Subframe Reinforment Cost too much?

[VinceSE2]

It will take a quality shop with experience an hour, maybe two, to drop the entire rear end unless they hit some serious rust or something. If they are figuring 20 hours that is $200 per hour.

I definitely feel you got the f$ck you price. Does this shop claim to have experience?

1. Don't use the BW kit
2. Don't use poly (get solid subframe bushings).
3. Are they installing a e36 diff busing because the e46 bushing is built into the diff cover and it doesn't cost a mere 38.50. Do not use poly here, do not, do not, do not.
4. Add topside reinforcement.

I don't know the BW product nor do I want to comment on competitors.

But +1 on #2-4 (especially #4 👌😉).
This is completely in line with my experience.

Vince @ Practical Performance RnD (VinceBar).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[George Hill]

Its no secret that to do it right there's a lot of work involved and much of it sucks, haha.

My experience comparing my approach to other shops is that everyone seems to have there own idea on how to go about this work and so its very hard to compare one vs the other just by looking at a total number.

And every single RACP I've repaired we've added something to the project whether it be bushings, ball joints, full refresh, etc, the "might as wells" really can add up.

[bmwfnatic]

Been thinking about getting this done eventually. Question to the experts - how much difference does the extra panel make that BMW added late in production? Redish video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNhI_wmFgOg TIA for any thoughts.

It pretty much prevents the crack where the left rear point folds downwards, which is the generally the first place where the car starts to crack.

This plastic block is essentially just symptom treating much like the reinforcement plates are, another point (the left rear arch joint) will just become the next weak link.

[kaiv]

I shipped my car from Denver to kaiv in San Diego back in October to complete numerous things, including subframe reinforcement. His work and attention to detail are superb and he is a genuine and honest person to boot - hard to find nowadays! Highly recommend if you’re willing to send the car off.

Thank you Matt! It was a pleasure taking care of your beautiful IB ZCP, hope you're enjoying it!

[BlueBimmers]

Been thinking about getting this done eventually. Question to the experts - how much difference does the extra panel make that BMW added late in production? Redish video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNhI_wmFgOg TIA for any thoughts.

[LeeForst]

Thoughts on Performance Technique in Fremont?

I got charged ~$7000 for complete subframe R&R, welded plates in underneath and did the top side Vince Bar Reinforcement (I was their first customer with a Vince Bar install). I paid a premium but how bad did I get the FU price?

I was right at 7k also but had it done at Bimmerworks by a trusted local guy who is just incredible in his attention to detail - they still have this up for some reason :

https://xoxocar.com/inspection/43be4c91-ddc4-46e2-83f0-514b0bf2c2d5?sb=def&b=1

[WestBankM4]

Performance Technic is good. That price seems a tad bit high, but I'd rather pay more and know it's done correctly.

Similar thoughts, I didn't have the garage space to tackle it by myself and wanted it done right with accountability.

[9kracing]

Performance Technic is good. That price seems a tad bit high, but I'd rather pay more and know it's done correctly.

[WestBankM4]

I was going to suggest Silicon Valley Beamer, Dennis did my CMP upper and DMG RACP brace.

I can tell you who NOT to take it to as well lol

Thoughts on Performance Technique in Fremont?

I got charged ~$7000 for complete subframe R&R, welded plates in underneath and did the top side Vince Bar Reinforcement (I was their first customer with a Vince Bar install). I paid a premium but how bad did I get the FU price?

[oceansize]

Its easy to spot the good shops. How? They don't run from forums and drop some knowledge here and there. kaiv George Hill . Gotta have thick skin and a good track record to show your head in these parts. LoL. Isn't to say they have to be here but it certainly speaks volumes, at least to me. No if only I had somebody not 1000s of miles away so I could increase my laziness.

[mtpktz]

Thank you Riley <3

OP: FWIW I have plenty of people send and/or bring their M3 from out of state and I am always happy to work with scheduling to make the process as seemless and convenient as possible.

My base (lower) RACP reinforcement procedure + upper chassis rails runs ~ a thousand less (parts and labor) than that quote you got. With that said, I can install any plate and mount combo that you desire.

Whatever you end up doing, please, don't go with the Bimmerworld kit. I've seen credit cards bigger and thicker than those dinky plates!

I shipped my car from Denver to kaiv in San Diego back in October to complete numerous things, including subframe reinforcement. His work and attention to detail are superb and he is a genuine and honest person to boot - hard to find nowadays! Highly recommend if you’re willing to send the car off.

[kaiv]

If you want to do a vacation, Kaiv does the subframe for $1800ish here in San Diego.

Thank you Riley <3

OP: FWIW I have plenty of people send and/or bring their M3 from out of state and I am always happy to work with scheduling to make the process as seemless and convenient as possible.

My base (lower) RACP reinforcement procedure + upper chassis rails runs ~ a thousand less (parts and labor) than that quote you got. With that said, I can install any plate and mount combo that you desire.

Whatever you end up doing, please, don't go with the Bimmerworld kit. I've seen credit cards bigger and thicker than those dinky plates!

[9kracing]

I was going to suggest Silicon Valley Beamer, Dennis did my CMP upper and DMG RACP brace.

I can tell you who NOT to take it to as well lol

[simon_c]

If you want to come to the Bay Area I have a BNIB Reddish V3 kit and can direct you to a good shop to install it.

Which shop?

[bhoom_S54]

Yes, Advanced Auto Fabrication Racing (AAF) in Spokane.

I have not personally worked with them, however when I am at PIR participating with Cascade Sports Car Club in their HPDE days, there is usually a CSSC race that weekend. AAF fields / supports numerous SPEC E30 and SPEC E46 cars so I've had a chance to look at their work. Seems like they field well-prepped cars.

oops didint even see the link you had attached. thought it was an ad I will definetly check them out as Im still weeding out my options. Im in no hurry since my car doesnt have the cracks yet but Id rather get this done so I dont have to worry about it.