Cracked Subframe? - Poll

[karbonkid]

I think it'll be interesting to see numbers on how many CSLs have had the repair vs
how many haven't, to generate a better picture of how common this issue has really been.

Poll is anonymous.

[thegingerninja]

If there was an option of "No cracks present" I'd be able to vote. Otherwise, I can't.

All this talk of cracks.....could get out of hand.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

If there was an option of "No cracks present" I'd be able to vote. Otherwise, I can't.

All this talk of cracks.....could get out of hand.
Do not get the man train going :gayfight:

[karbonkid]

If there was an option of "No cracks present" I'd be able to vote. Otherwise, I can't.

I didn't expect anyone to have had it checked, being giving the OK and then NOT to have the Injection Cavity Foam done.

[Steve B]

Mine was cracked and been replaced FOC....

[Bounce]

Mines bin done foc:smokin:

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Mines bin done foc:smokin:
Did you get the epoxy put in too :-D

[Bounce]

Did you get the epoxy put in too :-DYes,it's standard practice now when you have the boot floor replaced.:beer:

[adem.csl]

ive had mine changed and epoxy they left it in a right mess and had to reweld it as their welds cracked.stephen james enfield stay away!!!!!

[Bounce]

ive had mine changed and epoxy they left it in a right mess and had to reweld it as their welds cracked.stephen james enfield stay away!!!!!Thats poor,I would have had to go see them and show them.

[AlexGTT]

Mine has been checked 2-3 times a year, every year. Nearly 6 years now and no cracks. No epoxy either as mine will be reinforced with plates and mods soon and I don't want epoxy shite in the way when they do it.:wink:

[adem.csl]

i did they had the car a total 6 months as i wouldnt accept it back.if you check my album you will see where they sprayed the epoxy in and just left residue in the boot floor.they had to paint boot floor 3 times cos they didnt get it right repair my seat backs as they scratched them bad i had new seat belts cos they sprayed sealer on them new side sill plates new front bumper cos they cracked that too.they went into changing my diff,springs and all the bushes free of charge.nightmare i nearly ended up in hospital i was soo depressed how they ruined what took best part of my life to buy.

[Pip1968]

If there was an option of "No cracks present" I'd be able to vote. Otherwise, I can't.

Ditto, I have had mine checked and no cracks are present. Moreover I have not had any resin put in or reinforcing.

More options required :whistle:

Pip

[shimmy]

mine was done by Murketts back in 2010...their first i think

[adem.csl]

see cos ive had my brace plates welded in it kinda wouldnt pass warranty as it had been modified.now because i have friends in parts and service they helped me get it through on warranty but cos body shop is shit there once they started the car was doomed.long story.the guy claimed that at nearly 70 years of age he had done more subframes than anyone else but his standard of work left much to be desired.needless ive learnt my lesson.

[Porker]

Can you still call in BMW's warranty for the cracked subframe in case your car is heavily modified? I assume they'd hide behind that?

[shimmy]

Can you still call in BMW's warranty for the cracked subframe in case your car is heavily modified? I assume they'd hide behind that?

But none of our cars are modified......

[Yanto]

Voted - I think I chose the right one ?

[Bounce]

Voted - I think I chose the right one ?The first one.:wink:

[AlexGTT]

But none of our cars are modified......

Goes without saying.:)

[NZ_M3]

No cracks on mine ... I check it almost every month :whistle: Had the epoxy put in as a pre-caution and a letter from BMW certifying that there were no cracks at the time of the epoxy injection.

The rear end was very noticeably stiffer after the epoxy injection I have to say.

If it cracks I am turning it into a racecar :finga:

[Porker]

But none of our cars are modified......
:thumbs:

[Neil M]

No cracks here either, all checked out before putting in hibernation mode. 1 rear shock and headlight washer bottle both leaking but other than that, spot on.

[Ramsden15]

No cracks on mine apparently, this was something I specifically ask the BMW dealer to check when they did the inspection last month.

