2000 323ci SubFrame cracks repair

[masu3701]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 2000 323ci, and I have noticed that the subframe is rusty and have few cracks.
I tried to contact BMW North America just so see what they will say. The lady on the phone said she was going to open a case and pass it
to a manager. 2 days later, they called me back and want me to take the car to a BMW dealer for inspection before they can make any decision on what to do.

The car is 16 years old. Am surprised they even want to look into it.

Any thoughts?

[Mless5]

Keep your fingers crossed and pray that they will do something for you, though I seriously doubt they will.

[dhurley34]

Two years ago I had a 2000 323CI with minimal cracking in one spot. Contacted BMW NA and took it to a dealer to get it inspected. The total estimate was $8100. BMW NA then offered to pay $1800. At that point I ordered the reinforcement kit and did it myself.

[masu3701]

Two years ago I had a 2000 323CI with minimal cracking in one spot. Contacted BMW NA and took it to a dealer to get it inspected. The total estimate was $8100. BMW NA then offered to pay $1800. At that point I ordered the reinforcement kit and did it myself.

8k estimate is a lot. They offered to pay 1800 out of the 8100 or gave you a check for 1800 to go do it somewhere else? How much was the kit? how difficult is the job?

[dhurley34]

8k estimate is a lot. They offered to pay 1800 out of the 8100 or gave you a check for 1800 to go do it somewhere else? How much was the kit? how difficult is the job?

The estimate is high because the only repair that is approved is to remove and replace the entire rear sheetmetal. The $1800 was offered to be taken off of the dealer bill only. No indy shops or check. I repaired it my own expense.

[masu3701]

The estimate is high because the only repair that is approved is to remove and replace the entire rear sheetmetal. The $1800 was offered to be taken off of the dealer bill only. No indy shops or check. I repaired it my own expense.

how much did it cost you to repair, and what was involve?

[dhurley34]

how much did it cost you to repair, and what was involve?

I ordered a subframe reinforcement kit @ $100 from ebay. The repair is VERY labor intensive. You must remove the entire rear subframe, repair the cracks with a welder, then weld in the reinforcements, seal the reinforcements, paint, then reinstall the subframe. I highly recommend replacing all rear bushings at this time. Took me 5 evenings my first time.

[dhurley34]

Most indy shops charge around $2000 for this repair all inclusive.

[masu3701]

2k compare to 8k from the dealer is not crazy bad. How bad does it get if not repaired right away? I can see a crack line on mine but nothing falling apart.
Do you have to get a new subframe? or just the reinforcement plates?

[dhurley34]

Things can get bad fast. Plates are usually sufficient after repairing the cracks.

[masu3701]

I will look into repairing it. its a lot of money tho.

Anybody on here from MA who can help?

[masu3701]

Got a call back from BMW. The lady said it would cost about 8k+ and bmw is is agreeing to pay 1/2 of it.
Now 4-5k out of packet is a lot. NO sure what I should do.
I wish they could just give me what they would pay and take the damn car.

[masu3701]

So the lady called back. They want me to have bmw shop estimate and repair whatever they find wrong with the car in order for BMW Northa Amarica to pay for 1/2 the cost of repairs on sub frame.
That is crazy because of course bmw will say everything is wrong with the car. These people are playing games