I just bought a 1999 m3 coupe a few weeks ago for about 14,000 with 60300 miles. Ok, its a good deal, it drives, handles great. takes corners like nothing else.

Aside from a few fast corners, and your average Los Angeles shitty streets, thats as rough as I have ridden her. As far as her former owner, i have no idea.

I had her checked out at my mechanics b4 i took delivery, and everything checked out. Aside from a few squeeks and rattles she checks out great.

I went to another mechanic in inglewood (autobahn rennsport) and the guy, Tom, tells me I have a cracked subframe and that labor alone will be 2000+ $$.. Im like OH Shit ! (I was only there to change tires)

I bring the car to my original mechanic who thouroughly inspected my car, and he said that the other guy is probably on crack ! LOL
anyway, do you have any words of wisdom? With your experience with BMW can tell me if I have to worry about this. Personally, I think its fine, but then again, who am i but a newbie BMW owner praying that i have not purchased a car with such a problem. I understand M3's are reinforced at these points, and would really need to be thrashed on tracks for this kinda damage.

As interesting this predicament is, I would really like your opinion.

Thank you in advance,

Get a third opinion from a shop with a lot of experience with M's. That was a very low price for a 99 M3 (low 20's would be what I'd expect) and it may be that the price was due to repairs that are needed.

Cracked Subframes can happen....it's a labor instensive job because the whole rear suspension needs to be taken out..

Cracked Subframes can happen....it's a labor instensive job because the whole rear suspension needs to be taken out..
Cracked subframes and/or cracked mounting points can happen. It is more likely on earlier E30/36 M3's that are driven hard, but not unknown on E46 M3's

Front or Rear sub frame? I don't mean to come off as a dick but jack the car up for yourself and have a look. Cracked metal looks like cracked metal whether it be BMW metal or not.

yes,it can happen.The price of the car was way low,perhaps an indication that prior owner knew of problem.For this to happen on a 99,it must have been tracked.Check w/ prior;if subframe is cracked,rear seats,carpet and all trim will have to come out.Might as well change RSM's too.Good luck