HELP 1" crack in Boot Floor next to Diff

[p4paco]

i have a U.K. 1999 e46 320d with 160kmiles. engine and body is still sweet.

But my car vibrates like hell on acceleration.
in the last 3 thousand miles has become apprarant.
my mechanic discovered a 1"inch crack in the metal of the boot foor just next to where the Diferential is mounted.

My mechanic said he's heard of this problem on early e46 models. because the metal was not strong enough to deal with the Torque, and later models have a thicker boot floor apparently.

Does anyone know anything about this? was there a recall?
does anyone work for BMW in UK?
what is the warrenty on the Bodyshell?

i think its horrendous that the car's Chassis component should fail in under 8years. Especially a BMW.

Any ideas on how i can get BMW to fix it for me for free? Coz the car is pretty standard & it aint had an accident.

i REALLY need your help guys, coz otherwise this repair bill is gonna be crazy.

THANKS in advance.

[Dudesky]

Sorry to hear about this. Subframe failure is more common with the E36 than the E46, but it still happens. I don't know if there is any repair policy by BMW, but Turner Motorsport sells a subframe reinforcement kit you could look into:

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ry_e46sf.shtml

[c1apton]

I'd call BMWs' office in UK and ask to meet w/ area rep at a local dealer to see the problem.
I doubt they'll pay for the complete fix but they MIGHT help you if they feel it's not been abused and all the records are available about the car.
Some things they'll ask and require from you - VIN #, mileage, records & receipts, and are you the original owner. They'll research all the records and make a decision after the cars' history has been researched.

[p4paco]

Thanks guys,
i've spent ages looking at other people with the same Subframe problem.
although i havent seen anyone with a diesel having this problem yet.
my mileage is 160k without Full History, so i dont think i shud hold out for BMW doing a repair or doing it anytime soon.
Although they should, because this is a chassis failiure on a an 8yr old car.

i will still try my luck, but i think i should wait for my DVLA logbook,
(i had problems with them too, i havent recievd logbook yet)
Because i'm sure BMW will check and see my car's still registered in Wales!

In fact now, it makes sense why the Dealer i bought it from, sold it as "sold as seen" on the invoice. Tossser

[Z3POS]

Hello Paco...There is a rather large movement in the U.S. that is starting to organize as the Z3's are experiencing a more-than-average rate of Subframe/Diff Bracket/Trunk tears.

Pls see the following new website as it is for informational purposes only and contains links to other Forums and Pictures of the massive Failures in the Structural Integrity of an otherwise "Fine" looking vehicle...Nothing for Sale.

www.Z3Subframeproblems.homestead.com

If this site is of help to you please pass it on in hopes of helping others get started on their fixes. It's very unfortunate that BMW has let it come to this but we need to let the world know that BMW is not the "Ultimate Driving Machine" that they would like to think they are.

Best Regards...Disappointed Z3 Owner in USA.

[Z3POS]

Bm W

[Z3POS]

www.bmwz3subframeproblems.homestead.com