s (pre 05) and 41117000246 is whats on the newer M3s (05+)

Did some more research. It seems like the subframe failure COULD BE (I emphasize COULD BE) because of all the rear bushings and lower wishbone failing and then putting extra stress on the rear subframe.

BMW did a change on the RTABs (rear trailing arm bushes) in 2005. The part number for the old RTABs #33322228153 is listed as pre 10/05 cars and #33326770817 is listed as post 10/05.

BMW also made changes with the ball joints of the trailing arm from #33321140345 to #33326775551, the lower wishbone from #33321092237 to #33326770813, the lower wishbone bushings from #33321092248 to #33326770824 and changed the eccentric bolt from #33326770877 to 33326772698. They also changed the rear axle carrier mounts on the left from #33312282113 to #33312283573 and the right ones from #33312282114 to #33312283574 and the mounts in the rear for both left and right from #33312282321 to #33312283419.

Originally Posted by M3BAS

Is this a problem with the earlier models only? Mine is an 05.

Might be worth buying the reinforcing kit from turner in the US.

Get it and the front enforcement kit if you plan on ever seeing a race track with it. Peace of mind and all that.

Mine was inspected today and the report/pictures sent off to BMW AU.
Supposed to hear back by Wednesday next week. *fingers crossed*

I cant understand why a company would deem it intelligent to pursue legal activity when the court costs/lawyers will cost more than the repair.... All repairs done on E46 sub frames have been between $7,000 - $8,000

what causes sub-frame damage?

Originally Posted by YGOAMG

what causes sub-frame damage?

Is this problem only related to coupes? or sedans as well?

Originally Posted by GTII

Is this problem only related to coupes? or sedans as well?

both..

however in saying that.. ive mostly seen it occur in early model manual coupes..

also a few M3's too going by this thread

Originally Posted by YGOAMG

both..

however in saying that.. ive mostly seen it occur in early model manual coupes..

also a few M3's too going by this thread

It's more prevalent in M3's and the more powerful coupes (more often MT ones) given they place greater stress through the part.

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

It's more prevalent in M3's and the more powerful coupes (more often MT ones) given they place greater stress through the part.

so what will cause it to break??

Its a design flaw.

Originally Posted by 1q2w3e4r

Its a design flaw.

so in particular cars its unpreventiable??

btw rear subframe damage is my worst nightmare..

No, you can get the Turner Motorsports reinforcement kit as a preventative measure, or wait until it breaks then fix it.

Originally Posted by 1q2w3e4r

No, you can get the Turner Motorsports reinforcement kit as a preventative measure, or wait until it breaks then fix it.

I used Turner kit and did it myself after I noticed a small rip. I would do it before it breaks if you drive hard or are going to hold onto it.

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

It's more prevalent in M3's and the more powerful coupes (more often MT ones) given they place greater stress through the part.

I guess the sedans are better reinforced?? Mine's a 330 though..so fair bit of torque there..but auto
When did they make changes (which month in 04) to the materials used?

10/05 as stated above the codes changed, you will never truely know. I can only go via the code change dates.

Loren you havent pm'd me about the rear diff... 4.10 .....

Originally Posted by 1q2w3e4r

Get it and the front enforcement kit if you plan on ever seeing a race track with it. Peace of mind and all that.

Yeah i've just ordered some Kw V3's so may as well get the re-inforcement kit. Good to know they finally realised the problem and (hopefully) fixed it.

BTW- if BMW is giving you the run-around, have your lawyer take over all dealings with BMW on your behalf. He needs to write them a letter in the first instance demanding they fix it by a certain date, put the ball back in their court to tell you why they think they shouldn't. A competent lawyer should have it finalised with a couple letters and/or calls given the apparent precedents where BMW has admitted fault.

If people actually knew what a subframe was they would stop saying their subframe is cracked. Its the mount, not the actual subframe itself. If its damaged, the crack always appears on the right rear subframe mount. Noticed mine after about 90,000kms with a crack that measured 3-4cm. Got the TMS kit and fixed it that way.

Originally Posted by M3_DU

If people actually knew what a subframe was they would stop saying their subframe is cracked. Its the mount, not the actual subframe itself. If its damaged, the crack always appears on the right rear subframe mount. Noticed mine after about 90,000kms with a crack that measured 3-4cm. Got the TMS kit and fixed it that way.

Mine occured on the left hand side, presenting much worse than the right. All the way along the flooring of the car, shockingly bad. Should try and dig up some pictures.