E46 M3 rear subframe cracks

[Sidewindow]

My M3 has been diagnosed by a specialist as having a cracked rear subframe/boot floor which is apparently quite a common problem. I understand BMW should honour a full repair as the car is under 10 years old - a 2 week job apparently!

Before i make the call tomorrow, has anyone else had this problem, and if so, did BMW repair free of charge and provide a courtesy car? Or should i be prepared for a big bill?

[NickXX]

Do you have any modifications (suspension specifically)? BMW might charge if you do. Otherwise, I know of two people who had the work done free of charge by BMW on e46 coupes (M3 and 328). The work took 2 weeks - neither were given a courtesy car btw.

[Sidewindow]

No suspension modifications thankfully. Sounds like BMW will rectify but no courtesy car would be a pain.

I'll keep this thread updated on progress.

[Mr Sparkle]

My father had this problem. I can't remember the full details but I think it was all repaired under warranty. There was a exception made for cars that had been modified as you say.

[krisdelta]

Sidewindow said:

I understand BMW should honour a full repair as the car is under 10 years old

That's correct - the size of the cracks will determine the type of repair they do. It doesn't hurt to ask for a courtesy car - you never know you may get lucky!

[djon]

Sorry to hijack the thread a bit, I've just bought a 2005 M3 coupe and would like to have the subframe checked out - will BMW do it FOC as part of warranty?

Thanks in advance,

Jon

[Sidewindow]

I imagine BMW would charge for any investigative work. I had mine checked by a BMW specialist while it was in for an oil service. They used a probe camera as it's difficult to see without taking the car apart.

[djon]

OK thanks, I'll give them a buzz later on.

[Sidewindow]

Initial response from BMW dealer is that apparently BMW UK stopped honouring repairs for this 2 years ago. They are checking and getting back to me. Fingers crossed.

[E30M3SE]

Sidewindow said:

Initial response from BMW dealer is that apparently BMW UK stopped honouring repairs for this 2 years ago. They are checking and getting back to me. Fingers crossed.

bk, people have had it done this year, there is a 10 year cut off, not sure if that is DOR or DOM, but as these cars were 'made to order' there would not be a massive difference in those dates.

[bikealarmblair]

I'm surprised the dealer hasn't said they have never herd of the problem......

[Sidewindow]

Well i'll find out tomorrow! There's too much evidence online to suggest they're not aware of it.. you would think.

[Sidewindow]

E30M3SE said:

bk, people have had it done this year, there is a 10 year cut off, not sure if that is DOR or DOM, but as these cars were 'made to order' there would not be a massive difference in those dates.

My thoughts exactly. What is DOR and DOM? Am probably being DUM.

[bennyboysvuk]

Sidewindow said:

My thoughts exactly. What is DOR and DOM? Am probably being DUM.

Date of Registration.
Date of Manufacture.

[griff7]

Guy i know with a csl with coilovers and a brake kit had his done under warranty last year.His car had a full bmw service history though and an extended warranty.Some dealers just try to charge you full whack as compared to a warranty claim labour rate so Just try a different dealer.

[Sidewindow]

Dealer sticking to their guns, claiming BMW stopped paying for these repairs 2 years ago. Will try some other dealers and if no luck will be in touch with BMW customer services.

[The Ferret]

Sidewindow said:

Dealer sticking to their guns, claiming BMW stopped paying for these repairs 2 years ago. Will try some other dealers and if no luck will be in touch with BMW customer services.

Some dealers are being a real pain with this, but the fact is they should be sorting it for you.

Have a look here http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=215...

This thread discusses which dealers are playing ball and which are not, and there is a useful document on the first page regarding the repair.

Personally, I would be hassling the local dealer even more. Can't understand why some are honouring it and some are being awkward.

Good luck, and please keep us updated with what happens. I'm sure there are a number of us with M3's that would like to know the outcome.

[E30M3SE]

Here's another 'cutters thread' that may prove useful..

I would phone BMW CS and see what they have to say about this being stopped 2years ago.

[Sidewindow]

Good evidence thanks guys! In the meantime i've been in touch with another dealer (same franchise) who are well aware of the problem and are having a look at the car this afternoon.

[Sir_Dave]

I had mine checked out for free a couple of weeks back by Coopers in Thames Ditton - following recommendation on M3Cutters.

No cracks at the momement. Were also happy to show me what to look for whilst the car was up in the air so i can keep an eye on it myself.

Also confirmed that BMW are fixing them up to 10 years old.