Jay. Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Hmm strange, dependant on dealer then i suppose, go to bowker in preston i know they'll do it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 (edited) The subframe was only a recall in the states due to a class action lawsuit. Here it's just a 10 year good will gesture which is utter b******t! Check m3cutters. They've got a thread going with different garages and peoples success. Some BMW service managers are aware of the issue and check properly. Others have no idea what you're talking about, give it a cursory glance and say it's fine. If you're out of the 10 year GOGW window, your best bet is resin injection and strengthening plates. Mprove (who did my M) and Redish are renowned for being the forerunners when it comes to subframe reinforcement/repair. Edit: Most people I've heard on cutters have said the check isn't free, but they'll refund you the money if a fault is found. Edit2: Matt@Mprove and James@Redish have both said on a number of occasions, it's not a case of if the subframe will crack. It's a case of when the subframe will crack. Edited May 9, 2013 by Gaz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjn Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 (edited) Just spoken to Rybrook Warwick and BMW GB and they both said there is a inspection fee and if there is anything found Rybrook would have to apply to BMW GB for a warranty refund. They said there was no known recall for this problem for my specific car. They will not check the car for free. don't deal with BMW Service, ring the BMW Bodyshop. But as said above, all they do is lift it onto the ramps, and shine a torch up. Takes about 5 mins, and i doubt they'd spot anything unless the crack was big. If you really want to be certain, i think the subframe has to be removed. Edited May 9, 2013 by My Car Hates Me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 If you really want to be certain, i think the subframe has to be removed. Unfortunately so. This is one of the front mounting points (you can see the black ring where the bushing was). You can see quite clearly how big the crack would need to be before it made itself visible from behind the bushing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWM330CI Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 I've had a good shine of a touch myself. I'm not a 100% what symptoms to look out for or to hear but I haven't noticed anything so hopefully I'm all good. Fitting a new rear arb this weekend so will have a propper good look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 you have a facelift 330ci , your chances are slim that the subframe has torn, it mainly effects 2001< cars and M3's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRyan Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Gave mine a good check over when I had my subframe out for rebushing! Being a 2001 model i was a bit apprehensive, luckily it was completely fine bushes were pretty dead though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L333JSA Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 (edited) Gave mine a good check over when I had my subframe out for rebushing! Being a 2001 model i was a bit apprehensive, luckily it was completely fine bushes were pretty dead though... Unless you removed the underseal you didnt check it properly. you have a facelift 330ci , your chances are slim that the subframe has torn, it mainly effects 2001< cars and M3's. Slim but possible........I'm fairly certain mines gonna go! Edit2: Matt@Mprove and James@Redish have both said on a number of occasions, it's not a case of if the subframe will crack. It's a case of when the subframe will crack. ^I agree with this too Edited May 9, 2013 by L333JSA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Well, Chris's has gone, but that's hardly a suprise Rich_D 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_D Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 you have a facelift 330ci , your chances are slim that the subframe has torn, it mainly effects 2001< cars and M3's. Surely the 330d/Cd has to be the worst candidate with all the torque, especially remapped cars! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Surprisingly not, apparently the subframe was more reinforced from 2001 on standard e46s but that could be hearsay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimp Choker Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 What about Verts the thenSent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 (edited) What about Verts the then Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2 2002 E46 vert. Granted an M but the 330's are still affected. Not sure how common it is on them though. Edited May 9, 2013 by Gaz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRyan Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Thats hideous! Previous owner tried to tape up some of the tears as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry D Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 I'm afraid lee is correct, that underseal hides cracks very well. Mine had a botched repair on the nearside rear, stripped it down, cut the bad welding repair out, levelled it, and beneath the underseal around the offside front mount, one two inch crack that went round a bend, that would have opened up like that M3 eventually, and a 5mm crack not connected to it. At the time, stock 2.8 which I don't believe had been ragged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quackers Posted May 16, 2013 Report Share Posted May 16, 2013 Oh my! That's horrendous! I'm glad I checked my 330 when I bought it (well, as best as I could lying underneath it with a torch). What some people will do amazes me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdodds2004 Posted June 7, 2013 Report Share Posted June 7, 2013 horror show right there! thinking of getting my reinforced as I don't want that to happen or get anywhere near that stage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunk1 Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 (edited) I was told this was only a problem on M3's but after reading this whole thread that's obviously not the case. I didn't have any problems with my first 02 plate 330 but then i never looked underneath, nothing was ever mentioned on the mot and the place i use is very thorough, i think i'll be getting my 04 330 on the ramp and have a very close look. Seems to drive beautifully though with no noises etc Edited June 15, 2013 by dunk1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imp75 Posted June 16, 2013 Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 if its torque that tears them then ill be fine with a 318 lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quackers Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 I seem to remember the odd 318 being affected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Grimsby Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 (edited) Am pleased I found this thread, thankyou to the OP, I am looking for another E46 and was not aware of this, now I'm a bit worried as my price range dictates it will be 2000>2003. Havnt seen any mention of it happening to Tourings so might go that way, was really hoping for a Coupe though. Edited June 25, 2013 by Jon Grimsby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk345 Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Interesting thread. I shall go and inspect my car now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil278 Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Done the diff and subframe bushes on the 330 2 weeks ago and mine was fine (2000 X reg) bushes however completely shot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Mark Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Touch wood both my 330's are showing no signs yet, in fact I doubt they will if they haven't already. I am strengthening the rear of my track car just in case however, especially once the new M3 and Diff are into it ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil278 Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 Another E46 chalked up, its hard to see the split but its there about an inch long Car is a late 52 plate 330ci msport Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
