E36 Rear Subframe R & R

[marcva]

As I work my way through the continuous "honey-do" list that my 1997 M3/4 car throws out, I'm fine with all of it, since I really can't think of anything I'd rather have (within reason). The one item that concerns me is the detereioration of my rear subframe mounts. I look at them whenever my car is up on a lift, and they're crumbled around the edges. I can only imagine what's going on inside the mounts. I figure that would be a damning failure. Then I'd have to buy my E90M mid life car and start to hemorrhage cash on rod bearings and throttle actuators.

What is the best solution to remedy this? Are there specialty shops that do larger scale suspension refurbs like this?

I need to clean up my sig file. I'm at 174k. Still relatively young, I know. But I say that about myself, and my friends are starting to have "cardiac issues."

Marc

[TostitoBandito]

Are you talking about the rubber bushings or the actual steel of the subframe deteriorating?

Garagistic sells reinforced and powdercoated subframes if you want to replace the subframe. If your subframe is ok and you just need to do bushings and other similar items, it's simply a matter of dropping the entire rear suspension as a unit and then addressing whatever needs to be addressed. It's heavy, but not terribly complicated.

[shadowpuck]

yup, agreed - i've done several for track friends and such as part of refresh or track builds. having access to a lift makes things much easier. it's really a straight forward project, but the real issue is scope creep. it's easy to start doing a bunch of "while i'm there" work. here in my area, we have a couple of shops that will do subframe R&R - i'm sure there are some in your part of the world. bimmerworld comes to mind but that might be pricey. it's definitely a diy project for anyone that has worked on an e36 more than a few times, but being able to put the car in the air makes it much easier.

[bmwdirtracer]

Marc, please know that I'm not looking for business. I have more work than I can handle right now, and unfortunately, too much of it involves Audis and Saabs. That said, if you want to make a drive, I've done a number of E36 subframes/rear suspensions. I will, of course, look after your car....but I am not in any way involved with the money.

OR, MarcoZandrini (I'll give you his real name by email or PM) is in your area. You should ask him for a good local shop.

If you do the subframe and rear suspension bushings and ball joints, I highly recommend you do it all together, and make any improvements you desire at the same time. .

[MarcoZandrini]

Marc, Road Race Tech is the go to shop out near Dulles. I use them for suspension work and alignments. They are top notch for that. For all other stuff I can’t handle I go to J&F Motors in Shirlington (south Arlington). I’ve been taking my bimmers to them for almost 30 years. Great shop.