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

I always learn something new at these shows I never knew.

During the presentation after the unveiling, Kurt Hofbauer talked about the restoration process. Turns out, the engine bay of the original 1962 Chevy II, a semi-unit body with a bolt-on front subframe and engine cradle, was intended to hold either the standard I-4 or optional I-6 engines -- never a V8.

When the decision was made at GM to shove a V8 into the top-of-the-line Chevy II Nova, things were a little tight. The problem was solved at the engineering level by offsetting the entire engine slightly to the passenger side of the car. Apparently, it's derailed quite a few aftermarket and DIY 6 to V8 engine swaps, and it caused some headaches for Brian Dinsmore at Heartland Autobody in Logan, IA, who restored this car.

If you open the hood of a factory V8 Chevy II or Nova and sight down the front fascia and windshield ridges and the air cleaner wingnut, you can see the offset, even without measuring the clearances on each side.

The Car: 1969 Camaro with a Mast LS7 and a T-56 Magnum Transmission

The Project: The Camaro will be receiving our DSE Hydroformed Subframe, QUADRALink™, 4 point DSE Roll Cage, Mini Tub Kit and Subframe Connectors. The car will also be receiving Baer Brakes, a DSE Super Tank 1000 Series, C&R Radiator, DSE SS Headers and a full custom 3” exhaust system.

The Owner: This is Ronnie Buhr’s first project with DSE. He chose Detroit Speed to transform his car into a Pro-Touring Camaro that will ride and handle better than he ever imagined.

www.detroitspeed.com/Projects/ronnie-buhr-1969-camaro/ron...

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

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

Terminal rot rear subframe mount point

The Car: 1969 Camaro with a Mast LS7 and a T-56 Magnum Transmission

The Project: The Camaro will be receiving our DSE Hydroformed Subframe, QUADRALink™, 4 point DSE Roll Cage, Mini Tub Kit and Subframe Connectors. The car will also be receiving Baer Brakes, a DSE Super Tank 1000 Series, C&R Radiator, DSE SS Headers and a full custom 3” exhaust system.

The Owner: This is Ronnie Buhr’s first project with DSE. He chose Detroit Speed to transform his car into a Pro-Touring Camaro that will ride and handle better than he ever imagined.

www.detroitspeed.com/Projects/ronnie-buhr-1969-camaro/ron...

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

so then once it was shotblasted i re-sprayed it all :-) black / red & silver is wot most the engine bay will be in .. i love it :-)

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

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

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

Starting the A-arm and center suspension subframe parts. For simplicity sake, all six wheels will use the same assembly.

End of my first Mk II.

Slightly Modified MKII Escort.............................

Having spent many hours and money getting it rust free and mechanically sound this happened.

Young Girl only just passed her test failed to stop when I pulled up sharp because of another idiot suddenly deciding to turn right without indicating.

Unfortunately she came in at angle and the damage to the shell has to much to salvage. Subframe twisted in all directions and repairs did not believe it would be safe to drive.

..as well as new saddle, new rear fender and new shrouds

The finished subframe structure after fitting of the exhaust from Part 30.

We now have the axles, wheels, steering, suspension, radiator, engine, drive shafts, gearbox and exhaust system fitted.

This is the view of the top of the structure, which will be hidden by the lower deck floor. It shows the many screw holes that will be hidden by the floor.

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

www.roadstershop.com/products/1970-81-camaro-suspension

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

well this was the looks of it once i got it off the car lol .. yep looks like shite i know !! but take a look at wot i did to it :-)

28 May 2022, ~11pm ET, Springfield Virginia USA. Orion Atlas AZ/EQ-G Pro mount. QHY 294M Pro camera @ -10C, bin 1, exposure 15 seconds, gain 2600, 11MP mode, stack of 60 subframes, no calibration frames. Baader Luminance filter. Reprocessed on 31 May 2023 in Siril and PS.

Clouds: partly cloudy

Seeing: avg

Transparency: avg

Moon phase: 3%

FOV: 32 x 30 arcmin.

