Under the engine of my '94 convertible E36, there is the factory version of an x-brace which bolts to the frame and the front suspension crossmember. Only the convertibles got these to improve structural rigidity, I'm told. The front of the plate is held on by 4 bolts that go into the crossmember. These bolts would turn with about 40Ft-Lb torque, but would not loosen, so I had to drill them out. After getting the brace off, I see that the bolts screw into threaded inserts in the crossmember, and the inserts have loosened a bit and now turn in the crossmember which is why I couldn't get the bolts out.

Has anyone enjoyed the pleasure of replacing these inserts?

I figure it's either replace the inserts or weld on some thicker steel to accept the bolts - the crossmember is made out of fairly thin steel which isn't thick enough to thread.

Thanks