Sub Frame Failure, Im Worried, Need Info! - BMW Forum

BMW-ATI · 05-23-2005, 01:02 AM

Ok I need to know everything about this this has me concerned

Like Does it happen to normal cars?
I have a stock 94 325is

No mods, no nothing, like normal stuff on it.

I dont go to that race track, i drive fast, but dont like do big jumps in it, or go over bumps like speed bumps really fast.

So this sub frame failure?

first of all?
1. is it common?
2. What kinda cars does it "usually" happen to? like upgraded ones, ones that race? or can it happen to normal stock cars? but very rarely?
3. how often does this happen?
4. What is the repair cost for this kinda thing?
5. How do i prevent this, and how much would it cost/how would I do it?

thx

97alpineM3 · 05-23-2005, 10:42 AM

1. Not all that common
2. Non-Z3 and M3 models... due to the fact that the rear sub frame reinforcements were not installed at the factory.
3. See 1.
4. If you catch it fast... not that much due to the easy fix of a little welding and maybe some patching.
5. Preventative maintenance can and should be doing in my opinion. www.turnermotorsports.com sells a reinforcement kit. Buy it and get a shop to weld her on for a couple hundred due to the work that has to be done to get to the reinforce point.

Welcome,

Les

BMW-ATI · 05-23-2005, 10:43 AM

but does it typically happen to like street racing bmw's or track bmw's or is it just as common for stock ones?

97alpineM3 · 05-23-2005, 10:53 AM

It doesnt happen if you dont make it happen... it should be check frequently... its not common... mostly pushed and tracked cars will have this problem... if you drive your car normally... you will be fine.

Les

BMW-ATI · 05-23-2005, 02:18 PM

How do i check?

and I drive fast?> but I dont like go to tracks ever, just spirited driving

so i should be fine?

Shudogg · 05-23-2005, 02:44 PM

ya how do you check

e36surge · 05-23-2005, 05:19 PM

If you corner hard, drift your vehicle, have a stiffened suspension (aftermarket set-up... such as coil-overs or stiff shocks, etc. etc.), 17, 18 or 19 inch rims with low profile tires and drive your vehicle hard on the street (even if you haven't tracked your beamer) listen to the man when he says, CHECK OUT THE SUB-FRAME. Trust me... ask me how I know. Go to the link below. The parts are $85.00 and it will take a good mechanic a few hours to install. It's a small investment towards guaranteeing the sub-frame will not fail. Cause if it does fail... the repair will be very expensive and... your beamer will never feel the same.. sniff sniff.. sorry... The passenger side will fail first or show signs of cracking.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detai...T_ID=4111225649

You can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.

Good luck.

BMW-ATI · 05-23-2005, 07:47 PM

Well I dont drift or have any diff suspension, or anything or any mods?

I dont corner super hard, but I corner them a lil
so ill check them, but should I really be worried about it?

e36surge · 05-23-2005, 09:09 PM

I had a 1994 318is. When I bought her she had signs of failing. I didn't do anything about it cause at the time I didn't know better. By the time I got around to shoring up the sub-frame the passenger side was done.

I don't think you should worry too much but take a look for yourself, it isn't hard to spot. Where I'm from the elements don't help the situation. My 325is doesn't have any signs of fatigue but I'll be making the mod as I do drive her hard and intend on putting her on the track.

BMW-ATI · 05-23-2005, 09:40 PM

What are the "signs" of failure
?

my car doesnt really do anything except the steering wheel clunk noise, when i turn it hard

but I doubt if that has an

ything to do with it

LivinFast67 · 05-24-2005, 03:05 AM

yeah wow can't believe i missed this one. i drive so hard i went through all four potenza's pretty much evenly in 8000 miles.......yes okay i shouldn't drive this hard all the time but i do. Time to check and weld that kit in. even if its an ASS LOAD OF WORK to get everything prepped.

e36surge · 05-24-2005, 07:53 AM

SiGNs...

Creaking, clunking.... metalic screaming.... no that was a joke. Just check the link out and read carefully. It shows you pictures. The next time you have your car on a lift do a visual inspection, use a flashlight... if your car looks like those in the picture then you've got a problem.

97alpineM3 · 05-24-2005, 08:44 AM

This above statement should be used every time you lift your car up... look around for signs... that goes for most things actually.

Les

BMW-ATI · 05-24-2005, 08:16 PM

clunking? like where

my steering clunks kinda when i turn it left or right really hard
or i go over a speed bump like from the side

U can feel it near the wheel when it does it like, that plastic part next to the clutch

e36surge · 05-24-2005, 09:42 PM

I had a similar problem with my 318is. Check your front tables (wishbone). See the link below.

This link you should check points 3,5,9,19 first. Use a small pry bar and apply a LITTLE pressure. There should be a little play but NOT too much. These points have a lot of stress on them when the car is running stiffer shocks and/or coils and larger rims with lower profile tires. The diagram is showing only one side. Make sure to check both sides.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...242&hg=31&fg=05

You should then check your axle support, same diagram item #1, both sides.

If there isn't any loose above then check steering components wouldn't hurt.(see below)

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?mode...484&hg=32&fg=30

Just click on the respective pictures for blowups, I don't know if you have tilt steering etc. etc.

I may also add that this issue isn't related to this post but your issue is still one that's worth discussing... perhaps as another thread. I hope this info helps. Let us know if you've figured it out.

Good Luck