Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

Final pics from the BMW makeover , looks well cool !

Speedshop.ch Lancia Delta HF Rear Differential Steel Subframe

Speedshop.ch Lancia Delta HF Rear Differential Steel Subframe

Option of rear Uniball Steel Trailer Radial and Longitudal.

More infos and enquiries: info@speedshop.ch

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

proton

The parts for one side of the rear subframe spread out for checking. As usual, the quality and attention to detail is superb.

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

These were horrible. Just installed new Meyle HD bushings. Diff bushings are next.

I didn't have the required allen key to tighten down the inner LCA bolts, so I used my bolts from my ASR/Benen combo and make it work. Overboard.....but who cares.

The crossmember didn't go down far enough; I had to push and pull and fight for every bit of extra space.

This is what a roadgoing Norton International looks like (here the 1956 version in wideline featherbed frame with welded rear subframe). Handlebars a bit too high, otherwise very original! Mine is 1954 with bolted subframe. I should start rebuilding it....

The engine/tranny had to be placed on the subframe, put on a dolly, and slid underneath the car through the drivers side wheel well while slowly lowering the car down. Neat-O!

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

This is a combination of Hydrogen Alpha data from June 2015 with data in July and August 2016, in all 511 minutes (eight and a half hours) of H Alpha data, consisting of 39 subframes at 9minutes, 13 subframes at 10 minutes and 2 subframes at 15 minutes per frame.

This lengthy total exposure time has enabled me to be able to pick out much of the outer shell beyond the usual view of the Dumbbell.

Peter

Equipment:

Atik 460EX mono CCD, 0.75 reducer, 130mm triplet APO, EQ8 Mount, all guided with a lodestar CCD through various guiding scope combinations.

www.superfastminis.com

www.rahulnair.net/blog/2007/02/20/the-tesla-roadster-the-...

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

This is the subframe that supports the sheetmetal top of this table. Since this table is an outdoor table going to Austin, Texas, I have powder coated certail elements of this table build.

Since this part of the table is out of sight when the table is upright and installed, I thought a candy-apple red was in order. Its really a beautiful color. As with all my tables, I finish out and pay attention to detail in all areas, even the ones no one usually ever sees like the underside of the table. I've been doing this long before I knew who Christian Louboutin was :)

proton

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

One or both of the frames had a bit of a twist

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

The front left subframe on my Amphibious bouncer BFG, flat steel all rusted away..only the corners remain...and stress crack at major pressure point. Only one of the salt water races has fresh water rinse upon water exit. Welded angle over it all and raced last week, no further fractures!!

What may not have helped was that this/these square curved/arc-ed pieces were all salvaged from an old six foot satellite dish frame that was already rusty,,,,already...!

Five races per year, two with 2 salt water crossings each..Humboldt & Port Townsend..one at Ventura. That's five salt water dips, and two other fresh water...Klamath Falls and Corvallis' daVinci Days..

Thirty five watery adventures, most with only minimal splashing, though the very first had me capsized on that left side in front of the docks on Humboldt Bay for what seemed like a lonng time, and my 3rd race, at Corvallis, which had me with a broken oarlock, so I drifted downriver for 45 minutes capsized, but in the sweet Wilamette waters., singing my theme song for that year, "Cool Clear Water" ...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDtCa8ZgAk4

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

honda ek

An earlier product from the Temsa fold, the Prenses was based upon a Mitsubishi subframe.

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.

