M3 vs Non-M Front Subframe

Justin Daniels · 05-21-2019, 06:57 PM

I have found lots of information on the REAR subframe differences, but nothing on the front. Are the suspension mount points all in the same position and the only differences clearly visible (bar under engine, integrated bracing to right behind the front wheels)?

I have an entire M3 worth of subframes/arms/diff/axles/uprights/coilovers going under my 325i and it turns out the M3 subframe is tweaked a bit, so I'll just run the 325i unit if it's dimensionally the same.

Thanks in advance

Cheers,
Justin

feuer · 05-25-2019, 10:40 AM

Chassis mounts yes. Suspension mounts yes. Engine mounts no. So no use unless installing a v8 in your car.

Justin Daniels · 05-26-2019, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feuer

Chassis mounts yes. Suspension mounts yes. Engine mounts no. So no use unless installing a v8 in your car.

That's what it looked like when I laid one atop the other, but wanted to confirm.
I am installing a V8 but not the M3 lump. I'd rather keep the N52/54 subframe in case I ever want to make the car CCA legal.

Thanks.

grafton · 12-24-2019, 09:03 AM

hi,

do you know if i could use a 2009 318i petrol front subframe on my 2007 E90 335d?

thanks

Soravia · 12-24-2019, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grafton

hi,

do you know if i could use a 2009 318i petrol front subframe on my 2007 E90 335d?

thanks

Use www.realoem.com to compare

grafton · 12-24-2019, 10:09 AM

looks like the same front subframe for all e90 models except the V8 M3 model

bbnks2 · 12-24-2019, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feuer

Chassis mounts yes. Suspension mounts yes. Engine mounts no. So no use unless installing a v8 in your car.

That's a good point. Never thought about engine mounting.

You would want a 1M subframe. Has anyone actually confirmed that the pickup points are all exactly the same? OP can you verify that?

feuer · 12-24-2019, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbnks2

That's a good point. Never thought about engine mounting.

You would want a 1M subframe. Has anyone actually confirmed that the pickup points are all exactly the same? OP can you verify that?

Why front 1M subframe? Is shared with all non M RWD models.

bbnks2 · 12-27-2019, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feuer

Why front 1M subframe? Is shared with all non M RWD models.

Yepp 31116785639

So you can say that there is no " M car upgrade" available. 1M uses the same subframe as every other 1 series.

feuer · 12-28-2019, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbnks2

Yepp 31116785639

So you can say that there is no " M car upgrade" available. 1M uses the same subframe as every other 1 series.

The front yes, the rear is 100% m3 subframe

The Nightman · 12-31-2019, 05:39 PM

The "upgrade" is the solid panel that reinforces the subframe:

It won't fit non-M subframes but I replicated it by using the same mounting points for my own bracing. It reinforces the tension strut and wishbone mounts. It was more of an experiment but I couldn't believe the difference it made. Biggest surprise was the reduction in NVH gained from the M3 arms. The factory underbody panel still fits too.

ornicar · 12-31-2019, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomfries

The "upgrade" is the solid panel that reinforces the subframe:

It won't fit non-M subframes but I replicated it by using the same mounting points for my own bracing. It reinforces the tension strut and wishbone mounts. It was more of an experiment but I couldn't believe the difference it made. Biggest surprise was the reduction in NVH gained from the M3 arms.

Very interresting! specially for the NVH reduction feedback.

The OEM answer could be the V brace from E88, no?

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...751&page=2

The Nightman · 01-01-2020, 12:33 AM

I believe the rear most mounting point interferes with the existing brace, and the undertray likely won't fit with the front bracket installed

ornicar · 01-01-2020, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomfries

I believe the rear most mounting point interferes with the existing brace, and the undertray likely won't fit with the front bracket installed

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_7043

there is a specific underhood for the E88

tlow98 · 01-09-2020, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomfries

The "upgrade" is the solid panel that reinforces the subframe:

It won't fit non-M subframes but I replicated it by using the same mounting points for my own bracing. It reinforces the tension strut and wishbone mounts. It was more of an experiment but I couldn't believe the difference it made. Biggest surprise was the reduction in NVH gained from the M3 arms.

Awesome! Just curious but what keeps the M3 panel from fitting? The exhaust?

