E46 M3 Subframe Failure

[AC Schnitzer]

Greetings guys,

Just out of curiosity, are there any previous or current E46 M3 owners that experienced subframe failures in Singapore ?

I'm currently driving an Evo IX which I compete at race meets in Australia and will register the evo as Race/Rally use licence and will no longer be road legal. Hence I'm looking for an E46 M3 as a daily.

Been reading numerous reports both US and Australia of high number of subframe failures and I'm wondering if this is also the case in Singapore.

Been kind of worried because there have been owners who track their car regularly and those who don't track their car with models as late as 04 with 20,000km mileage experiencing subframe failures.

The repair cost would be free if the car is still under warranty unless otherwise, depending on severity of the damage, can run up to $10k. (Labour cost in Australia is phenomenal).

 

[leonard]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

As I am currently driving an E46 M3 I'd also be interested to hear more. I've read a lot about this on the US forums as well but have not seen much about this issue here locally.

Also from my understanding I think this issue is something that affects not only the E46 M3's but also E46 coupes and even as far back as the E36.

I am probably just going to order a set of the Turner Motorsports subframe reinforcement chasis kit in the near future and get that installed just as a precaution.

 

[TripleM]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

Used to own the car for a good 4yrs and didnt hear bout such issue locally.
My ex car was late 03. It's still going strong with the current owner

 

[Dre]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

Owned an '01 E46M3.

Very hard driven miles including plenty of trackdays. Didn't have any subframe issues for the 5 yrs I had it but plenty other issues like rear top-mounts, MAF sensor, crank recall, and many many little gremlins.

 

[Girettom]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

Owned car for 2.5 years and driven hard, track days etc. Would agree with the guys above... not a cheap car for maintenance but not had subframe issues. SMG hydraulics replaced, MAS, bushings, shocks, altenator, and a lot of other things (plastic n rubber bits mainly as Singapore heat tends to advance decay in all of these bits).

Overall, though, more fun per $ than a new car ; My car has done 100,000km though so this kind of stuff starts to get normal for the distance.

If your into tracking and modding though, it seems there is always a better replacement part.

Best advice I can give though... if your after an E46M3, have a good hard look for a CSL first if you have the time and money

 

[AC Schnitzer]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

As I am currently driving an E46 M3 I'd also be interested to hear more. I've read a lot about this on the US forums as well but have not seen much about this issue here locally.

Also from my understanding I think this issue is something that affects not only the E46 M3's but also E46 coupes and even as far back as the E36.

I am probably just going to order a set of the Turner Motorsports subframe reinforcement chasis kit in the near future and get that installed just as a precaution.

I will be seeing a M3 tomorrow evening at a dealer. Highly doubt I will purchase it because its a Mystic Blue. The dealer did offer a new BMW warranty for 3 years at $2500aud.

Should have bought the CSL when it was in the market few weeks ago. For some reason being an E46 body as well they did not have any subframe failures as far as my search goes.

The subframe failures seem to be carried on from the E36 chassis.

 

[AC Schnitzer]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

Owned an '01 E46M3.

Very hard driven miles including plenty of trackdays. Didn't have any subframe issues for the 5 yrs I had it but plenty other issues like rear top-mounts, MAF sensor, crank recall, and many many little gremlins.

Those issues you mentioned are pretty common for a car that age. I've read quite a few reports of MAF sensor getting dirty causing intermittent acceleration but thats about it. Not sure about crank recall but that sounds like you got to pull the enigne apart.

This is a bit far fetch but I seem to recall reading somewhere that Ryan did mention the SMG pumps are prone to failure. I hope with later models between 03 and 04, the SMG will not fail as soon as I take ownership of the car. If it does please let this be upon the next owner I sell to. :laughlik:

 

[AC Schnitzer]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

Owned car for 2.5 years and driven hard, track days etc. Would agree with the guys above... not a cheap car for maintenance but not had subframe issues. SMG hydraulics replaced, MAS, bushings, shocks, altenator, and a lot of other things (plastic n rubber bits mainly as Singapore heat tends to advance decay in all of these bits).

Overall, though, more fun per $ than a new car ; My car has done 100,000km though so this kind of stuff starts to get normal for the distance.

If your into tracking and modding though, it seems there is always a better replacement part.

Best advice I can give though... if your after an E46M3, have a good hard look for a CSL first if you have the time and money

The factory rubber bushings are very prone to cracking even in the US. I guess is very much to do with the year, mileage and track work.

I will be using the car for daily and occasional track days just for kicks. The Evo IX has a full roll cage in it and soon won't be road legal for daily usage.

I have searched high and low for the CSL. I missed both opportunities to purchase them. Unfortunately only 23 was brought to Australia but I'm glad I had the opportunity to test drive it before my friend bought it.

In any case, it seems like the general consensus is that there is very low or no subframe failures in Singapore. I hope I can find one in good condition.

Thanks for everyone's feedback.

 

[///M3]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

E46 M3.....yum yum

 

[AC Schnitzer]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

I just had a look at an E46 M3 at the dealer. Lots of battle wounds from lack of driving skills.

Just want to check with existing M3 owners if there is a ticking sound coming from underneath mid section of the car.

I started the engine (cold start) and it seems to be coming from where the cat is. The ticking disappeared about 1 minute or so but engine have not yet reach optimum temperatures yet.

Is this a common thing ?

My apologies moderators if this is off topic as I did not want to start a fresh thread on a small topic.

 

[Girettom]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

M3E46 has a distinctive rasp. If the cat has broken, then your engine check light will most likely be on. The rasp is always more, well, raspy when cold start... but definately part of the character of the car.

Can't remember exactly what it sounded like when I had broken cats... I think I remember it sounded like there were a couple of marbles being knocked around in there. Very irregular tinkling and ticking.

Progressive regular ticking could just be heat expansion.

Hope it helps.

 

[AC Schnitzer]

Re: E46 M3 Subframe Failure

M3E46 has a distinctive rasp. If the cat has broken, then your engine check light will most likely be on. The rasp is always more, well, raspy when cold start... but definately part of the character of the car.

Can't remember exactly what it sounded like when I had broken cats... I think I remember it sounded like there were a couple of marbles being knocked around in there. Very irregular tinkling and ticking.

Progressive regular ticking could just be heat expansion.

Hope it helps.

I always thought the raspiness came on when reving? This one sounded like your typical gas stove on ignition on idle.

I've driven the M3 CSL and don't remember of such noises on cold start idle. Both of which should be based on the S54 block but different cams profile and intakes.

In any case most likely I won't purchase this M3.

The side mirror has a deep scratch on it, the seals are split open on both drivers and passenger's side, the rims are gashed on all 4s, the right side of the quad exhaust is sagging down with a dent on the left side, rear and front bumper has a gap, the LCD screen that shows which gear your in has 1 stroke missing (Basically if its in 1st gear, the LCD only show half of 1 if that makes any sense). Rear tyres are kumho and front are michelin.

The LCD fix is a $3000 fix as the entire cluster has to be changed.

I know 2nd hand cars have its shortcomings but this is stretching it.

I'll be looking for one from another state. Appreciate the feedback.