BMW E46 Rear Subframe Reinforcement and Repair - The Right Way

[@BernsteinOmega]

The most proper subframe reinforcement vid I've seen. Respect.

[@OLearysBMW]

Thank You, I appreciate that.

[@jasonson86]

Glad you’re still making e46 videos.

[@VNEMUS]

Excellent video, Tyler! Lots of verbal and visual detail here. Reputable shops charge a minimum of 24+ hours @$100-$150/hour to do this type of repair/reinforcement and that usually doesn't include addressing many other items involved with dropping the subframe, like all of the bushings, e-brake cables, corroded hard brake lines, etc. Most 20 year old subframes have some surface rust (at least in the North where is snows and salt is used on the roads) so it's the best time to disassemble, clean, prep and paint everything as you have, which takes lots of time. This kind of work is truly a labour of love!

[@465painkiller465]

Indeed

[@navjitgill]

Giving credit where its due, best diy video video ever! It's because of your first person camera and your fingers/camera point exactly at the intention. Makes it so easy to follow, and perfectly structured. I have a e46 M3, this made the subframe issue clear. Thanks mate!

[@465painkiller465]

Have a look at Redish Motorsport on youtube as well :)

[@vaughan216]

Great video. I'm actually really glad you dropped this because the subframe is next on my 323i's bucket list, and your videos are insanely detailed and explained well as always. Thanks Tyler!

[@000]

most descriptive video for this repair that Ive seen yet. Thanks!!

[@noname-es4cy]

One of the best quality videos on this matter thank you for sharing this with us man

[@takeapieandrun]

I did relatively advanced DiY's like the differential bushings, but all this metalworking and welding is above my paygrade. Wish I could get the car 100% right but as a part time DiY guy don't think I can every do this. Respect to the nice video and care you're taking though

[@OLearysBMW]

You can definitely do the same as I've done. Break it down into steps within your mind, and you'll see it's absolutely feasible.

[@jackmasci701]

Great video Tyler, always love how in-depth you go.

[@NorthWestSamurai]

Another great video Tyler, you should think about selling your repair panels as I don't think any of the guys doing subframe reinforcement kits are doing anything like that. Looking forward to the next.

[@PhilthyPhill]

Dusan does a great job with his brace kits. I got a 6 point and it is a complete solution from start to finish - I also highly recommend. I additionally got brace plates from him, but didn't install them at the same time I did the brace unfortunately.

[@deanrineer4539]

FIRST!!! Very informative and detailed video. Thank you for sharing! I enjoy following the build process. Can't wait to see it back up and running!!

[@kimdotnet8151]

Looks good. We thought it was a good idea to bond and rivet over welding on one of our coworkers vehicles since BMW/Audi literally wants us to glue and rivet everything back together over welding. Helps prevent corrosion as well and has been proven to provide strength matching welds if not stronger, then add structural rivets on top of that.

[@465painkiller465]

Nice video! I am going through a similar repair myself and have done a vast amount of research into this. That said, I can vouch that this video contains solid info. And if you're reading this, don't think your car isn't affected by this problem just cuz it's a wagon, a 323 or under, or any other reason. All models are affected. What does make a difference though, is the production year. The earlier the model the worse the problem, typically. On my project, instead of reinstalling the bolt receiver that came out from the body, I stole one from a newer model e46 (2003). The later models had the receiver welded to the front and back, not just top and bottom like yours, and mine previously had. I am not getting a brace in the car though, as I'm by no means building a track car. Good luck with your e46 projects!

[@OLearysBMW]

Hey, thanks for watching and commenting! Yes, the earlier E46 chassis is worst off, most certainly.. they did try several times to correct it, as you've mentioned. Yet, all years will crack at the RACP, unfortunately. Major design flaw, but what can we do besides repair and move on 😁 As we're all out of recall time frame anyway, lol

[@465painkiller465]

@@OLearysBMW That’s right. They’re nice enough cars to be worth it

[@overbuiltoli]

This is the best kit and guide I have seen. Good work on this, I might follow something similar when doing mine🔥

[@bavarian3]

this is the right way. nice work.

[@NageswaraReddy]

Loved it man Will be joyful to learn online class

[@vandalsgarage]

Proper job. I'm dumbfounded by the guys who _still_ think they can epoxy glue in reinforcement plates. There is free lunch, and there is no "epoxy method" for fixing the weak areas in the E46 unibody.

[@AlexTheE46Fanatic]

Hey like the video, did you make this repair/reinforcement plates and box yourself or can you buy it somewhere. I need to do this on my e46 and wondering where to get repair/reinforcement stuff

[@thachoice]

Any advice on how to do E46s restorations for a living. I have a couple E46s I'm restoring but as of now it's just a passion hobby.

[@paulclaveau9319]

Great Job! You are an inspiration. Can’t wait to see your future videos! Thank you for sharing.

[@OLearysBMW]

I appreciate your kind words, Thank You for watching. Looking forward to seeing your comments in the future, 😁

[@Jbkwoohooyeeha]

Awesome work brother

[@karlg.9181]

Hi Tyler, nice DIY vid! Well done. Could you confirm where you purchased the reinforcing plates. I follow the Jackal Motorsports link and it comes back as a dead / "forbiden" site. Thx

[@OLearysBMW]

Hello! I'm sorry to announce that they're no longer in business.

[@karlg.9181]

@@OLearysBMW Bummer. Thx for the quick response.

