Ok, Its official, I am in the process of dealing with the dreaded E36 subframe/ diff carrier mount problem. The sheet metal has ripped out of at least one of the mounts. I have the re-enfocement plates on the way (the ones that they used in the M cars, and are suposedly a good fix for the problem. I am planning on tearing into it this weekend (Its a lot of work) Just wondering if anyone has done this themselves and has any tips to offer. Since i am doing it in my garage and I do not have a lift I am planning on taking the Diff out first and then the subframe. Thanks for any suggestions.

I'm not sure if you should do it by yourself unless you have a welder, to my understanding the sheet metal that tore off needs to be welded in, as well as the reinforcements, even though the reinforcements have mounting holes in them.

I have not done this repair myself. What I know about the repair comes from someone who runs an independant shop and has done many E36 and a few E46 repairs.

You have to repair the original sheetmetal first by welding. If you are luck, the mounts are partially cracked which makes alignment easy. If any mounts completely separated, you have to be very careful about putting it back exactly where it was. The reinforcement plate is then welded over the repaired mount. The hole in the plate is a clearance hole for the mounting bolt and will not help with alignment of the original mount.

Use a MIG or TIG welder. Torches and stick welders do not belong anywhere near a unibody car. Use a good weld through coating before welding the grind sand, prime, and paint when the welding is done to prevent rust.


Ed

Okay, what happens if you DO NOT have problems yet; but want to reinforce the subframe. What is recommended then??

Originally posted by NoSoup4U
Okay, what happens if you DO NOT have problems yet; but want to reinforce the subframe. What is recommended then??

It is easier to reinforce the car before it breaks. Just gring off the paint and undercoat anywhere the plates touch the car and weld them up. There are no alignment issues to deal with so any shade tree hack mechanic with a MIG welder and a can of spray paint can do it.


Ed