The complaint alleges that BMW was aware of the alleged sub-frame defect, but failed to notify consumers or pay for sub-frame repairs under warranty. On March 3, 2009, Hon. Judge Dean D. Pregerson granted preliminary approval of a proposed class settlement, under which BMW will reimburse E46 owners or lessees in full for their sub-frame repair On March 3, 2009, Hon. Judge Dean D. Pregerson granted preliminary approval of a proposed class settlement, under which BMW will reimburse E46 owners or lessees in full for their sub-frame repair expenses. As part of the settlement, BMW has also agreed to implement a National Sub-Frame Inspection and Repair Program. BMW E46 M3 Bearing Replacement. The E46 M3 S54 engine is one of the classic power units, but they can have problems with their big end bearings. There are many theories on the cause of this, from our own to simply overly tight tolerances from the factory. Regardless of the cause the result is the bearings show premature wear. Incredibly reasonable considering the subframe costs thousands to replace. I don't know the forum rules for posting business names so I'll steer away from that but just wanted folks to know that the repair is completely possible and reasonable. On average, the cost of a subframe replacement is $300 to $1,600, depending on if you decide to perform this as a DIY project or take it to the mechanic. The price range for subframe replacement costs is based on national averages for all vehicles and doesn’t consider your make or model or any additional fees or taxes. The E46 rear driveline and suspension are very similar to that of the E36. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the E46 also shares some of the same problems as the E36. One of these problems is the rear mounting points for the subframe, which can rip out from their spots in the sheet metal. MSRP Price: 3322.28. BW Part #: DRS54. Brand: DrVanos. Description. Customer Reviews. Fully rebuilt and upgraded double-VANOS adjustment unit for the E46 M3, MZ3, and Z4M. This is a rebuilt unit using all of the tricks and special internal seals required for long-lasting performance on the S54 VANOS. Dr. VANOS S54 Features (included with every Take a look at the DIY - How to identify an oil pan leak & how to replace the I6 oil pan gasket by dropping the subframe & the Mudbone / cn90 trick to cut and replace the rigid metalized I6 OPG without removing the sub frame & how to substitute pure RTV as a FIPG formed in place gasket for the 6-cylinder oil pan gasket without lowering the sub-frame & how to build or buy your own hoist The gasket is fairly cheap but the labor can cost a lot. I dont know the book time on BMW's for oil pan gasket removal but $1800 does sound like a lot. If there labor rate is $125/hr that means they are charging 14 hours to change a gasket which sounds way too high, even transmissions are maybe 10-12 hours book time. E46. E46 General. I got BMW to pay 100% of repair cost of Subframe ripping out! Jump to Latest Follow October's E46 of the Month Challenge Has Started! G6rgj5.