Subframe Elms

[thrashermax]

My first experience of Elms yesterday... Wow, Emma and Gareth, bloody brilliant service... even if it was to confirm my floor was cracked...

I understand why Bounce travels so far now.

You can tell they love the CSL. It's the only place other than Munich that I will take any BMW.

So the 200 mile round trip was worth it.

Thank you Gareth, Emma and big thank you to CSL register for bringing them to my attention.

[Bounce]

My first experience of Elms yesterday... Wow, Emma and Gareth, bloody brilliant service... even if it was to confirm my floor was cracked...

I understand why Bounce travels so far now.

You can tell they love the CSL. It's the only place other than Munich that I will take any BMW.

So the 200 mile round trip was worth it.

Thank you Gareth, Emma and big thank you to CSL register for bringing them to my attention.:thumbs::thumbs:

[s1csl]

My first experience of Elms yesterday... Wow, Emma and Gareth, bloody brilliant service... even if it was to confirm my floor was cracked...

I understand why Bounce travels so far now.

You can tell they love the CSL. It's the only place other than Munich that I will take any BMW.

So the 200 mile round trip was worth it.

Thank you Gareth, Emma and big thank you to CSL register for bringing them to my attention.


Told you so,:supz::supz:

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Mine is in Tuesday for checks and MOT and oil change.

[cslsuperfan]

Mine is in Tuesday for checks and MOT and oil change.


craig dont fall fowl of the MOT. if you're subframe is cracked you wont get a ticket. and you'll have to pay a full retest fee as the repair will not be done in the 10 day time limit.
No MOT no insurance. i am assuming you're still going to munchen

i am in this predicament. elms have advised me there's a 4-6 week waiting list for subframe repair.
My scheduled repair is for 3rd week in april. if this falls through it wont happen until 20 May...which is as you know the most important week of the year for some of us!!
No repair no munich!!

[CraigMillwardCroft]

craig dont fall fowl of the MOT. if you're subframe is cracked you wont get a ticket. and you'll have to pay a full retest fee as the repair will not be done in the 10 day time limit.
No MOT no insurance. i am assuming you're still going to munchen

i am in this predicament. elms have advised me there's a 4-6 week waiting list for subframe repair.
My scheduled repair is for 3rd week in april. if this falls through it wont happen until 20 May...which is as you know the most important week of the year for some of us!!
No repair no munich!!
I am hoping with the miles on mine no crack will show up show will then book in for the fill job, as need the car for the TRIP :thumbs:

[EVLXGE]

You guys that have had subframes checked and repaired. Have you had to get it inspected then wait a good few weeks to get the repair done?

I want to get mine inspected by elms in June, problem is im only home for 3 weeks then back overseas.

Thats assuming it needs repairing obviously.

[HFLagos]

You guys that have had subframes checked and repaired. Have you had to get it inspected then wait a good few weeks to get the repair done?

I want to get mine inspected by elms in June, problem is im only home for 3 weeks then back overseas.

Thats assuming it needs repairing obviously.

Afraid so. Mine went to Elms for an Insp 2 and other stuff in January. Gareth found a crack and then I was notified by Emma. Elms took pics and then sent off info to BMW for the work to be approved.

Finally getting subframe done this week, Elms are pretty much max'd out the moment with a long backlog of jobs.

So it's a combination of getting approvals through from BMW and then actually managing to schedule the work in once OK'd.

[shimmy]

mine did 3000 miles between diagnosis and repair

[cslsuperfan]

mine did 3000 miles between diagnosis and repair


shimmy, how did you get around the MOT or lack of in the interim period?

[Bounce]

shimmy, how did you get around the MOT or lack of in the interim period?Mine passed the MOT with the subframe crack,get it done somewhere else,they'll never notice it.:wink:

[cslsuperfan]

Mine passed the MOT with the subframe crack,get it done somewhere else,they'll never notice it.:wink:

i am liking your idea:wink:

[shimmy]

shimmy, how did you get around the MOT or lack of in the interim period?

had old mot in place, diagnosed at Simpsons, repaired at BMW

[cslsuperfan]

had old mot in place, diagnosed at Simpsons, repaired at BMW

Brett has potentially solved my problem

just dont want to let the kwikfit brigade within 100 metres of my car!!

no offence to the fitters but they dont even cover the drivers seat half the time and having to explain how to engage 1st gear doesn't leave me re-assured!!

