2003 m3 subframe query
Discussion
Just because he says it is fine does not mean it is or will be. It's out of 'warranty' being a 2003 build latest. Imo this is when not if, so budget 250 to 1500 depending on resin injection or re-inforcement plates.
Mine has just been in for re-inforcement outside of goodwill, it was checked 3 times in the year that I owned it, then cracks appeared very quickly.
Mine has just been in for re-inforcement outside of goodwill, it was checked 3 times in the year that I owned it, then cracks appeared very quickly.
No, I had it done at an independant (Iridium Engineering in Southampton). BMW replace rather than re-inforce. This issue is becoming so common most buyers will know about it, with a bit of warranty period left, some will take the gamble as I did (and lost - such is life), but a good proportion of cars are now 10yrs + and I think the market will seperate cars with the work from those without.
I think the internet as a way of over hyping things, I've had a couple of M3's and although both showed signs of slight cracking , the cracks where very small, didn't effect the car in any way and took nearly 10yrs to appear(the M3 CSL saw plenty of track time too), at the extreme end you might have cracks which lead to noticeable movement or effect,
I wouldn't really be overly concerned tbh unless you want to use the M3 as track of course
I wouldn't really be overly concerned tbh unless you want to use the M3 as track of course
when I was looking for my M3, I asked about the subframe on every car I enquired about.
Personally, I would only buy an M3 that had documented proof that it has been done or was still young enough that BMW would repair it under warranty.
It is only the repair that they do under the warranty, any other parts like clips etc.. you still pay for. Mine was done just before I bought it as I told the garage to have it looked at & it still cost them just over £400 for other bits related to it that wernt covered.
Personally, I would only buy an M3 that had documented proof that it has been done or was still young enough that BMW would repair it under warranty.
It is only the repair that they do under the warranty, any other parts like clips etc.. you still pay for. Mine was done just before I bought it as I told the garage to have it looked at & it still cost them just over £400 for other bits related to it that wernt covered.
wheelsmith said:
I think the internet as a way of over hyping things, I've had a couple of M3's and although both showed signs of slight cracking , the cracks where very small, didn't effect the car in any way and took nearly 10yrs to appear(the M3 CSL saw plenty of track time too), at the extreme end you might have cracks which lead to noticeable movement or effect,
I wouldn't really be overly concerned tbh unless you want to use the M3 as track of course
Agree with this ^^^^^^. I wouldn't really be overly concerned tbh unless you want to use the M3 as track of course
On my third car now and 2 were from BMW dealers, had been inspected and no cracks. My present car is from a BMW specialist, was inspected and no signs of cracking.
The first had 43,000 miles, the second 35,000 miles and I sold them with no problems at all - in fact a different BMW dealer phoned me to ask if I wanted to sell the second one as they had a customer who wanted that particular car.
My current car is out of the warranty period (2002) but just 30,000 miles, not tracked, is rarely thrashed around and I had an additional MoT done so I could inspect it even though the indie had done it just a couple of months before.
Personally, I don't believe it's over-hyyped at all, as know of too many people who, when they've had the car properly inspected, have had cracks found. Saying that, my car was clear, but I decided to have the preventative work done anyway
Having talked to people who know a lot more about this issue than I do, the suggestion is that it's hard 1st & 2nd gear starts that can cause the subframe problems
Having talked to people who know a lot more about this issue than I do, the suggestion is that it's hard 1st & 2nd gear starts that can cause the subframe problems
Edited by Leins on Saturday 29th March 16:23
Leins said:
Personally, I don't believe it's over-hyyped at all, as know of too many people who, when they've had the car properly inspected, have had cracks found. Saying that, my car was clear, but I decided to have the preventative work done anyway
Having talked to people who know a lot more about this issue than I do, the suggestion is that it's hard 1st & 2nd gear starts that can cause the subframe problems
Its a fatigue failure and all will fail eventually. Many may reach the end of life for other reasons before its a concern. Mine just getting done now on BMW goodwill. Having talked to people who know a lot more about this issue than I do, the suggestion is that it's hard 1st & 2nd gear starts that can cause the subframe problems
Edited by Leins on Saturday 29th March 16:23
Leins said:
Personally, I don't believe it's over-hyyped at all, as know of too many people who, when they've had the car properly inspected, have had cracks found. Saying that, my car was clear, but I decided to have the preventative work done anyway
Having talked to people who know a lot more about this issue than I do, the suggestion is that it's hard 1st & 2nd gear starts that can cause the subframe problems
I had my CSL inspected by 5 different main dealers and only 2 found cracks, I'm not saying cracking isn't happening, just that in most cases it's not that big a deal, there's no way the very fine lines on my cars could have effected them to much, in another ten years maybe, but the car will be dead by thenHaving talked to people who know a lot more about this issue than I do, the suggestion is that it's hard 1st & 2nd gear starts that can cause the subframe problems
Edited by Leins on Saturday 29th March 16:23
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