BMW E46 M3 Floor / Subframe Crack Repair & Reinforcement Service
"South England's most experienced E46 M3 floor / subframe crack repair specialists"
(Even 'Total BMW Magazine' asked us to supply pictures for the E46 M3 floor crack reinforcement as well as help them with a technical write up on the issue so they could detail a 4-page feature in March 2012's issue - on sale Feb 10th 2012).
Most people who own a BMW E46 M3 will probably be aware of the potential of the rear floor cracking where the subframe bolts up to the E46 M3 floor.
Just incase you're not, watch our video(s) at the bottom of this page which explains the reasons why the floors crack and how the issue can be addressed.
It doesn't take much for E46 M3 floor cracks to quickly get out of control:
From 20mm cracks:
To 60mm cracks:
To total break out:
We offer crack and reinforcement repair service here at our workshop in Bristol.
Being in Bristol, we are ideally located close to both the M4 and M5 motorways which make it straight forward for our travelling customers to reach us.
The whole process takes around 3-4 days as the compelete exhaust system and propshaft needs to be removed & installed. So does the entire rear axle system, as to does the majority of the fuel tank and fuel pipe systems. That's even before we start searching, repairing, and reinforcing the damaged areas of the E46 M3 floor pan.
We first clean off all the rubber underseal and primer around the subframe threaded floor mounts and the common area's we have identified by carrying out the E36 and E46 floor repairs over the years.
We then inspect (even using a magnifying glasses in some cases) the entire rear floor pan which includes spot welds, creases, folds, threaded mounts - you name it - we've seen it AND will inspect it.
Once we've identified all issues, we number them with pen and take picture to add to the repair procedure documentation which you receive.
Cracks will then be 'dead end drilled' to help stop them in their tracks. Then the cracks will be welded over fully to contain the separation. Then smoothed back carefully to allow the reinforcement plate to sit flush against the subframe threaded mount on the floor.
Our precision cut reinforcement plates will then be fully welded to the floor to strengthen the area, help contain any cracks, take away pressure from spot welds, and spread the torsional load energy of the LSD into a much greater surface area - thus reducing the risk of ever having the issue again.
Once the cracks have been weld repaired and the reinforcement plates have been fully welded, we use etch primer to coat the bare metal and offer a strong base protection.
Then a polurethane sealer is applied over the weld lines to stop any water or moisture sitting on the weld line. Another coat of etch primer is then applied.
Finally a seam sealant is either sprayed on or brushed on to offer even more protection against the elements. If you have a product you would like us to consider using on your car - please call us and we'll be happy to discuss.
Then if the customer has decided to have the Subframe (diff carrier) mounting bushes changed, this is the time they are done. As well as any other small upgrade jobs the customer might have wanted like Subframe (diff carrier) clean and paint, upper and lower balljoints in the Trailing arms replaces, Rear Trailing Arm Bushes (RTAB) replaces, diff fluid and gasket change, diff oil seals changed, exhaust flanges replaced or repaired and re gasketed with new fixings, new rear metal brake lines above the fuel tank, braided flexi brake lines replaces, rear camber arms replaces, rear shock absorbers and/or springs replaced.
The options 'whilst apart' are almost endless. We can cater for literally any upgrade you might be considering whilst this repair is being carried out.
Then the vehicle is put back together and every fixings is torque checked and paint marked to ensure a perfect and problem-free future.
The M3 then receives fresh brake fluid and a full brake bleed, as well as a 4-wheel digital alignment measure and reset of the rear tracking (toe), also the rear camber and front tracking (toe) is measured and adjusted if required.
James then takes each and every M3 out on an approx 10 mile fully-insured road test on varying roads to ensure the M3 is just as it should be and ready to go back to it's owner.
After our detailer carries out a snow-foam wash, 2 bucket ph neutral rinse, hand dry, and interior vacuum, the E46 M3's are ready to be handed over to their owners.
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"What does this cost?"
This job has a set base figure of £895.
This is made up of:
12 hours labour for the removal & install, and repair & reinforcement
£150 for the VAC / Turner / BimmerWorld reinforcement plates
£50 for a full brake fluid change and bleed
£75 for the vehicle to be digitally aligned (rear toe, rear camber, front toe)
£20 for our detailer to carry out the snow-foam wash, and interior clean as above.
Some E46 M3's may require exhaust gaskets, nuts, bolts, and possible flanges due to the common rear box flange corrosion problem. These items are additional but we will discuss this with you when your car is inspected on the ramp with you present at point of drop off.
It's also worth noting that this would be the perfect time to carry out any general maintenance on suspension bushes or drivetrain parts, or upgrades to performance parts which you may have been considering.
Replacing these items whilst the rear axle is out of the car can mean a saving due to extremely reduced labour rates.
An example list of items which can be replaced during this work are:
Subframe (diff carrier)
mounting bushes
Subframe
(diff carrier) clean and paint
Upper and lower balljoints in the
Trailing arms
Rear Trailing Arm Bushes (RTAB)
Diff
fluid and gasket change
Diff oil seals changed
Exhaust flanges
replaced or repaired and re gasketed with new fixings
New rear metal
brake lines above the fuel tank
Braided flexi brake lines
Rear camber arms
Rear shock absorbers and/or springs
The list goes on.......
Whatever you can think of, we can action it.
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"Why should I consider Redish Motorsport for my E46 M3 floor repair/reinforcement?"
- Every car get's a full picture diary for your history folder.
- We go further than anyone else to check the floor for not just cracks, but spot weld failures - using magnifying glasses and natural LED lights.
- We don't just check around the subframe mounts, we've found cracks in places you wouldn't ever imagine - we go over the car in great detail.
- We offer free floor crack checks for any M3. With picture documentation whilst you wait. Totally FOC.
- Race car builders with extensive knowledge of the E36 & E46 chassis. Totally familiar with welding to and strengthening the E36 and E46 chassis with our Motorsport Prearation side of Redish Motorsport.
- BMW Dealer based for 6 years and have extensive knowledge of the BMW marque including genuine repair procedures and floor and body replacements at dealer bodyshops.
Real time experience rather than reading off BMW TIS. - Well known throughout the BMW community, active member on BMW forums since 2004.
Sponsor of BMWowner.com, and well regarded and reviewed on BMW5.co.uk. M3cutters.co.uk, BabyBMW.net, e36coupe.com, E30zone.net. - Worked with, and in conjunction with, Total BMW Magazine on a number of occasions.
From company profiles, to working on their staff cars, to helping with the E46 M3 floor crack 4-page feature they ran in March 2012 issue. We supplied pictures of the repair and reinforcement process along with a technical write up for their feature. - The south's most experienced E46 M3 floor / subframe crack repair and reinforcement specialist.
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Feel free to call and discuss your specific requirements, or to ask any questions you might have.
Tel: 01179 781 889
And finally, sit down, grab yourself a drink, and watch our 25 minute video on the entire process.
This video was made up of some 15 clips which took over 3 hours to perfect and 'get right', then another 4 hours or so editing it.
Not many 'repairers' would go to this much effort to show you the work process - but it's just an example of the workmanship that Redish Motorsport are proud to display.
We hope you like it!
BMW E46 M3 rear floor subframe crack repair - Part 1 of 3
BMW E46 M3 rear floor subframe crack repair - Part 2 of 3
BMW E46 M3 rear floor subframe crack repair - Part 3 of 3
Redish Motorsport Ltd - BMW Specialists of Bristol
"South England's most experienced E46 M3 floor / subframe crack repair specialists"
Tel: 01179 781 889