E46 Subframe mount failures

[Kirby]

While researching upgrades for my E36, I came across something new. There are also some E46 subframe failures. Can't BMW fix this problem? According to Turner Motor Sports, BMW reinforced the E46 in the front to solve the problem, but it results in transfering torque to the REAR mounts and ripping them out.

NOTE TO NON-TECHIES: This is NOT a common problem. In normal street use you will likely NEVER have a problem. But if you track/autocross, street race A LOT, have performance suspension upgrades, etc. keep an eye on this. Turner makes a kit to repair/reinforce.

 

[MrElussive]

This is not a big deal. I'd say around 95% of cars nowadays are not setup for track/autocross use. All the car companies that are pushing their "sporty" vehicles are really just setup to be sporty on public streets. BMW's are great drivers' cars so they are commonly used at autocrosses and racetracks but they're not true sports cars (and the M cars are no exception). This is one reason why with many car manufacturers, if your car has been tracked or autocrossed, you probably void your warranty - I know for sure that VW/Audi is like this.

They mention it on Top Gear that many cars (even the super sporty ones) are driven to the show, but are taken home on the bed of a tow truck. I believe the ones that do not need a tow truck to get home are the ones that Jeremy Clarkson likes the most. This is one reason why the Honda S2000 stands out to me soooo much. $32,000 gets you a real sports car in a world of wannabe sports cars.

 

[epj3]

I seem to remember posting about e46 subframe problems a looong time ago and I was told I was wrong...sigh.

Emile IMO there is NO excuse. BMW markets their cars for being sports-like. They all keep building faster and faster cars with much better handling, but now it voids your warranty if you push the car hard. So, what is the f'ing point?

 

[nadroj]

I seem to remember posting about e46 subframe problems a looong time ago and I was told I was wrong...sigh.

Emile IMO there is NO excuse. BMW markets their cars for being sports-like. They all keep building faster and faster cars with much better handling, but now it voids your warranty if you push the car hard. So, what is the f'ing point?

i agree!