How much to have the precautionary epoxy injected?

[LeinsCSL]

No cracks in mine when checked last year. Will be going in for its annual in April, so get it checked out again. Not bothered with any precautionary stuff so far


No cracks here either, all checked out before putting in hibernation mode. 1 rear shock and headlight washer bottle both leaking but other than that, spot on.

I had to get a new washer bottle a couple of years ago too. It's different from the std M3 one IIRC

[Mark CSL]

Just so you lot know my car was checked around a December no cracks were seen but they are there now i sometimes think they don't know what they are looking for i had to show bmw today where the crack was he did not see it till i showed them where it was :banghead:

[karbonkid]

I had to get a new washer bottle a couple of years ago too. It's different from the std M3 one IIRC

Yes CSL bottle is different. Its mounted inside of bumper same as horn.

Just so you lot know my car was checked around a December no cracks were seen but they are there now i sometimes think they don't know what they are looking for i had to show bmw today where the crack was he did not see it till i showed them where it was :banghead:

Quite worrying as this is common. This is exactly why its good to get an inspection done by someone who knows exactly where to look.

[Bounce]

IMHO a lot of you guys have had the all clear but still have cracks that have not been found.As Mark says a lot of techs don't know what there looking for.A friend of mine who has worked on BMWs for years as an independent missed my crack,but Gareth at Elms found one,simply because he knew what to look for,you guys that have had them checked and got the all clear don't take this for granted.:wink:

[Yanto]

IMHO a lot of you guys have had the all clear but still have cracks that have not been found.As Mark says a lot of techs don't know what there looking for.A friend of mine who has worked on BMWs for years as an independent missed my crack,but Gareth at Elms found one,simply because he knew what to look for,you guys that have had them checked and got the all clear don't take this for granted.:wink:


+1

Mine was checked and ok, checked again approx 9m later and not.

Convinced its more age rather than use thing, though both influential. Too many recent examples in small timeframe

[Bounce]

Never mind cracked subframe,who's got a cracked iPhone :banghead:

[Yanto]

Never mind cracked subframe,who's got a cracked iPhone :banghead:

Another EFA I'll pass on.....I am good to you :smokin:

[Mark CSL]

Never mind cracked subframe,who's got a cracked iPhone :banghead:


Not to worry the jailbreak will be out soon :hahaha: GOOD TIME TO GET A NEW IPHONE :thumbs:

[Jimbo]

Why do these cracks occur? Is it a fault specifically related to the CSL or are other E46 variants affected?

Gonna have to get mine checked in the spring, looks like a long drive to Elms.

[Alx]

We should bring this subject to the BMW guys we will meet in Munich during the Homecoming...

[Bounce]

Why do these cracks occur? Is it a fault specifically related to the CSL or are other E46 variants affected?

Gonna have to get mine checked in the spring, looks like a long drive to Elms.All E46,but mostly in the more powerful versions,as you have more power going through the diff and causing it to twist and putting to much pressure on the weak subframe mounting points.Thats the way I see it anyway.

[mick csl]

No cracks on mine, But i precautionary let fit Reinforcement Plates.
Every single csl gets the issue at some point.

[Pip1968]

No cracks on mine, But i precautionary let fit Reinforcement Plates.
Every single csl gets the issue at some point.

Woah, woah......red card you cannot go saying that. That is like saying all CSLs are tracked. They probably are but :(.

Pip :(

[mick csl]

Woah, woah......red card you cannot go saying that. That is like saying all CSLs are tracked. They probably are but :(.

Pip :(

I now a few csl never been on track, 80,000km-100.000km cars and there were cracks on.

your right not al csl get it, but the most cars.

(my english is not so well)

[LeinsCSL]

No cracks on mine, But i precautionary let fit Reinforcement Plates.
Every single csl gets the issue at some point.

What plates did you use Mick? Turner / CA / other... Does it make any difference or are they all the same?

