E46 rear subframe and other questions

[RiccardoG]

Hello,

Does anyone know whether the 'web-famous' rear subframe issue on E46s was ever resolved by BMW on the later E46s'? I have read about this a bit and it seems to affect mostly early E46's (1999, 2000 maybe some 2001) but, internet 'word of mouth' shows that the later cars aren't affected. Is this fact, or only a reflection that the later cars haven't had time to develop the problem yet?

Also, apparently the 2001 cars had some kind of over assisted steering? Does this apply only to 2001 year?

I am only looking at the petrol 6 cylinder models (325, 328 and 330).

Thanks

[griff7]

RiccardoG said:

Hello,

Does anyone know whether the 'web-famous' rear subframe issue on E46s was ever resolved by BMW on the later E46s'? I have read about this a bit and it seems to affect mostly early E46's (1999, 2000 maybe some 2001) but, internet 'word of mouth' shows that the later cars aren't affected. Is this fact, or only a reflection that the later cars haven't had time to develop the problem yet?

Also, apparently the 2001 cars had some kind of over assisted steering? Does this apply only to 2001 year?

I am only looking at the petrol 6 cylinder models (325, 328 and 330).

Thanks

guy i know had a 54 plate csl go last year and bmw did it under warranty

[bikealarmblair]

Short answer is no.

[rpm1969]

The steering was improved (quicker lock to lock and more feel) from April 2001 build (according to Honest John). It's a noticeable improvement.

[MitchT]

I believe the issue rears its ugly head on earlier E46s because that's how long it takes for the affected area to start failing. According to other threads about the issue that have cropped-up on here BMW will repair the car FOC if its up to ten years old.