The Nightman · 01-10-2020, 11:32 PM

The stock black bracing interferes with the rear mounting points of the M3 plate. The stock brace cannot be removed because it connects the non-M subframe to the chassis. The M3 subframe is directly mounted to the chassis.

tlow98 · 01-12-2020, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomfries

The stock black bracing interferes with the rear mounting points of the M3 plate. The stock brace cannot be removed because it connects the non-M subframe to the chassis. The M3 subframe is directly mounted to the chassis.

Gotcha. Are the inserts already there for the M3 brace or did you insert your own? Or nut/bolt it?

The Nightman · 01-13-2020, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlow98

Gotcha. Are the inserts already there for the M3 brace or did you insert your own? Or nut/bolt it?

You need four rivnuts (07147199279) and M10 bolts

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ut-07147199279

streetpro · 01-25-2020, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomfries

It won't fit non-M subframes but I replicated it by using the same mounting points for my own bracing. It reinforces the tension strut and wishbone mounts. It was more of an experiment but I couldn't believe the difference it made.

Great info .-) Does the engine splash guard fits afterwards or did you have to make any changes iot to fit?
Thx

The Nightman · 01-25-2020, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetpro

Great info .-) Does the engine splash guard fits afterwards or did you have to make any changes iot to fit?
Thx

Factory underpanel fits perfectly, but it will depend on the thickness of the metal stock used. My brace is about 3/8" thick

ornicar · 07-22-2020, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomfries

The stock black bracing interferes with the rear mounting points of the M3 plate. The stock brace cannot be removed because it connects the non-M subframe to the chassis. The M3 subframe is directly mounted to the chassis.

Do you know why 1 series E82 don'h have this V black bracing?

My idea is that maybe we (1 serie owners) could fit the thorough M3 Reinforcment plate (without cut). It would be great

Thanks

ornicar · 07-22-2020, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomfries

You need four rivnuts (07147199279) and M10 bolts

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ut-07147199279

For information the brand of this Nut is Bolhoff RIVKLE HRT

You can buy it for cheaper than at BMW.

https://eshop.boellhoff.de/en/Riveti...ce-Thread.html

05-21-2019, 06:57 PM	#1
Justin Daniels Private First Class 66 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	M3 vs Non-M Front Subframe I have found lots of information on the REAR subframe differences, but nothing on the front. Are the suspension mount points all in the same position and the only differences clearly visible (bar under engine, integrated bracing to right behind the front wheels)? I have an entire M3 worth of subframes/arms/diff/axles/uprights/coilovers going under my 325i and it turns out the M3 subframe is tweaked a bit, so I'll just run the 325i unit if it's dimensionally the same. Thanks in advance Cheers, Justin
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05-25-2019, 10:40 AM	#2
feuer Major General 4346 Rep 9,231 Posts Drives: wife crazy! Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5)	Chassis mounts yes. Suspension mounts yes. Engine mounts no. So no use unless installing a v8 in your car.
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12-24-2019, 09:03 AM	#4
grafton Private 6 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 335d Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Chorley, Lancashire iTrader: (0)	hi, do you know if i could use a 2009 318i petrol front subframe on my 2007 E90 335d? thanks
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12-24-2019, 10:09 AM	#6
grafton Private 6 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 335d Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Chorley, Lancashire iTrader: (0)	looks like the same front subframe for all e90 models except the V8 M3 model
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12-31-2019, 05:39 PM	#11
The Nightman Cometh 1870 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI 330i [10.00]	The "upgrade" is the solid panel that reinforces the subframe: It won't fit non-M subframes but I replicated it by using the same mounting points for my own bracing. It reinforces the tension strut and wishbone mounts. It was more of an experiment but I couldn't believe the difference it made. Biggest surprise was the reduction in NVH gained from the M3 arms. The factory underbody panel still fits too. Last edited by The Nightman; 02-12-2020 at 12:25 AM..
	Appreciate 8 feuer4346.00 ornicar170.50 tetsuo1111264.50 Justin Daniels65.50 Biginboca3861.50 DLag30111.00 bimmermech123126.00 E92only87.00 Quote

01-01-2020, 12:33 AM	#13
The Nightman Cometh 1870 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI 330i [10.00]	I believe the rear most mounting point interferes with the existing brace, and the undertray likely won't fit with the front bracket installed
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01-10-2020, 11:32 PM	#16
The Nightman Cometh 1870 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI 330i [10.00]	The stock black bracing interferes with the rear mounting points of the M3 plate. The stock brace cannot be removed because it connects the non-M subframe to the chassis. The M3 subframe is directly mounted to the chassis.
	Appreciate 0 Quote