No. Reality is, subframe issues are not imminent. It can happen to any year or variant, but probably won’t. The master himself, Randy Forbes, just completed his 100th reinforcement. The most prolific expert on the subject has repaired “just” 100 of all sold in NA. Even if 500 were assumed to have been repaired among only M Coupes that’s a mere ~15%. And that’s significantly overstating those repaired and understating models potentially affected.
I’ve owned 3 Coupes (M52 122k, S52 80k and S54 134k). None have shown any symptoms. I did buy a kit for if it ever happens, but there’s no indication I’ll need it.
My 2¢, save your money. Failure is not sudden or catastrophic. If you’re not seeing any cracks or popped welds, it’s unnecessary. Nothing wrong with preventatively having it done, but it’s $3-4K spent for potentially no reason other than peace of mind. Replace the soft, stock subframe bushings with polys, keep an eye on the trunk floor welds and diff hanger and address accordingly if an issue arises.
2000 Z3 Coupe | Cosmos Black | Dream Red
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tomdelahaba
/ October 18, 2017Randy’s kit cost 3-4k? O.o Ooooow, thats…. ehm, way to expensive….. To be honest……
Randy Forbes
/ April 3, 2018Still too high 😉
The trunkfloor/differential mount reinforcement package costs $575.00 (last price increase was 2007 or ’08 when BOTH steel and UPS rates took a big jump). I won’t raise the price again unless similar circumstances__beyond my control__warrant it.
Shipping within the US (lower 48) is a flat $35.00 and International Priority Mail via the USPS (with tracking and insurance) is presently $135.00.
Installation charges will vary, but for the cars I do, the price starts at $2500.00 (includes cost of “kit” installation labor and refinishing materials) NOT INCLUDED in that price are any additional parts, like the differential cover (there are two choices at present, either OE E-36 or Rogue Engineering) any addition seals, gaskets, O-rings, speedometer sensor or urethane subframe mounting bushes. If you wanted all the bells and whistles, then the cost is likely to be around $3400.00, but if all you want done is the single ear version, the cost is as low as $2550.00.
Tax @ 7% charged on all work done at my shop in Florida; so far, no tax on kits shipped out of state.
Randy
Jeremy
/ April 3, 2018Thanks for chiming in and providing the details, Randy!