[@OLearysBMW]

@@karlg.9181 You're welcome, man. I recommend plates from Dusan Strutworks - Strut Bar Works. There's plenty of other options as well

[@karlg.9181]

@@OLearysBMWThanks, I’ll check it out.

[@ZHPBrent]

Clean. What epoxy paint are you using?

[@OLearysBMW]

Skip to products section within the video. Around 12:55 will work.

[@ZHPBrent]

@@OLearysBMW ty

[@kbrizy7490]

Boss work.

[@vascokkkturbo7460]

Perfekte Arbeit.

[@michaelthomas2639]

Great video! , where were you able to get the box that the bolt goes through or is there a part #

[@OLearysBMW]

The box I placed back into the body? It came out of the car, lol. Not a replacement part.

[@michaelthomas2639]

Thank you, mine came out as well but I wasn’t sure if it was replaceable

[@OLearysBMW]

@@michaelthomas2639 I don't believe you can get them, but I never attempted to source one either.

[@465painkiller465]

@@michaelthomas2639 Its not in the BMW parts cataloge but if you buy the whole RACP it will come with the newest style bolt receiver in it.

[@michaelthomas2639]

@@465painkiller465 that was my plan initially until i saw this video and realized patching it is an option, and if it doesn’t work out then i replace the whole RACP anyways

[@dironizareyes596]

Tyler is awesome!!! Hey Tyler this happened to me in 2001 on my 2000 323ci with 75k . I couldn’t believe it so disappointed but is this common on the 2003 -2005 models?

[@OLearysBMW]

Hey there, man. The RACP will crack and separate on all years, but the mount physically ripping out was primarily a 323/328 years issue.

[@Alecsx1]

Yo, just welded my plates, redone all the bushings, just to find out that one of the holes in the chasis have no thread left and does not align with the subframe, what so i do?

[@OLearysBMW]

@@Alecsx1 which hole.

[@Alecsx1]

@@OLearysBMW rear driver side

[@OLearysBMW]

@@Alecsx1 would have to see a photo of what's going on. Send pics to Instagram @olearyt0534

[@Alecsx1]

@@OLearysBMWi only welded plates on the bottom tho

[@MEMcAndrews]

FYI... the M3 does NOT have a 4-point differential mount. It is 3-points.

[@OLearysBMW]

Finally, someone pointed this out. I'm well aware, simply made a mistake while speaking.

[@brxezo]

lets say i were to just reinforce the chassis will it be enough to keep it the same once i upgrade the bushings as well? or is reinforcing the chassis then later on doing the upgrades to the subframe itself making it a 4 mount system for the diff will that be fine?

[@OLearysBMW]

If your chassis shows no signs of cracks, I would at least install some braces from above, as I've shown. It will help prevent these failures from happening.

[@brxezo]

@@OLearysBMW thanks for the help i appreciate it alot!my car is going to be a drift car and i was getting ready to order the parts to attempt to complete this the right way myself i have a sedan and i wanted a coupe so i didnt want to do all this extra effort because eventually i will buy a coupe and dump more money into that then the sedan i appreciate your knowledge thank you🙏🏽

[@Dr-easy]

Does the e90 have the same problem ??

[@OLearysBMW]

No

[@Dr-easy]

@@OLearysBMW Thank you for answer! What BMW would you recommend as a daily and for some drift ?? For max 4k euro Great video btw

[@OLearysBMW]

@@Dr-easy 4k Euro budget, is that for the car alone? Because to make a car capable of reliable drifting can also cost a chunk.

[@Dr-easy]

@@OLearysBMW yes thats for the car alone, i have some extra for updates

[@Foreignsgarage444]

1000 HP strong

[@ignacioromero5014]

if another way doesn't fail is it still wrong? ahaha nice work

[@OLearysBMW]

Whatever it takes, 👍👍

[@cosminpoenaru8169]

e46 320d 136hp. what kind of torque was my car doing to rib the subframe out of the body? Poor engineering at it s finest. After 5 years of ownership i just discovered this factory problem. My jaw dropped. The subframe on my car is basically holding to nothing

[@Ojb_1959]

Design Flaw ! WTH 👎🙄

[@OLearysBMW]

It absolutely is, yes. Spot welds applied to thin metal, in hopes of retaining an entire rear axle assembly just doesn't work. They attempted to fix the later chassis by injecting structural foam, like really? They also changed the threaded inserts, which did help to some degree but didn't solve the issue.

[@Ojb_1959]

@@OLearysBMW Unbelievable ! I’m only here because my son wants to learn how to drive a manual so we found a 2000 323i e46 with 235,000 miles on Craigslist for $2800. They noted there “may” be an issue with the sub frame mounts so I searched and found your channel. Unless I can get a good look underneath with a mechanic too preferably I’ll probably pass. Thanks for the heads up. I’ve subscribed and of course like what your doing. Jay from Louisiana 🤙🏼

[@OLearysBMW]

@@Ojb_1959 I appreciate you for watching! Funnily enough, the car in this video is a 323 that I bought years ago. The floor has been cracked since the day I bought it. I didn't know any better those years ago. That's why I'm here today, sharing things I've learned and performed myself. 😁 99-01 were the worst years, they fail the most commonly.

[@Ojb_1959]

@@OLearysBMW I heard about the “foam bandaid” recall. I’m surprised this was their solution being “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. A class action lawsuit would be appropriate I suppose.