The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[cakM3]

Are subframe cracks common with the ZHP like they are on the M3's?

They are not common on M3's. Here is what BMW put out regarding rear subframe cracks...

"We are pleased to report that the BMW 3 Series (E46) Sub-Frame Settlement has been granted final court approval. In response to allegations that 1999-2006 BMW 3 Series vehicles can suffer from sub-frame cracking that enlarges over time, BMW has agreed to provide the following benefits:

(1) If you paid for a sub-frame repair to your 1999-2006 BMW 3 Series vehicle, you can obtain reimbursement from BMW by submitting a completed claim form and proof of expenditure to the Claims Administrator. Claim forms can be downloaded from http://www.e46subframeclassactionsettlement.com and should be mailed to the address listed on the claim form. The deadline to postmark you claim is September 9, 2010.

(2) If you currently own or lease a 1999-2006 BMW 3 Series vehicle, you can contact an authorized BMW dealer and make an appointment to receive a free sub-frame inspection. If the inspection reveals any sub-frame cracking, the dealer will provide a free repair as well. The deadline for free sub-frame inspections is September 9, 2010, for vehicles no longer under warranty. If your vehicle remains under warranty, you will have one year from the expiration of your warranty to receive a free sub-frame inspection."

When this announcement came out I took a copy of this to my BMW dealership and discussed my concerns for my M3. I was told by the head of the Service department that this letter did not apply to M3's. I had my rear subframe checked nevertheless and everything was in order....there were no subframe cracks.

I think it is safe to say that this applies to all E46 BMW's. I have seen subframe tears on M3's but in the case where I have seen this, the owner "butchered" his suspension so that it would go much lower than his car was able to and didn't understand why his rear subframe was torn apart... He cut his springs and bent part of his rear suspension to "get the low" he was going after...

What can you say to someone who "ruins" a perfect BMW? I had to walk away when I was told that....shame really...

It's how the car is set up and driven....I wouldn't necessarily say rear subframe cracks are more common on M3's. This is an inaccurate statement.

[danewilson77]

Right

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[RC Fresh]

No doubt about that.

I should've reworded my post before submitting it but yeah you are correct. Should've said "e46." I just had M3s in my head due the fact that I've been lurking m3f a lot.... Pardon me sirs!

[cakM3]

No doubt about that.

I should've reworded my post before submitting it but yeah you are correct. Should've said "e46." I just had M3s in my head due the fact that I've been lurking m3f a lot.... Pardon me sirs!

Don't you worry about it

We don't flame here but instead "help" each other to put out the most accurate info You will like it here

[blalor]

The subframe cracks seems to be a pervasive enough problem that I intend to do preemptive reinforcement on my car at some point, maybe next winter. I'll be driving this car hard on the track. Seems like cheap insurance.

[QC_ZHP]

I think it is safe to say that this applies to all E46 BMW's. I have seen subframe tears on M3's but in the case where I have seen this, the owner "butchered" his suspension so that it would go much lower than his car was able to and didn't understand why his rear subframe was torn apart... He cut his springs and bent part of his rear suspension to "get the low" he was going after...

[cakM3]

The subframe cracks seems to be a pervasive enough problem that I intend to do preemptive reinforcement on my car at some point, maybe next winter. I'll be driving this car hard on the track. Seems like cheap insurance.

I too felt that this was/is a pervasive problem so I ensured both my ZHP and ///M had the rear subframe reinforced using the approved BMW method.


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[az3579]

It was my understanding that the "common" subframe issue was with E46 sedans up to about 2001. I don't think any of the facelift ones have this issue.


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[STREETFIGHTER50]

Yes, I usually have leftover. You will need to go to the dealer to have them cycle your ABS to get the last of the possible air out of the system since you're replacing lines

This is making me think twice about getting some SS lines now can't we just bleed em the old school way?

[az3579]

This is making me think twice about getting some SS lines now can't we just bleed em the old school way?

You can do it the old school way and it'll be fine for the most part. I've swapped/removed/installed lines numerous times on my ZHP and not once have I ever cycled the ABS pump. I bled them the old fashioned way every time and brake feel was always great and always stood up to track usage.