It. Is. Time.

[Fried_Chicken]

I have been so saddled with other projects, the details of which are too much to share, my baby has been a neglected workhorse. I'm even 1k miles over my oil change interval, and that never happens.

This. Ends. Now.

On the agenda: oil change, clutch replacement, rear main replacement, complete rear suspension (struts already done), differential fluid, alignment, headlight, tail light, and side marker light restoration, clutch lever bushings, and all the extra work that comes with the aforementioned and "while you're in there" things that need to get done.

Things down the line: westfalia hitch installation (still having trouble procuring one I can afford), front bumper plastics, outside air temperature sensor, fog light replacement.

This car's coming back, sitting right at 176k miles. I'm sorry I left you so long, you've been so good to me.

Been putting it off for a while

[Fried_Chicken]

I found out why OEM is $1000 less than Genuine




Can't get the pictures of the flywheel to upload

[Fried_Chicken]

Have the rear subframe and suspension removed.

Do I need to weld the subframe reinforcement in, or does it not affect the ZHPs but only the M3s?

[sillieidiot]

Have the rear subframe and suspension removed.

Do I need to weld the subframe reinforcement in, or does it not affect the ZHPs but only the M3s?

It affects all of the E46s. It's not if, it's when.

[Galapolis]

It affects all of the E46s. It's not if, it's when.

+1

[ZHPizza]

If you don't have cracks then you don't need to weld anything. Get a topside brace to redirect the load paths and call it.

I had pulled spot welds on my driver's rear wheel arch area. Check there for cracks for sure.

[Fried_Chicken]

Dammit.

How do I proceed?

I just crawled under the car and took pictures:

https://postimg.cc/gallery/sDmTYnv

Briefly checking youtube (youtbue is so much less efficient than DIY forum writeups) didn't give me clarity on what to look for.
I have my subframe at the shop right now getting all new bushings fitted. The trailing arm bushings were most in need of work, the subframe bushings not so much, but they're getting installed while I have the thing out.

I'm going to need the torque specs at some point.

[Fried_Chicken]

I just looked at the pictures and they're shitty. Those things that look like cracks are actually scratches.

[Fried_Chicken]

I'm posting these here for my reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ycNWhwGRlM

And here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww5WNopJshk

[Fried_Chicken]

Just purchased this:

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...ent-Kit_1.html

Reaching out to friend who can weld now.