Hi all... My 93 was in shop for regular service which included repairing some left front suspension (ball joints, linkage, etc.). Of course, then I need at least front end alignment which I expected. I then learned that the sub frame (support piece that connects across bottom of engine) was bent and that it must be replaced for the alignment to be possible. I knew it was bent when I had the car inspected at purchase, but was never told it would not allow a front end alignment without replacement.
I am going ahead and having it replaced as I didn't like the weld job I saw with right front suspension which connects to it. Car has no accident history and drives perfectly straight with no vibration. I just wonder why two different "expert" mechanics didn't tell me that alignment was impossible with the slightly bent cross member.
Any experience with this? And, are there lighter weight replacement frames available?
OK, i know it wasn't a thrilling thread (no one replied). Although, I thought I'd be a stand up citizen and give anyone interested the results I found. The cross member (piece running across bottom and supports engine; a couple of suspension pieces attach to it) was replaced which allowed the alignment shop to align the car exactly to spec. The answer to my question below...
The car was aligned before with the bent piece, but only as close as possible but not to "exact" spec. So, if this ever happens (mine was supposedly due to a fairly hard hit of wheel to a curb by previous owner...?), it will depend on severity of damage, but alignment will likely be difficult if there is any bend at all.
Luckily my mechanics had a used member (it is a monster piece of steel) and only charged me 75 US plus labor (total under $400 including alignment). I'm happy and cars tracks as if on rails once again.
Howcome you did not ask any further when you were told the subframe was bent upon purchase inspection?
I'm not trying to knock you, but its pretty eminent that something as a bent subframe ( or crossmember, as people appear to -wrongly- use both terms for both parts on the car randomly) is a serious affair requiring further investigation.
Its not very often found that a new subframe bolts straight on and they lived happily ever after.
Thanks for the clarification--! I guess I AM one of those people who use the two terms interchangeably (and it seems incorrectly; see below). I may not have clarified well enough as I wrote the other posts quickly, but I did inquire further as the bent portion was pointed out to me in purchase inspection.
It is actually the sub-frame--not the cross member. And based on records, futher convo with previous owner, inspecting mechanic, even tire wear, and my personal test drives, I had no reservations--and still don't--in buying car. The current alignment shop said that the right front wheel (side where repair weld was done on subframe) was actually a few millimeters towards back off spec. It could be that someone covered up an accident but body lines are perfect and no one has caught one misplaced piece or factory sticker. I do have a carfax gaurantee but don't know if those really work or if I'll even need it. No noises, no pulling or vibration and a very experienced BMW mechanic who supervised the replacement. I guess we'll see...
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