E46 News: BMW Sub-frame Defect Class Action Lawsuit - Settlement Approved - Updated information

A little FYI/Heads up to everyone:
First off I believe the subframe is actually the suspension for the rear end, and not really related to the suspension system. Mine has punctured through the frame and as can be seen on the video posted previsously the subframe only torques (and creaks) when engaging the clutch, and NOT when going over bumps/turns as the rest of the suspension does.

I took my car in for inspection (already knowing it was busted, but following protocal) and first & only thing service agent does is right down that I have aftermarket wheels (Haman 18") and shocks (Bilstien sports). Of course I have just replaced the rear shocks weeks prior hoping that this will stablilize the rear end and buy me some time (not to mention they were also shot). Long story short, I was denied by BMWNA rep due to the new shocks and now will be dealing with them on the phone as I had this problem inspected and documented by a shop prior to replacing the shocks. Also to note, the BMW Encinitas Service Center Rep tried to politely warn me that if it actually does get approved I will be without my car for several weeks and a loner will not be provided. A rather transparent attempt to try and convince me its not worth getting it fixed. Did I mention the mount pulls completely out of the frame, completely!

I will post what happens, but safest bet is to keep stocks on or even purchase stocks if necessary. 150$ worth of shocks is much cheaper than 5000$ to fix it yourself.

I have a an American Car But i live in Canada, So do i get the inspection, and i have A Koni suspention so does that mean i dont get a free inspection

Regarding the Repair process:
Two days after I brought my 328ci in for inspection I called and drilled the service department about exactly how the repairs are done and now I share.... There are two ways which the repair is done and which is used depends on how bad the rip is.

If crack(s) is/are under 20mm an epoxy is used which fills up the area thus reinforcing the mount. If this is the case with your car it will be a quick process and does not even require approval from BMW NA for the shop to do the repair.

If crack(s) is/are over 20mm a section of the floor board where the sub-frame mounts is cut out and replaced with new tougher material. I believe (but was not told this from the service dept.) they fill the area with epoxy on this repair also. Because this is a MUCH lengthier process and MUCH more expensive the dealer must take photos of the crack(s) and send them in for approval from BMW NA.

I hope this clears up any questions about the repair, I know I was really wondering how it was done. My cracks were right at 20mm so I am waiting to hear back from BMW NA about how exactly they would like to repair. All I know is it better be STRONG I expect to start putting some mods on my car when I get it back!

Originally Posted by monochrom3

Has anyone submitted documents for potential reimbursement and heard back? I sent in some stuff, but waiting to hear. (Sorry if this has been covered, but I haven't read all the pages yet :-)

I sent in my docs about a month ago, no word yet. I expect it will take some time before adn if I see any money, legal matters usually take for-freakin-ever.

Originally Posted by jetskier88

WOOOO WHOOOOOOOO... fukkk i hope i get my money back... this was honestly the one thing i was really butt hurt about spending money into my car

+1!

So I just got done crawling around on the floor under my car looking for cracks and could find none. I didn't really expect of find anything as the car only has 26k on it. But somebody please tell me more about this epoxy stuff used in the cases of less severe cracking. Is this something that could be done as a preventitive measure? -Steve

Originally Posted by rkneeshaw

I sent in my docs about a month ago, no word yet. I expect it will take some time before adn if I see any money, legal matters usually take for-freakin-ever.



+1!

I'm with you on that. I'm not too hopeful, but that's a big chunk of cash that could be spent on more mods!

Originally Posted by glovesoff

Can we have it inspected more than once? Can I go to the dealer this week, but then go again before the Sept. 2010 deadline?

I would think the inspection will be saved in the computer ... i doubt they would waste time on it twice. But wouldnt hurt to try it. These cars are always worth a second opinion

Hello, everyone I have 2002 330xi and 2000 323i. Do I need to get the 330xi inspected?? Also, is there any way that the dealer can get out of replacing/fixing the sub-frame???

That kind of sucks that you have to have stock suspension.

Originally Posted by BadBoostedBmwM3

Hello, everyone I have 2002 330xi and 2000 323i. Do I need to get the 330xi inspected?? Also, is there any way that the dealer can get out of replacing/fixing the sub-frame???

Yes. Yes, by lying. But they should have no interest in doing so (liability. And profits are protected by BMWNA, so thats no issue).

Originally Posted by Latinimagexx

That kind of sucks that you have to have stock suspension.

I would say no. Its definite or nada sucking.

It doesnt suck for me since i have stock suspension and tasteful M3 wheels (installed at the dealership.)

It DEFINITELY sucks for people that went for aftermarket parts.

Has anyone who has a supercharger installed actually gotten this approved for free repair? If they only check the rear end, it might work. I know, most folks who have an SC also have other mods on the suspension, but, believe it or not, I don't. ALL stock, except the for the SC...

so... it passed or what? can i call my BMW dealership and schedule to have my car inspected for subframe damage(For free)?

I have an appointment for my free inspection tomorrow at 8am at Levin BMW in Schererville, Indiana.

Can I request to be present inside the shop as they examine the subframe?

Originally Posted by Mizar

Has anyone who has a supercharger installed actually gotten this approved for free repair? If they only check the rear end, it might work. I know, most folks who have an SC also have other mods on the suspension, but, believe it or not, I don't. ALL stock, except the for the SC...

im pretty sure when they turn the car on, your cover will be blown....

hahaha. sorry i couldn't resist.

I just purchased a 00 323ci and took it to the dealer for an oil change and general inspection. I specificly asked them to inspect the rear end due to noise from either hard shifting or sitting still and putting it in gear(5 spd). So they called me and told me there was a recall that requiered them to drop the rear subframe. This repair is ok and all but, now they are tring to charge me for an alignment. I just casualy agreed and told them to go ahead. Since I work at a dealership I kinda know whats going on. I haven't got a hold of anyone but I definatly know if my alignment was ok before the procedure, I shouldn't have to pay for another alignment. I will get back to everyone and tell them how I made out.

I just contacted my dealership and the alignment will be covered. I requested pictures and have just recieved one pic. But I requested more.

Just as an update...everything was ok with my subframe...took about 50 mins for them to check...they don't allow customers in the garage/mechanics area...so how do I really know everything is ok!? Feel like taking it to another dealer....

Originally Posted by PeterGunz50

I just contacted my dealership and the alignment will be covered. I requested pictures and have just recieved one pic. But I requested more.

Hmmm...interesting.
I asked about an alignment afterwards and they said it wasn't necessary.
I guess that everyone's situation is different.

On another note, I had my mechanic do an oil change today and we noticed the new subframe mounts underneath, and there were definitely spots of reinforced sheetmetal. So it would seem that the job was done properly.

Originally Posted by eco10530

Just as an update...everything was ok with my subframe...took about 50 mins for them to check...they don't allow customers in the garage/mechanics area...so how do I really know everything is ok!? Feel like taking it to another dealer....

Um... I do believe to do a complete inspection they have to remove the sub-frame they had my car for a whole day.