Subframe repair questions..

[MCSL]

Guys, my CSL is due to go to Elms Bedford for the Subframe replacement jobbie - under warranty. Couple of questions..

Do you really think it's a good idea having this 'big' replacement floor work done.. or just live with the minor cracks?

Would a 'replacement' floor affect the value of the car in any way - in other words would it put a collector or enthusiast off?

Cheers all

[shane@mbtech]

The cracks would make me offer you about £3k less.

So if it's getting done under warranty IMO is a good selling point, come resale

[MCSL]

thanks lawsy. just having second thoughts - hardly drive the car and not being technically minded myself, just wondered if this was something that was blown out of proportion, or whether it was actually something quite serious that needs fixing? I get a bit emotional with my p&j's, and the thought of all them parts strewn across the floor.... :bigcry:

[Neil M]

Not a CSL, but gives you a good idea of the horrors that can manifest, if the car has cracks and is left to deteriorate further. :bigcry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scKLdW3x6oY

The problem illustrated is extreme and exaggerated by the car having suffered a rear end impact at some point!

[MCSL]

Jeeeeez.. Didn't realise the extent that the crack/s can grow to! That's bad. How did BMW get it so wrong with the subframe!?

[JBird]

I'd agree with what lawsy said.

I was in two minds about getting it done. In the end I asked myself what most future buyers would want, and figured that would be a fully replaced floor.

Thought about getting the tiny crack that was there drilled, welded shut then doing the foam fill, as i liked the idea of an original floor from a corrosion protection point of view, but then I thought there may be smaller cracks waiting to open up. Once the floor was removed, this was found to be the case, so glad i got the full replacement.

Not saying it is a perfect solution, just saying I think it is was the average future buyer will expect.

[shane@mbtech]

Not Csl but same horse.

I'm going to remove subframe on my m3. Clean up, plate and strengthen, then weld rear cross strut tower cage section in. Should go nowhere then.

[mattCSLnut]

I'd agree with what lawsy said.

I was in two minds about getting it done. In the end I asked myself what most future buyers would want, and figured that would be a fully replaced floor.

Thought about getting the tiny crack that was there drilled, welded shut then doing the foam fill, as i liked the idea of an original floor from a corrosion protection point of view, but then I thought there may be smaller cracks waiting to open up. Once the floor was removed, this was found to be the case, so glad i got the full replacement.

Not saying it is a perfect solution, just saying I think it is was the average future buyer will expect.

+ 1 :thumbs: I went through the same thinking process and ended up with a similar scenario

[Monkey]

Every single person who buys a CSL from us asks whether the boot floor is cracked or not, and if so has the repair been carried out.

It's such a well known issue now, most buyers are aware of it and most would pull out if the repair has not been or cannot be done.

As Lawsy says, you'll be looking at value being knocked off the car. Even to fit an aftermarket repair kit is just over £1000, so if you can get it done for free, it makes sense to me.

[MCSL]

Ok, convinced :thumbs:

Had second thoughts at last min. Glad i asked you guys on here, looks like NOT having it done could of come back and bit me in the ass then!

Is there anything else worth asking to be checked or replaced whilst it's in bits?

[Monkey]

Ok, convinced :thumbs:

Had second thoughts at last min. Glad i asked you guys on here, looks like NOT having it done could of come back and bit me in the ass then!

Is there anything else worth asking to be checked or replaced whilst it's in bits?

If the trailing arm bushes are anywhere near worn its worth doing those, they're relatively cheap. Saves doing the wheel alignment again at a later date when they do fail.

Worth checking the rear brake pipes too. Subframe bushes are usually ok, but I would expect Elms to advise you if they find any parts that are worn.

[MCSL]

Thanks monkey, i'll keep all the above in mind and ask them to double check those bits. Cheers :thumbs:

[EVLXGE]

Can anyone confirm how it stands with the 10 year good will, if the car is still under warranty etc.

Nottingham BMW are saying the 10 year good will is no longer available. Mine is a June 04 CSL. Still under 0 excess BMW warranty.

If cracks were found would I be expected to pay for any repairs? Im getting conflicting info.

[JBird]

Warranty has nothing to do with it. The claim is under goodwill, which your car should still qualify for till mid 2014. For goodwill to be granted, "usually" the car must be under 100k miles, less than 10 years old, and have FBMWSH. Having a warranty may indirectly help you score some brownie points with the bloke who signs off the goodwil claim if you fall short in one of the above categories. That's how it was explained to me.

As an aside, I guess the question of using the warranty to get the floor fixed will be asked often now that goodwill is coming to an end. Looking in the policy book, the all bells and whistles warranty is still just called "comprehensive component cover". Vehicle "body" or "chassis" are not mentioned. I think you'd struggle to argue that the floor is a component.

[pinkpanther008]

subframe / floor

Can anyone confirm how it stands with the 10 year good will, if the car is still under warranty etc.

Nottingham BMW are saying the 10 year good will is no longer available. Mine is a June 04 CSL. Still under 0 excess BMW warranty.

If cracks were found would I be expected to pay for any repairs? Im getting conflicting info.

EVLZGE : I was told that the 10yrs of goodwill is counted from the date of the individuals cars UK registration and not its manufacture date which i was expecting.