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Thread: how bad are frame subframe crack problems?

  1. #1
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    how bad are frame subframe crack problems?

    I've been doing some research before purchasing a Z3 and found this page:
    http://www.extricate.com/subframe/
    describing some pretty serious problems with frames cracking on Z3. There's also a few posts on here as many of you probably already know.

    So my question is how serious is this problem and is there a way to fix it? They put a brace in this Z3:
    http://www.z3power.net/Nfong_CrackFrame.html

    Which seems to help. Would a brace be good preventive maintance on a Z3 not yet exhibiting cracks?

    Is it more common on certain model years? I'm leaning towards a 97-99 2.8 to stay within budget.

    thanks for the help and forgive my noob questions, everyone was a z3 noob at some point but I hope to learn enough over time to contribute to this fine forum and help future noobs.
    Last edited by z3newbie; 04-07-2004 at 04:27 PM.

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by z3newbie

    thanks for the help and forgive my noob questions, everyone was a z3 noob at some point but I hope to learn enough over time to contribute to this fine forum and help future noobs.
    This has been covered here. Count Schemula has a link in his sig just for that issue... Look it up!

    I'm sure you will help future noobs one day. But then your screen name will suck. :






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  3. #3
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    BTW, Nathan Fong's crack (why does this sound so weird?) was not the subframe/trunk area, it was the diff mount. Separate issue.

    1999 Cosmos Black/Dove Grey BMW ///M3 convertible - 5 speed - SOLD

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  4. #4
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    Crack problems

  5. #5
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    I'd say, it can happen, it is a concern, it is not happening to all or most of them.

    It may cost several hundred dollars to strip the area and weld in supports as a pre-emptive move.

    If it breaks, it would depend on the damage.

    I'm 54k miles, no damage. I drive above average hard and track, lowered with GC coilovers.

    My motive in the site is I'm a long term owner of the car and just wanted to see what people are doing about the problem.

  6. #6
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  7. #7
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    How come Hugo knows so much about others' cracks?
    Quote Originally Posted by Hugo
    Goddamn post whore... 6.27 vs. my measly 6.24.

  8. #8
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    I mean he IS the "poop chute grinder". Must know something

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    Self-appointed though guys...

    We really need his gf's opinion to be sure!!!
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  10. #10
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    I checked my car with 44k miles on it and it seems to be ok. (knocking on wood)


    Yup, I'm convinced, as soon as Hugo gets a hold of a thread it goes down the sh!tter.
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  11. #11
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    Damn, even my useful replies hijack threads...

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  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by WannaM
    I mean he IS the "poop chute grinder". Must know something
    It only applies to my gf. :

    1999 Cosmos Black/Dove Grey BMW ///M3 convertible - 5 speed - SOLD

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  13. #13
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    Moon HEY WHEN DID YOU SEE MY CRACK! (m)

    I did not know I was doing your plumbing!

    Anyways, that cracking is starting to show up in many cars, the majority have been the higher powered M-Coupes.
    The lower powered Z3-2.8 and M-roadsters had crack issues, in various areas.

    If you are buying a new car or have a car currently, get it on a lift and look closely at least once a year or open the trunk or rear deck and pull the carpet to see the bare metal.

    Good luck! Hope BMW learns that this is becoming a serious issue to us all.
    Ciao! - - Nathan

    2000-2.8L Z3 StahlGrau Roadster, #65 - SM2 and a 2007 335i (BONE STOCK!)
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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Z3POWER
    Anyways, that cracking is starting to show up in many cars, the majority have been the higher powered M-Coupes.
    The lower powered Z3-2.8 and M-roadsters had crack issues, in various areas.
    Exactly. These cars only came out in 96 and those were weak 4 bangers. There isn't a Z3 on the road that's over 9 years old (I'm including 96 since they were probably for sale in 95) and I'm sure a large number of Z3s are/were weekend cruisers which also explains why the cars with cracks are still in the minority.

    Hope the problem doesn't get any worst.

  15. #15
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    Weekend crusiers have had cracking problems.

    The diff mount cracks are likely the sme problem, but due to stress risers int h diff mount, it tore rather than over stressing the body.

    The subframes are not cracking, the body/chassis in the diff mount area is cracking.

    The most likely cause, IMO, is movement of the subframe being carried throught he solid mounted diff to the upper diff mount.

    To fully check youneed to both get the car on a lift and carefully check the undersiade as well as removing the trunk mat and the plastic pices (battery cover, tool tray, etc) and inspect the entire trunk floor.

    You are looking for not only cracks, but pulled spot welds in the turnk floor.

    Most people seem to be having BMW fix them, even if they are out of warranty.

    My question is, if youreinforce the seemingly weaker ares, where do the stresses go? Unless you eliminate them, they will go somewhere else and may cause either more damage, or damage that is MUCH harder to find.
    Terry Carraway

    '95 Alpine M3 LTW
    '00 Dakar M Roadster
    '02 Topaz M3 SMG

  16. #16
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    will CPO warranty cover subframe cracking? (not that mine is cracking, just wondering)

  17. #17
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    I think one CPO said no, and another CPO officially said no, but said they would fix it back to original spec out of "goodwill."

    There are some links to threads on the site linked in my sig.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by count_schemula
    I think one CPO said no, and another CPO officially said no, but said they would fix it back to original spec out of "goodwill."

    There are some links to threads on the site linked in my sig.
    You can substitute «goodwill» by «fear of an embarrassing lawsuit».

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  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by IwantMCoupe
    will CPO warranty cover subframe cracking? (not that mine is cracking, just wondering)
    CPO does not cover it. BMW has offered to repair mine back to spec as a goodwill gesture, but BMW does not acknowledge this as a design concern, nor do they have a preventative fix.

  20. #20
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    Blame it on Bangle.

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    2014 Tenorite Grey/Black Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 - bone stock.

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  21. #21
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    I have a crack problem:-(!

    Rear trunk, left hand side. Stripping and welding this weekend.

    Shawn

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