The parts used for this repair includes:

Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):

• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit

Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street

• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street

City 14/hwy 19 (4.4L engine/6-speed auto trans)

EXTERIOR

Pwr sunroof-inc: deep-tinted glass, retained accessory pwr, one-touch open/close, anti-trap feature

Bi-Xenon single-piece headlamps w/auto headlamps, pwr washers

Front/rear fog lamps

Deep-tinted glass aft of B-pillar

Pwr heated mirrors w/programmable auto dipping of passenger mirror in reverse

Variable intermittent front windshield wipers

Intermittent rear window washer/wiper

Single tailgate w/opening glass

INTERIOR

Seating-inc: 8-way driver/6-way pwr front passenger leather bucket seats w/folding armrests, adjustable head restraints

65/35 split folding rear seat w/adjustable head restraints

3-driver memory-inc: driver seat, steering column, exterior mirrors

Rhodium center console trim

Center console storage bin

Leather-wrapped pwr tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/automatic tilt-away

Instrumentation-inc: tachometer, fuel filler door indicator, comprehensive message center w/trip computer, analog clock

Outside temp display

Front/rear park distance control

Tire pressure monitoring system

Pwr windows-inc: retained accessory pwr, one-touch open/close, anti-trap feature

Pwr central locking w/emergency key entry via concealed panel in drivers door

Cruise control w/steering wheel mounted controls

GPS off-road enhanced navigation system-inc: touchscreen interface, 4x4 driver info

Vehicle security system w/keyless entry

Homelink system for garage doors & security gates

Dual-zone automatic climate control w/programmed defrost

Front/rear window defogger

550-watt Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system-inc: AM/FM stereo, 6-disc CD changer, auxiliary audio inputs, (13) speakers

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Voice recognition & driver microphone

Dual glass-mounted antenna system

Cupholders-inc: (3) front, (2) rear

Rhodium door inserts

Front door map pockets

Front seatback storage pockets

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Foldable & removable loadspace cover, cargo net hooks

MECHANICAL

4.4L SMPI 32-valve aluminum alloy V8 engine

6-speed automatic transmission w/OD-inc: normal/sport/manual shift modes, CommandShift locking torque converter

4-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC)

Permanent 4-wheel drive

Distributorless ignition system-inc: 4 knock sensors, dual mode electronic throttle, engine drag torque control

2-speed electronic transfer gearbox-inc: Torsen torque-sensing center differential, shift-on-the-move capability

Monocoque integrated body/chassis w/(3) steel subframes

Integral class III trailer towing hitch receiver

Enhanced electronic air suspension (EAS) system-inc: automatic load-leveling, multiple modes, terrain-sensing software & cross-link valves for improved off-road performance, long-travel air springs

Double-wishbone front suspension-inc: double-pivot lower arms, gas filled shock absorbers

Double-wishbone rear suspension-inc: gas filled shock absorbers

255/50HR19 tires

19" x 9.0" aluminum alloy wheels

Reduced section spare tire

Pwr rack & pinion steering

Pwr ventilated front, solid rear disc brakes

Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)

Emergency brake assist (EBA)

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Hill descent control (HDC)

Dynamic stability control (DSC)

Active roll mitigation (ARM)

4-channel 4-wheel all-terrain anti-lock brakes (ABS)

Electronic parking brake w/emergency full hydraulic capability

23.3 gallon fuel tank

SAFETY

6-airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS)-inc: driver & front passenger front airbags, driver & front passenger-side airbags, side-curtain airbags for rear outboard passengers

Front/rear three-point seatbelts & head restraints

Height adjustable front seatbelt anchors

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Child locks for rear doors/windows

LATCH (Lower Anchor & Tether for Children) system for child seat attachment

Front crumple zones

Collision-activated inertia switch to unlock doors, turn off fuel pump, activate hazard lamps

Disassembled front subframe components - the 'Goat's Head'

I bought this tool on ebay for $150. This used to be part of a multi-model bushing tool kit code-named BMW2336, made by a manufacturing company called Sir Tools and sold by resellers like Zdmak and Technictool, for about $300. This kit is no longer for sale, it has been superseded by the BMW3026 kit. The tool I bought is limited to the parts that are needed for the E30.

Since the parts did not come with instructions I emailed both Sir tools and Zdmak asking for a courtesy copy (it was quite obvious how it worked, but nonetheless). Sir tools replied a week later and sent me a copy. The installation instructions did not make sense.