Subframe Reinforcement Cost

[BMWE46M3]

Is it necessary only for suspension upgrades or will cracks occur even with stock bushings, springs, etc.?

[old///MFanatic]

Is it necessary only for suspension upgrades or will cracks occur even with stock bushings, springs, etc.?

Cracking has been documented even on fully stock set-ups.
I’ve also seen modified suspension set-ups go 200,000 miles and no cracking.

[timmo]

It's hard to say because it depends what parts you use and how much "while you're in there" type stuff you have done at the same time.

A proper "reinforcement" includes top and bottom solutions.

Exactly this. Plates at a shop with the all the bushings as I mentioned was $1.8K CAD but I spent another $800 USD or so for the epoxy & rivet Vincebar. And maybe another $50 in sundries, and I guess another $80 or so to keep my buddy fed throughout the 4 days it took us to get it in there

Is it necessary only for suspension upgrades or will cracks occur even with stock bushings, springs, etc.?

Nah, that isn't the issue. Actually CMP has quite a good document to read on why this happens.

https://cmpautoengineering.com/pages/part-1-will-my-e46-subframe-crack-how-will-i-know

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

[BMWE46M3]

You would think there would be a class action lawsuit about this by now resulting in a recall that requires proper reinforcement and repair.

[old///MFanatic]

You would think there would be a class action lawsuit about this by now resulting in a recall that requires proper reinforcement and repair.

There was, back around 2009 in the USA. But it was a “settlement” where BMWNA agreed to inspect and fix E46s for like an 18 month window ONLY. Terms were it was a “voluntary inspection” by BMW at dealerships only with no admission of guilt or fault. After that time others were SOL. Also if your car had modified suspension of any kind you were excluded. I had my first E46 fully covered and BMW paid for my loaner and covered my $5k bill.

My current M3 inspected same time, same dealership had no cracks.

[simonnim]

I got quoted 4k for all bushings and rear end overhaul.

[jet_dogg]

Just for solid bushings and bearings with camber arms alone I think was around 1.2k excluding any actual damage work.

[Titaniu//M]

I paid $1.8k to have mine done last year in Northern Virginia

[lvm3sm46]

Curious what it would be to get the CMP or Vincebar top mount installed

[old///MFanatic]

Curious what it would be to get the CMP or Vincebar top mount installed

It will likely be cheaper to go to a body shop/collision repair shop than an automotive repair shop.

[Code7rpd]

Any decent places in the Bay Area for this job at a reasonable cost?

[JamesSJ1]

Any decent places in the Bay Area for this job at a reasonable cost?

Don't know what you define as reasonable, but when I asked around on M3Forum and checked with a couple places, I went with TC Design down in Campbell. Was $1500 and they use their own plates in 2015 or 2016. They're a chassis shop, help people build track / race cars, and at the time they told me they were doing at least 2x / month often for dealerships big and small that took in an E46 3-series or M3 on trade or auction and didn't know they were picking up a car with a cracked subframe.

[Code7rpd]

I would say $1500 is reasonable and TC Design is a reputable shop. I'lll shoot them a call and hope they haven't gotten more expensive. Thanks for the tip.

[WestBankM4]

I would say $1500 is reasonable and TC Design is a reputable shop. I'lll shoot them a call and hope they haven't gotten more expensive. Thanks for the tip.

I've had Tony build a full cage for my E36 M3 in the past, great guy and great work.

Problem is, he's super busy these days, maybe when he's not racing during the winter he's more accessable.

Can you keep me in the loop in terms of price and time frame for the Vincebar? I'm waiting foe the rest of my OEM suspension components to arrive so I can get everything wrapped up in the rear and front. Thanks in advance!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Code7rpd]

I've had Tony build a full cage for my E36 M3 in the past, great guy and great work.

Problem is, he's super busy these days, maybe when he's not racing during the winter he's more accessable.

Can you keep me in the loop in terms of price and time frame for the Vincebar? I'm waiting foe the rest of my OEM suspension components to arrive so I can get everything wrapped up in the rear and front. Thanks in advance!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

No problem. I’ll keep you posted.