Resolution: 0.9 arcsec/pixel.

Orientation: Up is West.

Appearance: Finely detailed face-on spiral galaxy.

Notes: Focused center FOV. Unguided.

From Wikipedia:

Messier 63 or M63, also known as NGC 5055 or the Sunflower Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici with approximately 400 billion stars. M63 was first discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain, then later verified by his colleague Charles Messier on June 14, 1779. The galaxy became listed as object 63 in the Messier Catalogue. In the mid-19th century, Anglo-Irish astronomer Lord Rosse identified spiral structures within the galaxy, making this one of the first galaxies in which such structure was identified.

The shape or morphology of this galaxy has a classification of SAbc, indicating a spiral form with no central bar feature (SA) and two moderate to loosely wound arms (bc). Each arm wraps 150° around the galaxy and extends out to 13,000 light-years (4,000 parsecs) from the nucleus.

M63 is a weakly active galaxy with a LINER nucleus – short for 'low-ionization nuclear emission-line region'. This displays as an unresolved source at the galactic nucleus that is cloaked in a diffuse emission. The latter is extended along a position angle of 110° relative to the north celestial pole, and both soft X-rays and hydrogen (H-alpha) emission can be observed coming from along nearly the same direction. The existence of a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at the nucleus is uncertain; if it does exist, then the mass is estimated as (8.5±1.9)×108 M☉, or around 850 million times the mass of the Sun.

Radio observations at the 21-cm hydrogen line show the gaseous disk of M63 extends outward to a radius of 130,000 light-years (40 kiloparsecs), well past the bright optical disk. This gas shows a symmetrical form that is warped in a pronounced manner, starting at a radius of 33,000 light-years (10 kiloparsecs). The form suggests a dark matter halo that is offset with respect to the inner region. The reason for the warp is unclear, but the position angle points toward the smaller companion galaxy, UGC 8313.

The distance to M63, based upon the luminosity-distance measurement is 29,300,000 light-years (8.99 megaparsecs). The radial velocity relative to the Local Group yields an estimate of 15,200,000 light-years (4.65 megaparsecs). Estimates based on the Tully–Fisher relation range over 16,000,000–34,000,000 light-years (5.0–10.3 megaparsecs). The tip of the red-giant branch technique gives a distance of 28,930,000 ± 950,000 light-years (8.87 ± 0.29 megaparsecs).

M63 is part of the M51 Group, a group of galaxies that also includes M51 (the 'Whirlpool Galaxy').

In 1971, a supernova with a magnitude of 11.8 appeared in one of the arms. It was discovered on May 24 and reached peak light around May 26. The spectrum of this, SN 1971 I, is consistent with a supernova of type I. However, the spectroscopic behavior appeared anomalous.

An advantage of the subframe construction is that there was a little bit of room left in the middle. Perfect for a replica engine.

I have combined subframes from three nights in October and December to come up wit this image of NGC 772, a single armed galaxy 130 million light years away. Per Wikipedia, this galaxy is twice the size of our Milky Way. Southwest (lower right side) of the galaxy, you can see what appears to be a large oblong star -- that's dwarf galaxy NGC 770, which is said to be responsible for the unusual elongated shape of 772 through gravitational interaction.

Tech Stuff: Questar 3.5" scope guided by SBIG ST-i Guider and PHD. Imaged with Starlight Xpress Trius SX-9C; stacked in Nebulosity, processed including Richardson-Lucy Deconvolution in PixInsight, and finished in ACDSee. 41 exposures of 5-8 minutes each from 3 separate evenings were stacked to form this image, taken from my yard 10 miles north of New York City.

The top ring is designed so that the metal collar at the bottom of the bushing slides through it in the cup, while the two opposing protrusions push against the subframe. The tool must be perfectly centered - if it's not, it slips on one side and the ring bites through the subframe exterior coating - which is what happened to me. I re-centered the tool and it stayed in position this time.