E36 subframe tearing points

[S1DEW4YS-S1E]

Hi there

Just wondered if any bmw experets or mechanics have any photo's or information on where the E36 tearing points are likely to be. I have heard about a lot of pre-95 models tearing the subframe mounts .

Also just wanted to know if my 1997 R reg 328i has had the problem rectified when it was manufactured, or would i have to reinforce them myself

Any info would be a real help guys.

Simon

[DtheBUK]

I'm no expert but have had these sorted on my car. They tend to tear where the subframe mounts are as you said. The problem has not been rectified, i've heard of it happening on e46s. You can buy M3 reinforcement plates that are welded, the guy that did mine said he'd never heard of a repaired one breaking.

Also the trailing arm mounts can crack/tear/whatever on the chassis, you can get support plates for these too (also weld in). Your best bet is speak to a garage that has done a lot of these repairs

[MJG]

If you removed the subframe and looked at where it bolted to the car you'd see the areas that tear. I cut little windows into my inner floorpan to expose the "top" of these areas in the rear bench and boot floor area and repaired my two torn ones and strengthened them along with the un-torn ones.

If you can cut and weld, then just go for it and weld up what looks weak and shit. If not, then just rag the car until it rips the subframe off then get it welded up.

[dale_b]

This job has got CUNT written all over it... My friend and I got the plate kit for his e36 when 3 of 4 mounts were torn.
Subframe out > lots of prep > lots of welding > primer + paint > refit subframe...

[MJG]

Mine was - sit in boot or back seat, cut H section into floor, fold out the flaps to reveal broken bits, jack subframe into right position, re-weld, then reinforce with more sheet metal and bird shit. Job done, solid as a rock

[Smilybrad]

Just go but the M3 reinforcement plates from BMW for pretty cheap and weld them on to the body with the subframe out.
Brad =)

[TheEnd]

If not, then just rag the car until it rips the subframe off then get it welded up.

That's my take on it.
325's would do it a lot, 328's wouldn't, although I do know someone who managed it.
He was the kind of guy that could scratch a diamond if you let him hold it.

Most likely you'll be fine, so you can probably just forget about it until the very rare chance it does rip, and then fix if needed.

[S1DEW4YS-S1E]

Cheers for the information guys realy helps me . I can now get under the damn thing and have a good look at it all. iam just trying to get it as stiff as possible. Not good when your working on a budget

Just wanted to be sure for peice of mind when skidding at 40+ mph

Cheers again guys

Simon

[smokebillowing]

I've done two of these, one e36 and one e46 and it's never fun... You can cut the rear out from inside but I deemed this too fiddly and I saw it as an excuse to poly my rear subframe. I am the friend dale refers to and we fucking hated this job... Also, don't do it on a deadline otherwise you end up skidding round Essex arena with 6 litres of energy drink in you having been awake for 30 hours... And driving back to Brighton at 30mph because you can't see the road where your eyes are so blurry. Good fun though...