ALBundy
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- Dec 4, 2004
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2wenty6;555500 said:Do not know how different the chassis is between the Euro and US spec e36 M, but this thread here lists almost all the common maintenance items and problems found on the US spec e36 M. The word out there is that the e36 M's are victims of cost cutting. Sheet metal at some places are known to tear and fail (generally from track/autocross usage, but there are examples of it happening to a non-tracked car as well).
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=300562
But then again the e46 M's have their own host of problems. But, if you can afford it, these will be absolutely rewarding machines to drive.
The rear chassis cracking is a well known problem. Problem is the car has plenty of torque and with the rear diff mounted on a sub frame that itself is mounted on chassis. When the car is accleratingnand decelerating, metal fatigue will occur. Reinforcement with metal plates to distribute the force to a greater area and foaming will help as per bmw's TIS.
Cheers