subframe issues

[laryred]

recently became proud owner of 2001 z3 3.0 have since been reading about subframe failure on many bmw is or should this be of great concern, thanks in advance

 

[Kirby]

Ehh, I think the actual number of instances is quite low, but it does happen. Most reports are that the car was driven hard, used for autocross/racing, etc. I did read one or two that claimed the car was only driven normally.

I wouldn't worry about it unless you race, drive it hard, or have really bad road conditions. Whenever the car is worked on, ask them to visually inspect the subframe mounting points for cracks. By the way, although it is commonly referred to as subframe failure, it's not actually the subframe that fails. It's the sheet metal of the body that fails, where the subframe bolts to the body.

 

[Big Daddy]

Great advice from Kirby. I have a 98 M Roadster and thus far mine is fine..and I do drive it hard quite often.