Elms subframe crack

[mattCSLnut]

Originally Posted by dave wilkinson

like i've just said matt-

the new boot floor is stronger as have different part numbers and slightly different design. i've seen it with my own eyes. for bmw to admit this tho will mean there admitting there's a fault and would have to recall all e46 m3's.

the foam injection is NOT i cue is a prevention! there's a few e46's out there that have had the injection and still cracked later on.

Are you suggesting the guys @ Elms are spreading misinformation ?
Highly unlikely as Elms are the busiest and most experienced BMW main dealer doing this repair at the moment.
Just because a BMW car part has a different part number doesn't mean it's different, improved or otherwise.
Most car manufacturers (BMW included) change/supersede part numbers over the years. It's a common practice.
Maybe just maybe BMW are using a slightly thicker gauge steel for the replacement boot panels, the press pattern has to be the same to fit the rest of the old E46 chassis.

[dave wilkinson]

Originally Posted by mattCSLnut

Are you suggesting the guys @ Elms are spreading misinformation ?
Highly unlikely as Elms are the busiest and most experienced BMW main dealer doing this repair at the moment.
Just because a BMW car part has a different part number doesn't mean it's different, improved or otherwise.
Most car manufacturers (BMW included) change/supersede part numbers over the years. It's a common practice.
Maybe just maybe BMW are using a slightly thicker gauge steel for the replacement boot panels, the press pattern has to be the same to fit the rest of the old E46 chassis.

so maybe it is different

no i'm not suggesting elms are spreading misinformation, like i say bmw cannot say its different as that would mean there admitting a fault, and involve a recall, costing alot more. when i say bmw, i'm meaning bmw uk not the dealers.

[Straightsix]

Originally Posted by Neil M

I recently posted on then other thread (Technical Area) regarding a BMW internal memo that I found in my history file. Some of you lads will now be familiar with it, having asked for a copy.

What I did find surprising when I sat down and took the time to read it, was the date the document was first circulated: 12/03 which is easily overlooked.
BMW knew about the likelihood of this defect occurring, as the CSL's were coming off the production line. (July 03 - December 03)

That being the case, this must have shown up during testing/proofing of the car, which was supposedly carried out at the Nurburgring.
BMW obviously found that the chassis couldn't cope with high degrees of lateral torsional stress/stain as in high speed cornering.

Good will gesture, or complete recall - no contest.
Not good for their image as the CSL was promoted as a race car for the road. I'm more inclined to think it's more a get out of jail free card.

This fault applies to all of the E46 model range, however as the CSL was marketed it will be predisposed to this fault occurring much sooner than on other models.
Bottom line: It is an inherent design defect.

Hi mate as far as I am aware this happens to all E46s. This happened to my 2000 323Ci Coupe which had the rear subframe axle carrier done by BMW UK in 2007. I noticed some odd noises after doing a Car Control course with the 323Ci at Bruntingthorpe and u could feel a slight vibration. In the early days was thought just to affect E46 323/328 which is what was said in a BMW Car Magazine E46 3 Series Coupe buyer guide

[shimmy]

I've also read here that the new floor has ridges and a slight reinforcement improvement. Someone posted picture of it a year or so ago.

[Steve B]

I had mine done at Specialist Cars body shop in Hitchin by someone I went to school with (he's been there for 24 years and served his apprentiship there and never left).... He told me that he'd done over 50 and this was 5 months ago..


Steve

[shimmy]

Originally Posted by Steve B

I had mine done at Specialist Cars body shop in Hitchin by someone I went to school with (he's been there for 24 years and served his apprentiship there and never left).... He told me that he'd done over 50 and this was 5 months ago..


Steve

Wayne?

[Steve B]

Ray Brookes