[EVLXGE]

Ill have the same problem. Will need MOT and Inspection, so if it fails MOT due to subframe ill be snookered. Might have to get it MOT'ed before I go to Elms. :whistle:

I guess if I have to wait 2-3 months for the repair ill just have to book it in when I can (Never know exactly when im home) She wont be getting used though just going back into storage so I guess Elms could just keep it but wouldnt fancy it sitting outside for 3+ months. :(

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Mine just passed MOT and no cracks, just got to go back for the fill now :thumbs:Just bring the trip on

[thrashermax]

Car finally dropped off at Bedford Elms, greeted by friendly reception, sent off in new 320 sport... the 100 mile drive up was great, listening to the CSL musical notes... the drive back... comfortable... efficient... no fun...

Car will be in there for 3 weeks... I miss it already being my daily driver... on 94,000 miles now...

[thrashermax]

Car finally dropped off at Bedford Elms, greeted by friendly reception, sent off in new 320 sport... the 100 mile drive up was great, listening to the CSL musical notes... the drive back... comfortable... efficient... no fun...

Car will be in there for 3 weeks... I miss it already being my daily driver... on 94,000 miles now...

Collected car on Saturday, full valet done... Car looks great. I was so excited picking her up after being without her for 4 weeks.. back to using her everyday now. Service from Bedford Elms was first class, although they removed my original dealer sticker and placed an Elms one there!

My car should be sorted now, head gasket done, subframe done... all I need to do is break the 100k mileage barrier!

[plumber vic]

Hi Thrashermax what was total time from Diagnosing to getting car back:thumbs::thumbs:

[SJA]

Nice one, sounds like second to none service at Elms.

Well here's hoping it is as my car is away to do a 1000 mile round trip next month for this service.

[thrashermax]

Hi Thrashermax what was total time from Diagnosing to getting car back:thumbs::thumbs:

Diagnosis 14 March 2013, got car back 28 October 2013. Although Elms Cambridge did lose me in the system for a couple of weeks! Lol.

Got my car Mot'd during that time, they didn't see the hairline cracks.

[thrashermax]

Nice one, sounds like second to none service at Elms.

Well here's hoping it is as my car is away to do a 1000 mile round trip next month for this service.

Elms Bedford were excellent, they did full geo and tracking, they even sent me a copy of the warranty bill.

[Straightsix]

Planning to go to BMW Elms of Cambridge for the BMW Inspection II Service :-)

[plumber vic]

There next Saturday for sub frame inspection

[Chris-CSL]

Had mine done @ Vines of Gatwick inspection (Recommended from Monkey Munich Legends) they checked it and did a complete replacement booked in same day. Excellent service. Asked for Pictures for the work done and all information which they provided for the history of the car if I ever want to let it go.

Only slight blemish was when it returned they had scratched the door handle rear quarter driver side carbon and centre console, However there was only a slight quibble and they booked it in and within a few days it was back and good as new.

I would certainly recommend them to do the work.

However Steven James of Bromley is a complete different story took it in just before Munich Trip for sub frame check and there was no fault Monkey then has a look 3-4 weeks later and finds it Massive thanks to the Monkey and ML!!!!!

[Steve B]

I had mine checked/repaired at Specialist Cars Hitchin. Diagnosed on a Friday, repaired and back with me 2 weeks later... Mine was the 43rd they'd done and that was 12 months ago.
The guy (Ray) who does the repair is someone I went to school with over 25 years ago and has been working there for 24 years ever since he left school.


Steve

[cps]

Elms Bedford were excellent, they did full geo and tracking, they even sent me a copy of the warranty bill.

