WTF!! Broken engine support?!?

[m3f_white-hot_43c6fde783]

Hey guys



Ok, so a funny thing happened to me when I went to install my X-Brace today: it wouldn't fit! It would hit the oil pan before it would sit on the frame/subframe. I am like WTF! So I start looking around and I see the engine support bracket on the left side has a clean break and the engine has settled about an inch and a half!



:jawdrop:



This car was wrecked by the PO and while we took care of all the frame issues I have to guess that the force of the wreck cracked the support. I recall yesterday pulling out into traffic and getting on it pretty good and I heard a clunk, but since I didn't feel anything odd with the car I figured it was something in the trunk (several things in there including the x-brace). Guess not. Anyway, so I only drove about 10 miles or so since this happened, and I looked very carefully but see no other damage, thank god.



My question is what is the best way to lift the engine? I don't have an engine hoist, nor do I know anyone that does. I could rent one but getting it to the house would be a pain. Don't think there is any spot to jack the engine up either without risking more damage. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance.

[m3f_fiveightan_7e37700daf]

Get an engine support at harbor freight and lift it like that. They're like $50-60.


One these:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m158/fiveightandten/M3forum/DSCN3698.jpg


Be *very* careful with that thing. I wouldn't even start the car if it were mine. I once saw a picture of a car with its engine upside down in the engine bay. It absolutely has the power to rip the tranny mounts and turn itself straight over. You'd probably have to do a clutch drop from a dig to get that to happen, but still.


Things I would replace:

-Both motor mounts

-Both transmission mounts

-The other engine support arm

-All 4 bolts holding in the tranny cross member (these have broken on a few people, including myself).


Double check your power steering lines while you're under there.

[m3f_tbaker474_bc666181ea]

Be *very* careful with that thing. I wouldn't even start the car if it were mine. I once saw a picture of a car with its engine upside down in the engine bay.







LOL, please find that pic.

[m3f_white-hot_43c6fde783]

Yep, $59.99 on their website. I will run by the local shop to see if they have one in stock. Thanks! That will come in handy for other things in the future too.



The motor and trans mounts are nearly new red poly units, I will check with the PO to find out what brand and when he put them on, but it was less than 2 years ago I know. I am going to the dealer to get the supports on Monday (actually same price as the online shops) and will get the trans mount bolts as well. Good idea on those, thanks!

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

if they dont have one....


http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1001177&highlight=diy


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff273/eagle483/M3/oil%20pan%20job/IMG_0311.jpg

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

Also... I might have a passenger side engine mount FS if u need one

[m3f_white-hot_43c6fde783]

Yeah, I have seen the Home Depot engine support before, lol! They do work and on the cheap. Thanks!



Anyway, I just got back from harbor freight and they had one so I am ready to fix this up. Gonna get it torn down today and be ready when all the parts get here.



Two questions: looks like the easiest way to fix these would be to drop the subframe, is that correct? If so can the subframe bolts be reused? If so locktite or no? Never pulled a subframe on one of these.



Second question, how much do you want for the right side? Pricing seems odd on these as the right is 3x the cost of the left. What's up with that?



Thanks again for the help here guys!

[m3f_white-hot_43c6fde783]

Just talked to the PO and the motor and trans mounts are Vorshlag poly units and have under 10k miles on them, so these should still be good to go. I will take a good look at them prior to reinstall to make sure.

[m3f_fiveightan_7e37700daf]

Yeah, I have seen the Home Depot engine support before, lol! They do work and on the cheap. Thanks!


Anyway, I just got back from harbor freight and they had one so I am ready to fix this up. Gonna get it torn down today and be ready when all the parts get here.


Two questions: looks like the easiest way to fix these would be to drop the subframe, is that correct? If so can the subframe bolts be reused? If so locktite or no? Never pulled a subframe on one of these.


Second question, how much do you want for the right side? Pricing seems odd on these as the right is 3x the cost of the left. What's up with that?


Thanks again for the help here guys!You can drop the subframe. I lifted the motor and loosened the nuts the hold the mount arms into the block. This let the arms pivot into position, and once the mount is in place you can torque them down. You need clearance to get the threaded studs on the mounts into the holes. After you do that, you're good to go.


Many people drop the subframe. I didn't want to risk throwing my alignment off. It's a slim possibility though. I know Cal has lowered the subframe inbetween alignments and reported no notable shift. Either method will work fine.


See this thread:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=282698

[m3f_das borgen_362acec4fe]

Be *very* careful with that thing. I wouldn't even start the car if it were mine. I once saw a picture of a car with its engine upside down in the engine bay. It absolutely has the power to rip the tranny mounts and turn itself straight over. You'd probably have to do a clutch drop from a dig to get that to happen, but still.



Things I would replace:

-Both motor mounts

-Both transmission mounts

-The other engine support arm

-All 4 bolts holding in the tranny cross member (these have broken on a few people, including myself).



Double check your power steering lines while you're under there.



you MUST find this photo

[m3f_cracky_88af6b7d5a]

Im totally not buying that story....


if it ripped the mounts it would end up on the floor/sitting on the subframe

[m3f_white-hot_43c6fde783]

Be *very* careful with that thing. I wouldn't even start the car if it were mine. I once saw a picture of a car with its engine upside down in the engine bay.



Yeah, guess I am gonna have to agree with everyone else. Please find the photo. Not that I don't think it could happen...



arrot:arrot:



Ok, so a little update. Got everything torn down today and was somewhat surprised at what I found. I guess the fact that the car had poly motor/trans mounts, and that you are not supposed to torque them down hard to avoid NVH, allowed the entire motor/trans/exhaust to move forward a bit. I had not had to do much under the car since I got it (only driven about 40 miles total since I purchased it) so I didn't notice this. Below you will see the broken support and 2 Vorshlag motor mount center bolts bent in a nice "S" shape. Guess this is why the original fan smacked the radiator and disintegrated during the wreck. Anyway, hoping to call Vorshlag tomorrow to see if I can get some new bolts.



http://www.laptechsolutions.com/car/broken.jpg

[m3f_fiveightan_7e37700daf]

:rofl2:


I'll see if I can find it. But if you guys don't think a 240HP motor without mounts can't rip out a pair of transmission mounts and bend the exhaust system, you're crazy. It propels a 3200lb car. Go disconnect your motor mounts, rev her up to 4K, do a clutch dump and see what happens. arrot:

[m3f_cracky_88af6b7d5a]

No one disputes the capability of the engines power to do it....its just not gonna rip mounts and do a nice rotation in the engine bay. theres a few things thatll get in the way/block it.

combined with the fact itll just want to fall out the bottom.