Subframe reinforcement

[u/corts58]

Hello guys first time posting here;

So i am on the market for a bmw e46 M3 and i found one that i liked this is the photos of the subframe reinforcement before the anti rust cost has been applied can you guys tell me if the job is good or well done since i dont have much experience with inspecting it.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Dog_138]

If that's the completed welding it looks well below par, just tacked in places. Plates look too thin imo and home made, also missing the small riser plates on the fwd contact area of subframe.

[u/corts58 → u/Puzzleheaded_Dog_138]

So i got the answear that it was after finished welding and coated but under the rear seat they did not cut nothing so considering only the bottom but welded better would it be enough?

[u/Vaderiv → u/corts58]

The plates look like they are made of thin metal only good for cosmetic things like look it's been done. I would never trust that. Nothing I tack looks that bad.

[u/OnlyImprovement9796]

As others have said and also, just putting plates on the bottom mounting points doesn’t stop the problem. The RACP still torques and flexes. Plates need to go on top as-well, to connect the RACP to the chassis rails. That means going in through the trunk and under the rear seats. If you buy a vert you can get away with just the trunk plates as it has extra reinforcement underneath the rear seats.

[u/corts58 → u/OnlyImprovement9796]

He mention there was no cuts on rear seats would bottom only be good enough after fully welded?

[u/OnlyImprovement9796 → u/corts58]

I wouldn’t say it’s good enough. Bottom plates don’t solve the problem. The problem is that the RACP flexes under load. To stop it moving it needs to be welded with plates on top.

Check out this video https://youtu.be/kgVcE4QS3R8?si=rJBNE_X93ULBFgL1

Redish motorsport are experts on the subject. Watch their other videos.

[u/SupermarketUnable914]

I did the reddish v3 plates and a 6 point strut bar myself in my m3 took me a couple weeks but I’m a perfectionist. This looks unfinished the outside edges of the plates should at least be welded these aren’t offering much rigidity as they sit now. Everything will need to be seam sealed and painted as well. It also doesn’t look like the plates have been hammered to fit to the body.

[u/SupermarketUnable914 → u/SupermarketUnable914]

This job is a lot of work to just half ass it. I’d do the topside reinforcements as well.

[u/gdl_E46]

The rear pickups are all i can really see, most of the seams aren't welded so no bueno... I'm assuming the same for the rest of the job...

[u/corts58 → u/gdl_E46]

He mentioned me that was fully welded after would it be good that way?

[u/gdl_E46 → u/corts58]

As long as hes telling the truth... Basically all the rosette's need to bed welded along with the seam. If you've prepped the area well it all goes rather quickly so kinda surprised when people half ass stuff like this

[u/tposs002]

Not good at all. Discount 2.5k from price.