Re: How do I repair a broken front swaybar mounts? (E-30)

[Drew Mouton <drew@xxxxxxxxx>]

I had this same problem Chris - and found that there's one real solution, 
and a second _possible_ solution.

The sway bar mounts are basically eyelets on the front lower subframe (to 
which shackles attach to hold your swaybar in position), which is sort of 
the central portion of your entire front suspension. The correct solution 
is to replace the subframe assembly, which means disassembling nearly the 
entire front suspension. It isn't generally hard to do, it's just long 
and tedious.

When I first checked with my local dealer, they quoted something on the 
order of $600+ for the subframe, and another $600-$900 for the labor.

The other alternative *might* be to find someone who will spot weld a 
working mount in place. This really isn't a good solution, however, and 
is nothing more than a make-do that shouldn't be done in the first place.

As it happens, my car ended up getting flooded before I got around to 
replacing the subframe (thank you Mr. Insurance Company). But if you're 
interested, I HAVE a replacement front subframe siting in my storage 
room, if you're going to tackle the job yourself.

Regards,
Drew

It appears that on 8/7/01 8:29 PM, Chris LaMothe at clamothe@domain.elided 
said:

>I have an 89 325i.  How do I repair broken front sway
>bar mounts?
>
>TIA

------------------------------

End of bmw-digest V9 #1879
**************************