The E46 arguably has the most small issues of the bunch, but is also a big jump up in moving pieces over the E36. This is BMW parts item 302.33.546.0003 described as BimmerWorld Solid Aluminum Subframe Mount Set - E46 323i/325i/328i/330i/M3, which you can buy online at BimmerWorld at the best price. This article is intended to expand on the understanding gained by the previous by focusing on all the other areas prone to failure in the E46 chassis as a result of this subframe/RACP issue. They have one of the most stellar warrantees in the business, but then BMW completely falls down on an issue like this. The E36 suffers from the same subframe problems as the E46, but since the E46 is a heavier car it’s more prevalent in the E46. So I remind them that I’ve owned four BMWs including an M5, I’ve paid $4,000 going to BMW M-School, I’m what you might call a “BMW Enthusiast” and plan on purchasing more, but only if BMW will stand behind their cars. THATS RIGHT – I’m screwed out of about $2,000.
I contacted BMW of North America multiple times (very difficult to get through to them on this issue) – and they have offered to pay only 50% of the damages. The total repair costs were just under $4,000, and this does not include any rental car fees or loaners – the expected time in the shop is about 2 weeks. I went to the places BMW told me to go (a dealership who did the inspection and a body shop that was commissioned to do this work). So I went to see how much it will cost to repair the car. It ended up being the boot floor separating from the rear carrier panel. I got the diff rebuilt and even replaced the propshaft entirely. What if you didn’t know about the problem or were not properly notified? You guessed it – you’re out of luck! I had my subframe done before, so I also wasnt sure this was a subframe issue and looked at the diff and prop. There was a deadline, which was Sep 9, 2010. So a class action lawsuit was filed in Oct 2006 and a settlement was reached: BMW was to repair some of these cars. Surprisingly, BMW would not come forward on their own to recall and repair this issue. This eventually causes about $4,000 in repair costs, if not more (it can lead to other components failing), and ultimately the car cannot be driven (safety issue). When the subframe moves, it allows the bolts to put more leverage against the chassis. Generally speaking, the areas surrounding those two holes are the more trouble-prone of the bunch, due to the design. Simply put, over time the subframe begnis to tear and rip apart. The E46 rear subframe is secured via two studs in the chassis, and two bolts that go up through the subframe and into holes in the chassis.
The e46 is the “body style” or chassis that includes most 3-Series BMWs from 1999-2006. I feel like the e46 has some quality issues that I have not seen in other BMWs I have owned. So it seems there has been a big problem with the design of the subframe of e46 BMWs.
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