How bad is my RACP?

[mtree4me]

Hi All,

Seeking some advice on my RACP on the 06 M3 coupe (SMG Converted). I've taken out everything needed and started grinding off the material. It is in my garage... I was thinking about a mobile welder... but I have no experience in this.

I've wanted this car since I was in highschool, and have performed timing, vanos, valve adjustment, oils/fluids, bushing replacements, suspensions, and various items. It had the rod bearing service from BMW a while ago and it has 70K original miles.

How bad is it?

I labeled the files. Any help is greatly appreciated! It looks like most cracks are on the Passenger side front position. Then Passenger rear. I've looked at the seam sealer and in the trunk, it all seems OK - but I don't know what I don't know. I've watched countless videos on all this...

Thanks in advance!

[moproblems]

I believe stage 2 vinceskins will take care of that but let others chime in. Vincebar or other similar topside reinforcement recommended.

[Slideways]

Not bad. There are the two common cracks, the one up the verticle wall on the rear left and the spot weld cracks on the front right. Stop drill the cracks, weld up, grind flat, and add plates.

Verts tend to be a bit stronger, but check the rear drivers arch to see if the seam sealer is cracking and if the RACP panel is moving. If so, there will be one or two popped spot welds behind the panel. Not likely, but worth a check.

The other thing to check is the topside of the right front mount by making an access hole. Cracks can form from the two factory mig welds that hold the threaded receiver of the subframe mount.

[mtree4me]

I got the topside trunk turner bar, I’m refreshing the whole rear subframe bushings on the lsd too

[moproblems]

I got the topside trunk turner bar, I’m refreshing the whole rear subframe bushings on the lsd too

I would still use vinceskins. Since you are ordering, front gusset cups wouldn't be a bad idea either if using the turner trunk bar.

[bigjae46]

I got the topside trunk turner bar, I’m refreshing the whole rear subframe bushings on the lsd too

No, it is in the floor. Need to cut into the floor to check the front mounts. If the bottom is cracked then it is likely the top is cracked as well.