Hi, does anyone know if BMW will complete the subframe work FOC under warranty if a CSL is over 10 years?

[Mike R]

Hi, does anyone know if BMW will complete the subframe work FOC under warranty if a CSL is over 10 years?

Only if it is a 2004 registered car and then it goes to 12 years.

[shimmy]

Only if it is a 2004 registered car and then it goes to 12 years.

I'm not sure that is proven yet Mike. do you know anybody Whi has been told directly the "corrosion warranty" covers the cracks (I agree it should as it is integral and will go rusty)

[Neil M]

I'm not sure that BMW are legitimately entitled to discriminate on a point of when the car was registered as it has not bearing on 'fit for purpose'
As we all know, all CSL were manufactured in 03 and none in 04, therefore in legal terms a manufacturers warranty (in whatever guise) should run from the date of manufacture and not registration.

The basis of the US E46 case was that the sub frame cracks occurred due to an inherent design flaw, which was upheld. The CSL was constructed knowing that the boot floor was susceptible to deformation under strain and yet instead or reinforcing it to take account of the performance characteristics of the car, they went in the opposite direction and introduced composite materials which can only contribute to what was already known to be their Achilles heel.

I rest my case!

[shimmy]

Firstly subframe repairs in uk are Goodwill

Secondly it is registration date and not manufacture date that matters

[portlandgrey]

I'm not sure that BMW are legitimately entitled to discriminate on a point of when the car was registered as it has not bearing on 'fit for purpose'
As we all know, all CSL were manufactured in 03 and none in 04, therefore in legal terms a manufacturers warranty (in whatever guise) should run from the date of manufacture and not registration.

The basis of the US E46 case was that the sub frame cracks occurred due to an inherent design flaw, which was upheld. The CSL was constructed knowing that the boot floor was susceptible to deformation under strain and yet instead or reinforcing it to take account of the performance characteristics of the car, they went in the opposite direction and introduced composite materials which can only contribute to what was already known to be their Achilles heel.

I rest my case!

In what way did BMW use composite materials that would have any bearing on the rear floorpan cracks/failure?

[cps]

I'm not sure that BMW are legitimately entitled to discriminate on a point of when the car was registered as it has not bearing on 'fit for purpose'
As we all know, all CSL were manufactured in 03 and none in 04, therefore in legal terms a manufacturers warranty (in whatever guise) should run from the date of manufacture and not registration.

The basis of the US E46 case was that the sub frame cracks occurred due to an inherent design flaw, which was upheld. The CSL was constructed knowing that the boot floor was susceptible to deformation under strain and yet instead or reinforcing it to take account of the performance characteristics of the car, they went in the opposite direction and introduced composite materials which can only contribute to what was already known to be their Achilles heel.

I rest my case!

mmm, interesting so has there been much discusion with the more experienced owners on how repairs and fixing might be dealt with in the future? if i can afford it i'd like to keep one till i can't drive.. will we be 3d printing a subframe in 10 years, has anyone bought a subframe part do we know, and can you buy them? i saw some work by a company in bristol. and is there a crytalised view on using the epoxy as a good or bad thing? all questions from the new boy... :wink:

[portlandgrey]

Firstly subframe repairs in uk are Goodwill

Secondly it is registration date and not manufacture date that matters

Shim is spot on, the repair is under BMW's goodwill, not the anti- corrosion warranty or any extended warranty you may have (though i suspect this helps).

There is talk on the cutters forum that some dealers are now stating the entire repair must be completed before the 10th anniversary, rather than just having the issue disgnosed before the 10 years are up.

Maybe BMW taking a harder line with the claims?

[deanobeano]

Update on this today.

My November 2003 car was booked in for Elms Bedford for January 2014.

Had a call from the bodyshop department stating that BMW were insisting that all repairs had to be performed whilst the car was still under warranty.

As a result of this, Elms were putting together a 'special department' to expedite repairs.

The result of this is my car is now going in for repair on 9th November, ie just before it is 10 years old.