Thinking of doing this if mine gets the all clear in April

[sailorbaz]

Mine is booked in to be checked 2 weeks on Monday, will see what they come back with.

[mick csl]

What plates did you use Mick? Turner / CA / other... Does it make any difference or are they all the same?

Thinking of doing this if mine gets the all clear in April

The plates are self made by them, they look like the HPA plates.
(http://www.performance-shop-geel.be/)

[LeinsCSL]

The plates are self made by them, they look like the HPA plates.
(http://www.performance-shop-geel.be/)

Thanks Mick!

BTW, are you planning to do the epoxy resin too? I'm coming around to the thinking that I might get both the resin and plates done now if there are no cracks found in mine in April, as I'm nearly up on the 10 years limit, and have no warranty going forward

[mick csl]

Thanks Mick!

BTW, are you planning to do the epoxy resin too? I'm coming around to the thinking that I might get both the resin and plates done now if there are no cracks found in mine in April, as I'm nearly up on the 10 years limit, and have no warranty going forward

No i don't think to do the epoxy resin.
That's also the way i was thinking, if the warrany is over and you get a subframe problem it's for your own cost.
(Now it was about 850 pounds inc subframe bushings that's not a big price:whistle:)

[LeinsCSL]

No i don't think to do the epoxy resin.
That's also the way i was thinking, if the warrany is over and you get a subframe problem it's for your own cost.
(Now it was about 850 pounds inc subframe bushings that's not a big price:whistle:)

Only reason I say both is because of various posts I've seen around that say just doing the plates on their own can move the issue to another part of the subframe longer-term. Or does anyone know if this nonsense?

[dave wilkinson]

7 csl's not been checked, i'd quess and say over half of them will have cracks as long as they take them to someone who knows exactly where to check, as if your not in the know there hard to find!

[J.D.]

In with BMW at the moment for a FOC repair.

[_Nathan_]

There are 2 types of CSL, those with cracks and those that will have cracks :blalalala:

[mick csl]

There are 2 types of CSL, those with cracks and those that will have cracks :blalalala:

:thumbs:

[alexk]

We should bring this subject to the BMW guys we will meet in Munich during the Homecoming...

I have a correspondence saying that no CSL in the world ever had this problem :whistle:

[mattCSLnut]

There are 2 types of CSL, those with cracks and those that will have cracks :blalalala:

:hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha: ... but totally true.

[Alx]

I have a correspondence saying that no CSL in the world ever had this problem :whistle:
Well we will probably be able to show them a couple of examples in May. ;-)

[sjb]

My new purchase has a crack about 50mm long on the o/s only. I demanded it get put on a lift so I could check it out first, I wasn't happy when he put a mat on the floor and gave me a torch first of all :banghead:

I found out how to find it by watching the Redish motorsports excellent youtube video. Due to a previous owner having a (non bmw) garage and doing his own servicing (and stamping it) one of the inspection 1's is not main dealer so that bugger's up the goodwill work being done. The car is only at 62500 too which is a shame. Anyway I negotiated a decent figure off after already getting a reduction so I'm not bothered.

I was going to go with the Redish Motorsport reinforcement plates as the guy seems to know his stuff.
Any more guys doing the same job I should be considering?
Poll added to ;)

[Bounce]

I don't think it has to have main dealer service history mate, as long as the service was the right one at the right time.Give Emma a ring at Elms Cambridge.:)

[sjb]

I don't think it has to have main dealer service history mate, as long as the service was the right one at the right time.Give Emma a ring at Elms Cambridge.:)

Cheers will do :thumbs:

[LeinsCSL]

No cracks showing in mine as I said, but have decided now to go the whole hog and get it resin-injected and reinforcement-plated. Booked it in in May here to get the work done, takes about a week: http://www.mprovesolutions.com/

They've done a few CSLs already I think (anyone on here?). Should pick it up just in time to M62 it over for the ferry from Hull, so will let any interested folks know how I get on for the price of a Kronenbourg! :beer: ;)

[alexk]

Well we will probably be able to show them a couple of examples in May. ;-)

Still, they are not going to repair anything.
They told me that the CSL is a car made for the road and not for the racetrack, so if you put it in a racetrack it's absolutely normal to be separated in two pieces.
On the other hand all the advertising and promotional material was referring to the CSL as a 'racecar' for the road, Nordschleife laptimes etc.
It's the way it is...

