Service & repair
E46 Rear Subframe Reinforcement
Inspection and repair of the E46’s rear subframe mounts — the known floor-cracking problem — with reinforcement plates welded in.
On the E46 the rear subframe bolts to the floor of the body, and the floor around those mounting points can crack, especially on cars driven hard, tracked or with a lot of torque. Left alone the cracks grow and the subframe can tear loose.
The repair drops the subframe, checks the floor, repairs any cracks and welds reinforcement plates in. We inspect first and tell you what we found before anything is cut or welded.
Signs it needs doing
- A clunk from the rear when you get on or off the throttle
- Vague or shifting rear end in corners
- Visible cracks around the subframe mounts in the trunk floor
- Before tracking or adding power to an E46
What the job covers
- Inspection of the subframe mounts from above and below
- Subframe lowered, floor cleaned back to metal
- Cracks repaired and reinforcement plates welded in
- Seam sealer and corrosion protection
- Subframe bushings checked (replaced if quoted)
What it costs
Every car is different at this age, so we price it once we have seen yours. Yes. You get a written estimate by email with a private link, and you approve it job by job — or decline what you don’t want. We won’t go over the estimate you approved by more than Colorado allows (10% or 25 dollars, whichever is less) without asking you first.
Questions
Does the E36 need this too?
The problem is known on the E46. If you are worried about an E36, book an inspection and we’ll look.
Will I know the price before you start?
Yes. You get a written estimate by email with a private link, and you approve it job by job — or decline what you don’t want. We won’t go over the estimate you approved by more than Colorado allows (10% or 25 dollars, whichever is less) without asking you first.
Where to find us
Where to bring it
Book ahead so the car has a bay and the right person when it arrives. We get back to you to agree a time.
Book an appointment3 Series Parts Service
The service shop
More of what we do
Scheduled maintenance (Inspection I / II)BMW’s Inspection I and Inspection II maintenance for the E36 and E46 — fluids, filters, plugs, brakes and a full look-over, on our estimate first.
Oil serviceOil and filter change for the BMW E36 and E46 with the right oil for your engine, plus a quick look underneath while it is on the lift.
Cooling system overhaulRadiator, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and hoses for the E36 and E46 — the plastic cooling parts these cars are known to crack.
VANOS repairDiagnosis and repair of the VANOS variable valve timing on E36 and E46 sixes — seals, solenoids and the M3’s high-pressure VANOS.
Book an appointment
Bring your E36 or E46 in
Nothing is booked or charged until we have talked, and any price comes as a written estimate you approve first.
Body damage, paint or rust? See our body shop. Parts for your own work: shop used E36 and E46 parts. Both shops.
Independent repair shop; not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW of North America. BMW is a registered trademark of BMW AG.