[cps]

Update on this today.

My November 2003 car was booked in for Elms Bedford for January 2014.

Had a call from the bodyshop department stating that BMW were insisting that all repairs had to be performed whilst the car was still under warranty.

As a result of this, Elms were putting together a 'special department' to expedite repairs.

The result of this is my car is now going in for repair on 9th November, ie just before it is 10 years old.


oh .. so it would seem a line is being drawn, i'm still not sure how common this is, my 2002 m3 is fine, maybe i should be driving harder..

so if you have to pay for exhaust brackets, oil seals, brake lines and the subframe i imagine that will be quite a bill.. on a standard m3, that's quite a commitment. so in essence we will all be out of warranty in just over a year for CSL's.. anyone know if the weld up and epoxy is a good fix?

[Mark CSL]

I have had the repair done by bmw.
As for how long it will last only time will tell but i would think ther resin will sort the problem as the box section will not flex now as its like a solid bar not a hollow tube.

[cps]

I have had the repair done by bmw.
As for how long it will last only time will tell but i would think ther resin will sort the problem as the box section will not flex now as its like a solid bar not a hollow tube.

ah, thanks mark, so did you have the epoxy as well as the new subframe? i'm pondering if i don't have cracks is it better to pay for epoxy fill if i'm over 10 years, or just wait and see what happens..

[CraigMillwardCroft]

ah, thanks mark, so did you have the epoxy as well as the new subframe? i'm pondering if i don't have cracks is it better to pay for epoxy fill if i'm over 10 years, or just wait and see what happens..

Mine had no cracks on inspection so had the epoxy fill done :thumbs:

[Mark CSL]

Mine had no cracks on inspection so had the epoxy fill done :thumbs:
Was it free craig or did you have to pay for it

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Was it free craig or did you have to pay for it
I paid for it but got a deal on the price, and it was done by Gareth.

[Neil M]

ah, thanks mark, so did you have the epoxy as well as the new subframe? i'm pondering if i don't have cracks is it better to pay for epoxy fill if i'm over 10 years, or just wait and see what happens..

Prevention is better than cure! :thumbs:just about sums it up. If you haven't got the cracks, then go for the 'Poxy' fill! :hahaha:

[cps]

I paid for it but got a deal on the price, and it was done by Gareth.

Hi,

was that at Elms Cambridge??

thanks all:)

[deanobeano]

Elms Bedford tomorrow to drop Cecil off for subframe and diff seal.
What's the chances of getting my 19 yr old on the courtesy car insurance...

As I am out for curry Saturday night and a lift would be appreciated

[billyboysm3]

If you tell them he is on your Csl insurance they might do it.

Hope you get the countryman I had

[deanobeano]

Hope you get the countryman I had

Apparently the Clubman is in for some works...

Blown Engine
New Brakes and discs...

So its a 118d M sport for me for the next few weeks.

A bit cheap on the inside, but OK as a free snotter

[0836whimper]

I've got a Cooper D 'Baker Street' from Elms Cambridge at the moment.

It's actually really good fun, quite surprised, handling and ride very good. But it has only got 2k on the clock.

[deanobeano]

Well two weeks to the day and Cesils back!
Pleased with the work from Elms, diff done under warranty and will rust bubble repaired.

Man I missed the sound!

Gave him a good shoeing on the way back and now safely tucked up in the garage.

Probably will SORN for the winter but it was good to get back into...

[MCSL]

Well two weeks to the day and Cesils back!
Pleased with the work from Elms, diff done under warranty and will rust bubble repaired.

Man I missed the sound!

Gave him a good shoeing on the way back and now safely tucked up in the garage.

Probably will SORN for the winter but it was good to get back into...

Did it only take 2 weeks? Mine is booked in for 4th Feb - thought it was a 4 week job?

[deanobeano]

They have dedicated someone to concentrate on the subframe repairs before BMW pull the funding so they are getting through them quicker.

Richard at Bedford said they had three CSL's in when I picked up mine.

[MCSL]

cheers db