E46 Front Subframe Reinforcement Kit

The motor mount area on a subframe is one of those easily-forgotton areas that may be hiding a serious problem. The subframe on the E46 has a gusset ('ear') welded on for the motor mounts. These gussets take the stress of the motor mount as the engine torques (more upgrades = more torque = more stress). Worn motor mounts only transfer more stress to the subframe. Unfortunately, the sheetmetal will fatigue over time even though the gusset is reinforced from the factory. Check for cracks along the welds and an uneven plane from the subframe to the gusset. A total failure of the guesset will shift your engine to the side and forward, taking out many other components along the way and leading to a very costly repair.

The next time you replace the motor mounts, oil pan gasket, checking your oil pump nut, or any other time you drop the front subframe, you should install these reinforcements. This kit comes with steel reinforcing plates that are welded to the underside of the guesset as well as plates to close off the bottom of the gusset for extra strength. Instructions included.

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