Bmw e46 subframe terror

K

Kurtis

New Member
Long story short, I have never drifted before but I am very keen in getting involved in the sport.
I am looking at buying an e46 but the more I search the more I see the problem off the subframe mount cracking...

So my question is, should I buy something other than an e46 to avoid the problem or is it just a case off only hearing about the cars with problems on the internet and never the ones that have been drifted for years with no problems?

Thanks in advance !
 
I don't know much about bmw's. But my advice is to get something smaller and doesn't require as much power to slide. like a MX5, 340 Volvo or even a 180sx. something smaller will help you learn throttle control and how to counter steer.
Hope this helps ;)
 
Last edited:
It's true that the e46 subframe will wreck easier than an e36 one, but I have seen reinforcement kits available or just do the logical thing: if its weak make it stronger (weld reinforcements in)

E36 is lighter and cheaper right now
 
Thanks for your replies guys. Retro-slide, your probably right about getting something smaller, I did look at mx5's but I'm 6ft3'' and was worried about fitting in it lol

Initial j, I see where your coming from about checking it is not cracked upon purchase as I would. I was just curious as too whether the subframe mounts would let go if I started drifting/putting more stress on the car... :)

OllieEN, are the e36's stronger age they?
 
Kurtis said:
Thanks for your replies guys. Retro-slide, your probably right about getting something smaller, I did look at mx5's but I'm 6ft3'' and was worried about fitting in it lol

Initial j, I see where your coming from about checking it is not cracked upon purchase as I would. I was just curious as too whether the subframe mounts would let go if I started drifting/putting more stress on the car... :)

OllieEN, are the e36's stronger age they?
Click to expand...

Ah I see! haha :wack:
 
Seemed to be the earlier models that were effected by the issue more. Other downside to E46 is you can't get LSD, so will have to go with a welder or an m3 rear subframe swap and the reason I shifted mine was that if I was running an early one with a welder that would increase the likelihood of fucking the subframe.
I sold mine and got an mx5. Much prefer skidding in this compared to the 328.
 
I have quickly looked into the sub frame issues before i bought my e46. However you drift then you brake stuff...... the cycle will continue. The more you read on places like this the more you will see whatever car you buy. It will either need stuff replacing already or .......... you wil brake stuff.

For me it was a good excuse to learn how to weld
 
It's a common problem on the e46. Particularly passenger side. I just bought the old 'one lady owner' type car. It's ripped clean out. I'm reinforcing mine tomorrow.
 
I bought one (<100k family car) that was ripped clean out.. Repaired it and it has been perfect.

Don't let the iternet horror stories put you off! whatever car you buy in that sector (especially if it is jap) will prob need welding at some point anyway. E46s are great :)
 
If you look on E46zone there is a tally chart of the most affected cars. Early coupes seem to be the most prone.
I had a V reg 323i, used it as a road car didn't really drift it at all. Here is one of the mounts:








This was patched up on the drive without dropping the frame fully. Ideally it should have come out though.



You can get reinforcement kits, you have to drop the subframe out and fix from the underside. It's a good excuse to sort all the bushes etc on the back end though!

There is some sort of injection resin reinforcement that I've read about. That might work as a preventative measure before the cracks start maybe...
 
Last edited:
I've got an e46 skidder with a welded diff done 140k+ and been put in the wall at Buxton 3 times by a friend of mine and I've been keeping an eye on the mounts and they all seem spot on still. touch wood! Lol
 
Firstly, thanks for all your replies!

I think I'm just going too go for it and buy an e46. As said above, when you drift your going too break stuff especially if your a beginner like me lol. I will just get it repaired if the mounts let go.

Anyone know what kind off money the repair job is at a garage?
 
Cheers dude! ^^^

Give me a shout if any off you have got any beginners drift cars for sale guys, don't really want too spend any more than 2500
 
Last edited:
It's the floor that rips apart not the subframe, often it's really hard to spot the cracks starting
Redish's kit is the most extensive on the market and is well worth the punt on a good car you're gonna invest in. It's quite a big time consuming job to do though.
Bmw do the expanding foam that fills the gaps and reduces the flex that causes the cracks in the first place. Not much point if the cracks have already started.

Simply put if you can weld or have a mate that can then it's no big deal, it's just time consuming. If you have to pay for it you'll be spending a few hundred on labour at least.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top