BMW E46 Subframe Reinforcement Kit – $139.90 Express shipping |
Welcome to ShopLifeTV!In this video I show you how to check a BMW E46 325i for subframe cracks. I also explain what subframe cracking is. Instagram: @ShopLif. We offer our BMW E46 Rear Axle Carrier Panel (aka Subframe) (aka RACP) Repair & Reinforcement Process using our very own Redish Motorsport E46 V2 RACP Reinforcement Plate Kits which we developed in 2012 and are loved around the world. Fixing the BMW E46 Cracked Subframe Issue If you have a BMW E46 or are in the market for a used one, you might have heard of the rear subframe issue. The E46 might be the most popular M3 chassis to mod by enthusiasts, but like all cars, they have their common problems. 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.
Mar 15, 2016 If you’re thinking of buying a E46 M3, you should be aware of the all too common subframe cracking issue that affected all E46’s. Motor Trend explains, “The suit originated in 2006 and claimed that defects in E46 3 Series models cause fractures in the rear-axle supports in the subframe.
NOW WIDELY REGARDED AS THE WORLD’S BEST E46 SUBFRAME REINFORCEMENT PLATE KIT NEW.
Our engineers has developed a kit to offer a cost effective long term solution to the well-documented problem of floor cracking which the BMW E46 series suffers.
The E46 Rear Subframe Reinforcement kit has been designed to provide the best repair and reinforcement option available on the market, regardless of crack damage, age, mileage, service history or modifications made.
The kit is universal to the entire E46 BMW 3 Series model range regardless of body type, transmission or engine size / type.
100% positive with great reviews from customers and other workshops using our precision made reinforcement plate kit from all over the world.
The kit consists of 8 individual plates, tailored to specific locations on the E46’s chassis, along with a set of comprehensive fitting instructions.
Development History:
One day we were faced with repairing this 2002 M3 manual coupe with 87,000 miles
Bmw E46 Subframe Cracking Tool
Up until then we were using reinforcement plates from the USA (like everyone else had to).
As you can see they didn’t cover or contain the damage on this M3:
Nor did the NSR plate cover the hairline crack on this car (outlined in red):
So we set about designing and producing our own reinforcement plate kit for cars like this one with moderate damage/cracking.
We purchased a brand new floor panel from BMW (Rear Axle Carrier Panel) and carried out drawings, templates, CAD models, leading on to getting laser cut prototype plates, further stress analysis, engineering consultancy with an Aerospace Repair Design Engineer, and several incarnations spanned over months of work to perfect these plates.
Every kit is precision folded in house using industrial folding equipment and digital protractors. A perfect hole line up and plate fit is achieved every time, each kit is individually checked to ensure the plates fit our master jig set before they are used in the workshop or sent out to a customer.
The kit consists of 8 individual plates, tailored to specific locations on the E46’s chassis, offering the maximum protection possible with a chassis plate kit:
E46-sub-001 – QTY.1 – Located at the NSR Differential carrier mounting location. This is the most problematic location and the area where most cracks and even material separation is found.
E46-sub-002 – QTY.1. – Designed specifically to follow the contours of the OSR subframe Differential carrier location face/area.
E46-sub-003 – QTY.1. – For use at the OSF Differential carrier location face/area. This is the other major problem area on the sub-frame and where cracking is again most common. This plate has been design to dramatically strengthen the OSF location face, spreading the torque loading and unloading over a far greater area, of a stronger material to the original subframe.
E46-sub-004 – QTY.1. – Tailored to fit the NSF Differential Carrier location face/area.
E46-sub-005 – Qty.2 included in the kit but is fitted optionally, they allow the boot floor to be cut from inside the vehicle to gain access to the internal bracing of the subframe to allow rosette welding of the internal features, these plates are used to cap the holes cut in the boot floor. required for cars built before early 2000.
E46-sub-006 – Qty.2 Spacer plates to accommodate the change in the floor thickness, they ensure seamless fitment of the differential carrier front support.
essential do not forget to instal these.
these fit on the chassis/floor in between the 2 front mounts you’ve just welded (just about visible in the right corner of the 004-plate picture above).
you can either tack weld them to the floor (our preferred method) or push them in as spacers before you install the support and bolts (more tricky). just to clarify, these are not reinforcement plate and do not strengthen anything, they are just spacer plates.
Fitted Pics:
Information:
The plates are manufactured from 2mm thick automotive grade mild steel, or CR4 as it is professionally known, this is a low carbon steel, which is classified by British Standard BS 1449 and has a Tensile Strength of 270/410 N/MM² Min and a Yield Stress of 280 N/MM2, which makes it significantly stronger than the OEM Subframe material.
Our kit is significantly larger than any other available kit other manufacturer, which allows them to dissipate the torsional stress loading and unloading into the subframe over a greater area, eliminating the risk of cracking/failure. This also helps repair the floor either side of a crack and spreads the unloading or pulling force in a downwards motion.
Bmw E46 Subframe Recall
We believe the only satisfactory method for installation of this kit is welding. Whilst a competent welder should be able to fit this kit, the removal of the rear axle assembly and fuel tank is required and so we would recommend only qualified professionals attempt installation.