The guys in UK are privileged to be well taken care of :thumbs:

[alexk]

Guys, I need your help.
The ones that had the problem and had it repaired, can you please pm me your vin number and the name/address of the dealer that fixed it ?

[shimmy]

Still, they are not going to repair anything.
They told me that the CSL is a car made for the road and not for the racetrack, so if you put it in a racetrack it's absolutely normal to be separated in two pieces.
On the other hand all the advertising and promotional material was referring to the CSL as a 'racecar' for the road, Nordschleife laptimes etc.
It's the way it is...

The guys in UK are privileged to be well taken care of :thumbs:

Alex...you never will win by admitting its been on track and asking them to fix it and no good showing them our cars and telling them thee have been on track and have been fixed.

Just take it to another dealer and tell them it sbroken and you want it fixing and DON'T MENTION THE WAR. You mentioned it once but I think you got away with it. :)

[sailorbaz]

Mine is booked in to be checked 2 weeks on Monday, will see what they come back with.

Got mine checked yesterday and given a clean bill of health. When I asked about the resin injection though they told me they'd stopped doing that and said that only the cars with a hard 'drifting' life were the ones seriously affected.

Bloody typical too, haven't had the car out since Sept and it hasn't rained over here for about 10 days and it pished down yesterday all the way to Omagh and back! Car's now filthy sat in the garage but fook it, it can wait.

[portlandgrey]

Mine is into its 3rd week at the dealer.

Floor being replaced, epoxy injection being done, all subframe mounts & RTAB's being replaced along with the triangular chassis brace that had rotted through & snapped.

I'm hoping it should be back tomorrow, fingers crossed.

[Mark CSL]

My car is in just now getting this done they have told me i will get it back on Monday they have had it for 2 weeks i am going in tomorrow to see if the repair is up to my standards :-D

the loan car they gave me is a 316D 4 Door :banghead:
Pish slow but great on fuel :-D

[Neil M]

If it helps anyone, I have a 5 Page copy of the original BMW memo to Dealerships re: the Subframe Fix.
(From the date of the internal memo this fault was know about as early as December 03)

Diagnosis, and methodology for the fix, Part No's of those parts to be used and the various associated Job No's. under which the necessary works are to be carried out.

To large to post on here. If anyone would like a copy PM me your email and it's as good as in the post.

Alternatively you go to Elms where by all accounts you shouldn't have any problems.
Hope this helps:thumbs:

[chicken]

if my subframe cracks then im giving up cars forever lol

[portlandgrey]

Here is a pic of the cracks found on mine:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m41/darreni/subframe_zps48803ac6.jpg

Also when replacing the diff, fit the revised rear diff bolts, they have more of a shoulder & should reduce any clunk/movement:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m41/darreni/photo2_zps4a85c65e.jpg

[Neil M]

if my subframe cracks then im giving up cars forever lol

Elms, obviously don't want any comebacks :hahaha:

[Jimbo]

No cracks found by Sytner when the diff was out on mine :thumbs:

Cant help thinking i should get Elms to double check it and if no cracks found get the precautionary work booked in.

[phoenixcsl]

Got mine back today after Elm's had it for 2 weeks.

Felt soooooo good to be back in Cecil! :smt055

[grkm3]

Did the CSL receive a beefier sub frame floor from the factory?

[JezP]

I had mine checked last year and had the all clear need to have another check as i think my 10 yrs are up in september has anybody here have any feedback using vines in guildford or bmw battersea for subframe checks and fixes before i choose which one to call battersea would be closer but heard vines in guildford have done many of these?