Bmw E46 Subframe Cracking

Product Description

These BMW E46 Rear Subframe Reinforcements weld directly onto the chassis – properly reinforcing the subframe mounting points to eliminate the possibility of a failure. An E46 rear subframe reinforcement kit is the only solution to prevent cracking and/or tearing of the sheet metal, caused by torque loads traveling up into the chassis through the inadequate mounting points. Those cars that are swapped, tracked and/or raced are guaranteed to experience a failure – prevent it with our E46 rear subframe reinforcement kit!

Despite the beliefs of some, all E46 3-series BMW’s are prone to cracking at and around the rear subframe mounts. No matter the shape, model or way it is driven, subframe cracks are inevitable. The company began in late 2016 to answer the growing problem of E46 BMW RACP/subframe cracks and failures. After discovering significant cracks in our low mileage E46 M3, we put our engineering abilities to the test and began developing what is now a comprehensive range of CMP reinforcement products for E46 BMW’s.

  1. Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting.
  2. BMW E46 323i,325i,328i,330i,M3 1999 - 2006 E46 REAR Subframe Reinforcement Repair KIT Tools Needed:-Qualified tech and welder -Lift -Die Grinders -Basic tools -Caulking, primer and paint -Marker Subframe area showing damage and cracks. This is the floor or body of a E46 that the rear subframe and suspension is bolted to. Damage can best be seen.

Our race-proven E46 rear subframe reinforcements are the thickest on the market and are engineered to properly reinforce the failure-prone mounting points. Unlike other kits, these E46 rear subframe reinforcements strengthen the area correctly, by utilizing extra-thick steel which is designed to precisely cover only the surface area of the chassis that is vulnerable to drivetrain torque loads. This provides for both stronger chassis mounting points AND an easier installation!

Precision CNC laser cut and bent. Set of four reinforcement plates and two spacers. Professional installation recommended – welding required.

Original AKG design. Learn more about Genuine AKG Parts.

Recommended Use: RACE / STREET

NVH Increase: NA

Designed for the following models:
BMW E46 (1999-2006) 323, 325, 328, 330, M3

Made in USA

$120.00

Out of Stock

Ok so here are photos of the repair done to my BMW. The car is a 2000 323ci, 5sp, 170k miles, and lowering springs, not gonna mention what kind its not their fault, also a stage 2 clutch with light weight flywheel. The vehicle was in over in really great shape and well maintained.Bmw

Bmw E46 Subframe Cracking Noise


The repair process wasn't by no means easy. While i didn't do the welding. With some help did the removal of the actual subframe its self. This i think could be done by just about anyone with some friends. If you have every done a clutch or removed an engine you can remove the subframe. First thing is to remove the exhaust and heat shields. Then drop the drive shaft or remove just the rear section like we did. After that its just a mater disconnect the e-brake cables the 2 brake lines and the 3- sensor leads. Undo the the 6 trailing arm bolts and remove the bottom shock bolt and take out the coil springs. Then you can remove the four blots that hold the rear crossmember and then the 4 subframe bolts. Use a jack to support the subframe. You need to keep it level or the front supports will get held up on the studs... So just be-careful and take your time...


I had notices a small crack in the drivers side body well over a year ago and was waiting to take into the dealer for the rework... But i didn't remove the aftermarket suspension and was voided any type of warrantable repair from BMWNA. Oh well then thats a lot to digest consider that the part of the body is weakened by the torque thats distributed form the rear end not so much the movement of the wheels. So anyways when we removed the subframe bolts the drivers side rear mount had fell out of its place. The tops welds had broke also. Here are pictures of the body and the mount. Note: The tear you see is exactly what it looked like... I honestly didn't know it was that bad. I never heard any sounds other then the rear end feeling sloppy
CrackingBmw e46 subframe cracking software

The rest of the missing materiel was resistant welded so its still attached to the bottom of the mount... Here are the 3 welds that hold the mount in... I dumbfounded as to why BMW would think any of this is sufficient enough to hold.
Bmw E46 Subframe CrackingSo after everything was cleaned up. It was time to weld the mount back in at the top and then the weld all the tears back together up underneath. This is the only way to know that all safety precautions are taken The top and bottom must be welded and made sure to align with all other mounts. If this is not done then you could risk that chance of not being able to remount the subframe. Here is the access hole to the top and what the all the tears look like after they were welded back together.Bmw E46 Subframe Cracking
After all that was done the fabricator (not me) had made a custom plate out of 16g steel to put over this to help distribute the force evenly over the repair. We also had drilled several holes into this plate for rosetta welds to help with the attachment of the plate.

Bmw E46 Subframe Cracking Problems


Bmw E46 Subframe Cracking Problems

Plate kits can be found online but none will be as well fit for your exact needs... In any situation you need to make sure your repairs are done porperly. I feel as though that the repair done to my vehicle is done well enough to let my kids or even my grandma drive my car.

Bmw E46 Subframe Cracking Machine

Here is the final result before being painted. The reinstall of the subframe is just the reversal of the process. Be ready to be amazed out how different your car will feel!! If you have any questions feel free to ask....