E46 CHASSIS REINFORCEMENT KIT INSTALLTION - K0536

 E46 Chassis Reinforcement Kit

E46 Rear Trailing Arm Bracket Pocket Reinforcements

We recommend a professional welder install this kit

NOTE - This write-up will give general guidance on how to install the Garagistic E46 Chassis Reinforcement Kit. This will NOT cover how to remove your factory rear subframe assembly.

Click here to purchase the FULL E46 Chassis Reinforcement Kit w/ Rear Trailing Arm Bracket (RTAB) Reinforcement Plates

Prepping the vehicle

Disconnect the battery to prevent electrical damage from occurring during welding. Remove your rear subframe with trailing arms, axles, and differential. Remove the interior of your trunk as well as your fuel tank and be sure to cap off all fuel lines to prevent any possible fires.

Tools Needed:

Welder
Grinder
Breaker Bar
3/8 Ratchet
½ Ratchet
Socket Set
Jack and Jack Stands
Using an automotive lift is highly recommended

Materials Needed:

Degreaser
Towels

Safety Info: Be sure to use a welding helmet and gloves

Step 1: Remove complete rear suspension and the fuel tank.

Step 2: Place the Garagistic reinforcement plates in the appropriate locations (see photos below). Take note of where the plates sit and strip the chassis surface to bare metal around where the plates sit.

Step 3: Use degreaser/acetone on the clean bare metal to prep for welding. Use your factory hardware or M12x1.5 bolts to set the reinforcement plates in place and insure all holes lineup before welding. 

Step 4: To prevent existing cracks (if any) from spreading during the welding process, we recommend drilling a small hole at the end of the cracks before welding the cracks themselves. Inspect for any spot welds that have failed or are in the process of failing. We recommended you drill them out and repair them if found.

Step 5: If you had any cracks, weld up those first then grind them flat to allow your reinforcement plates to sit flush against the chassis. Using your subframe bolts, mock up your plate to allow you to tack weld it to the chassis. Once tack welded in the proper location, fully weld around your reinforcement plate. We provided extra holes in our plates for rosette/plug welds. You can drill through the first outer sheet metal layer but should not drill all the way through. Once completed, rosette/plug weld your holes. Should your chassis be severely damaged, we provided two square trunk block off plates. You will have to cut through the floorboard inside the vehicle, weld up any cracks, then use the two square plates to weld shut the holes that were cut out.

Step 6: After welding the plates to the chassis, be sure to grind any protruding welds so that the subframe mounting surface is flat; insuring that the subframe can mount flush against the chassis. Make sure you spray a protective coat of under-liner or paint on any bare metal surfaces to protect it against the elements and stop rust from developing.

Step 7: Reinstall the rear suspension and make sure to torque everything to factory specifications. Make sure to bleed your brakes. Reconnect the battery.

Step 8: Take your E46 for a test drive and inspect for any noises that could be a concern. If your test drive was successful next step is to hit the track and drive it hard!

 

PASSENGER REAR

 

DRIVER REAR

 

DRIVER FRONT

 

PASSENGER FRONT

 

                                                   Disclaimer

This instructional guide is intended to provide general information only. We recommend a professional automotive technician install any of our products. In no event shall Garagistic be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, incidental injuries or damages whatsoever.