Rear subframe damage an issue for XI cars too?

I would like to guess that since it's AWD the front takes some the torqe and they are less prone to breaking the subframe.

But I am curious to know if anyone has has issues with the sheetmetal cracking on their XI's rear subframe.

121,000 and have no major problems of any kind with my '02 324 xit..minor problems= fuel pump, one window regulator, thermostat

happy presidents day..i

I'd say no , since the xi didn't exist until the subframe issue was resolved.

Don't take my word for it though

I went down to the dealership and had them do the free subframe inspection. You can only do it until Sep 2010. That way if it is ever a problem or starting you're covered.

So 2002 is still prone to subframe issues?

i think the XI fair better because of the torque distribution with the AWD system. you simply don't get enough of it back their to wreack havoc on the rear subframe

130k here no issues did replace front axles this week though its fun

Look at BMW estimates contained on the class action web site. Pre 2002 models, 2% with subframe issues. Post 2001, .2%. And thats for all E46s, not just xi. I have never seen anyone on the BMW boards claim subframe problems with an xi so I think the chances are virtually nill you will have a problem, but get the free inspection for your peace of mind.

aye shadows right the cars that really had sub frame issues were the z3's

okay guys, because we all here have xi's, i got a question. while shifting do u guys here a loud thud from the back seats. well everytime i shift up to gear i hear this thud noise. some people said it normal, but when i get in my buddys e46; i dont here anything. this been bothering the hell out of me for a while now. if u guys do experience this, let me know or tell me how u guys fix the problem. thanks

thats normal, its either the rear differential bushing or rear subframe bushing i forget which one. expensive to replace.

shift up like go into a higher gear? under heavy throttle? or what? lil more info does it do it while down shifting? which is worse? down shift or up shift? does it do it when you are using a gear to slow down?

Xi are less prone to subframe issues because the Xi frame, subframe and suspension components are all more robust than the stock parts. That's why you're always ordering special parts for Xi. My 2004 330Xi has 220,000 km (180,000 m) and it's still on original factory control arms, bushings, FCABs, RTABs, etc. The only suspension changes made were upgrades to H&R and Bistein. The remaining parts including rear subframe and subframe bushings are still intact and I checked the entire undercarriage 2 weeks ago and both the front and rear subframe, subframes bushings (rear) and subframe mounts are still intact and with no play!!

well its during regular driving. it doesnt make the noise while down shifting. also while the car is on heavy loud the sound seems to stop or ease a little bit. maybe it is the bushing, i dont know. i dont check the rear end as much. but do u guys think this could be a diy for the subframe bushing? have any of you guys done it.? thanks for the in puts.

i havent dont it. It's expensive. time consuming and a pain. The whole rear subframe will have to be dropped in order to do it. I wouldnt suggest doing it unless you're doing a few more things to make it worth it (fuel filter, differential bushing, differential oil change, replacing fuel lines, guibo, rear springs)

i guess im going to take it to the BMW shop to get the free subframe check for any defects. than get a estimate. hope they be able to tell me wats causing it. but its good to hear that XI's dont have the subframe defect.

No subframe issues in xi's 03 and up? whoohoo!

you can do the bushing yourself easy lots of DIY about diffs and bushings they are hard to get out and you will need to make a press which is easy or you can get them out have a machine shop push em out my local shop that i use charges me 30 bucks well worth it imo. if your going to do the diff bushings i'd suggest looking into a new diff too if you want to mod unless you got an auto your stuck with the 3.46s if you got a stick like me i'm using 3.07s atm and i'm gonna do the 3.46 swap it's easy to do yourself you can do do the bushing yourself too don't get killed at the stealership

Originally Posted by Nachos23

My 2004 330Xi has 220,000 km (180,000 m) and it's still on original factory control arms, bushings, FCABs, RTABs, etc.

What?

Just because the car still runs, doesn't mean these parts aren't bad, which they most certainly are at this mileage.

There is no way you got 180k out of a set of fcabs. I get 15-20k max on oem xi fcabs.

I'm just having a hard time believeing this.

Did you buy the car from your grandma?