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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > HELP!!!!!Replace Front Subframe Assembly



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      01-24-2013, 09:02 AM   #1
Marcus_Alexander
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Question HELP!!!!!Replace Front Subframe Assembly

So my 335xi E90 has a bent front wishbone mount. I've looked for topics that deal with fixing this, but no one seems to cover this.: I'm thinking of just replaceing the whole front subframe. It's only $500 from ECSTUNING (Link:/ http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...S183/ES254630/ ) I have some experience with working on Rx7s. Can this be done myself or would I need a shop's help? It seems like a ton of labor to have done at a shop. Please help
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      01-24-2013, 09:06 AM   #2
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Also check your local BMW dealer for price (don't forget shipping--it'll cost an arm and a leg to ship it). If you have the means to separate ball joints and the like, you can do it yourself. You will need a couple of unusual tools like reverse torx.
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      01-25-2013, 02:47 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eric@helix
Also check your local BMW dealer for price (don't forget shipping--it'll cost an arm and a leg to ship it). If you have the means to separate ball joints and the like, you can do it yourself. You will need a couple of unusual tools like reverse torx.
It looks to be about $650 with shipping which is roughly how much it would cost if I bought it online from a dealer. What kind of tools would I need? Do I need to support the engine somehow or is it not connected to the subframe? Also since I'm doing this should I buy new bushings and hardware? Maybe even upgrade the control arms, sway bar etc... I do have an XI which requires different parts I understand.
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      01-25-2013, 05:18 PM   #4
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How did you bend the wishbone mount if you don't mind me asking?
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      01-25-2013, 06:17 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus_Alexander
Quote:
Originally Posted by eric@helix
Also check your local BMW dealer for price (don't forget shipping--it'll cost an arm and a leg to ship it). If you have the means to separate ball joints and the like, you can do it yourself. You will need a couple of unusual tools like reverse torx.
It looks to be about $650 with shipping which is roughly how much it would cost if I bought it online from a dealer. What kind of tools would I need? Do I need to support the engine somehow or is it not connected to the subframe? Also since I'm doing this should I buy new bushings and hardware? Maybe even upgrade the control arms, sway bar etc... I do have an XI which requires different parts I understand.
You will need to support the engine. Are the bushings bad?
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      01-25-2013, 10:28 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nikitino25
How did you bend the wishbone mount if you don't mind me asking?
I have no Idea I bought the car that way, I didn't think it was that bad of an issue since it's on .02 off alignment, but I'm noticing the front left outer part of my tire has premature wear.
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      01-25-2013, 10:31 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NTXE92
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus_Alexander
Quote:
Originally Posted by eric@helix
Also check your local BMW dealer for price (don't forget shipping--it'll cost an arm and a leg to ship it). If you have the means to separate ball joints and the like, you can do it yourself. You will need a couple of unusual tools like reverse torx.
It looks to be about $650 with shipping which is roughly how much it would cost if I bought it online from a dealer. What kind of tools would I need? Do I need to support the engine somehow or is it not connected to the subframe? Also since I'm doing this should I buy new bushings and hardware? Maybe even upgrade the control arms, sway bar etc... I do have an XI which requires different parts I understand.
You will need to support the engine. Are the bushings bad?
Honestly I wouldn't know what bad bushings look like I'm still learning the ins and outs of cars.I have a cousin who helps me a lot. I could probably look if I knew what I was looking for.
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      01-26-2013, 10:17 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus_Alexander View Post
Honestly I wouldn't know what bad bushings look like I'm still learning the ins and outs of cars.I have a cousin who helps me a lot. I could probably look if I knew what I was looking for.

Stock are oil filled - you'll see the leak. Far more likely than bent suspension part.
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      01-26-2013, 07:02 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus_Alexander View Post
Honestly I wouldn't know what bad bushings look like I'm still learning the ins and outs of cars.I have a cousin who helps me a lot. I could probably look if I knew what I was looking for.

Stock are oil filled - you'll see the leak. Far more likely than bent suspension part.
The reason I know it's a bent wishbone mount is because 4 different shops mentioned it after performing service.
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      01-26-2013, 07:05 PM   #10
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So to support the engine are there hooks I can connect a cherry picker to? Also how many of the needed tools would not be in the standard joe's tool kit?
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      02-01-2013, 04:27 AM   #11
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No one else have any answers??
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      04-12-2013, 03:55 AM   #12
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Unhappy Stillll Need Help!!!!!!

Bump!! I really want to know if this is a task I can do myself...
Please. Some advise would be great! It's such a huge task that I want to make sure it is done correctly. If there is nobody willing to give helpful advise, could you recomend a quality indy shop(modesto/ bay area) that won't rape me finacially and do a good job.
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      04-12-2013, 08:28 AM   #13
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I wish I could give you a defintie answer, but there should be a bracket with a metal hook on it somewhere on both the front and the rear of the engine. Those are for pulling it. But as I'm sure you know you don't actually need to lift it at all though, it just has to be supported. Have you tried calling a dealership and asking? If they can't tell you I've got the number for a guy who owns a BMW indy shop and does engines left and right in the summer. He could probably help you. Just ask if you need it.
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      04-12-2013, 12:28 PM   #14
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I think the engine actually has screw sockets that you can screw the tow hook into to lift the engine, not sure if it actually has lifting points.
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      04-13-2013, 12:23 AM   #15
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Thanks! I'll call around and see what the dealers say. I'm assuming they will tell me not to do this myself, but it's worth a shot. If that doesn't work out I'll keep you posted.
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      07-24-2013, 08:48 PM   #16
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Subframe replacement

Hello, All. . .
I'm just joining this blog, since the 2008 335i is a new addition for my stable. I'm selling the 2000 328i, at 185k miles, and its running fine now with the latest repair, new fuel pump!

Now, I've discovered at my first real undercarriage close look that I have a damaged subframe. Re-welded at several key places and broken again in at least one spot. I knew the car had been considered "reconditioned" in North Carolina, but I realize now that the seller didn't disclose all the damage, especially the part he had not chosen to fix!
My only bright spot is that by purchasing the part from ECS Tuning, I can have a local body shop put the car on his frame machine, in case the frame is bent. Otherwise, the shop has offered to install the subframe for $350 plus any frame reshaping, which should be minimal. I just can't do it in my garage. Total cost? $1150 or so, including alignment. I'm hopeful. Then I can install the Eibach Stabilizer kit I already have in my garage -- the beginning of my basic mods.
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      07-25-2013, 05:02 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus_Alexander View Post
So to support the engine are there hooks I can connect a cherry picker to? Also how many of the needed tools would not be in the standard joe's tool kit?
Near the oil filter housing is a threaded hole for inserting a hook for an hoist. The thread size is exactly the same as the tow hook. However the tow hook is not a great fit it interferes with the side of the housing. A tow hook from an e36 works fine.

Harbor freight sells an across the fender hoist/support for like 60 bucks. I have used this several times to drop the subframe on my car (xi). Should work for your needs if in fact what you want to do is what you should do.

edit: nvrmind did not see how old this thread was.
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      08-10-2013, 08:58 AM   #18
Marcus_Alexander
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The thread maybe old, but I still have a bent subframe. I appreciate the input! Thanks
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      08-15-2013, 05:40 PM   #19
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Did you ever figure out how to do this? I've discovered an oil pan gasket leak and I'm going to need to drop the subframe to do it.
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      08-16-2013, 08:02 AM   #20
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Nope, not many are brave enough to rip apart their $20,000 Bimmer.
those that have have not shared....
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