Like the E36 before it, the shock towers on the E46 are a notoriously weak point. Under normal driving conditions with a stock suspension it is unlikely that you will ever have a problem. But a sport street or race suspension with firm springs much of the energy from pounding the road is transmitted to the thin sheet metal in the strut tower. This pounding will cause the tower to deform or even crack. These plates will help disperse the energy and save you from costly repairs in the future. Price is for the pair.

Part #: 51717036781
Applications: 1999 - 2006 323, 325, 328, 330, Inc. xi (E46)

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. This happens because the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, then into the chassis. This constant loading and unloading weakens the sheet metal and causes it to fatigue and separate from the chassis.

BMW tried to fix this problem in the E46 by placing a cross member on the front two mounting points of the subframe. This cross member keeps the front mounting points from having problems by placing the bushing and the stud in double-sheer, thus reducing the twisting action on the sheet metal. The unfortunate side effect of this is that the load from the front of the subframe now gets transmitted to the left rear of the subframe.

This is where we have seen many failures of the chassis on low mileage street cars and race cars. This product reinforces the chassis sheet metal at the subframe mounting points. TMS does this by thickening the metal and distributing the load over a larger area. This kit will save time when repairing the chassis, and is also strongly recommended as a preventative maintenance item.

As E46s get older and see more track-use, they start develop cracks and bends in places that see a lot of stress. One of the most stressful areas is the front subframe. It's a good idea to reinforce your front subframe the next time you're doing any suspension work. This kit reinforces the upper and lower tabs of the subframe where the motor mount is located. Requires welding.

Applications: 1999 - 2005 323, 325, 328, 330, M3, Z4 (E46, Z4)

TMS E46 "solid" sub-frame bushings are designed around current Grand Am Cup regulations, derived from, and currently used in TMS racecars. They are legal for the series.

Thick delrin casings are used as the non-metallic solid bushing. High quality aluminum sleeves, with increased surface area, are then pressed into each of the casings with washers integrated into each one. The washers are employed to add an extra safety factor for securing the sub-frame into position. One front bushing is slotted to allow for compliance between manufacturing standards as BMW specifies. We recommend that this kit be professionaly installed- in other words, its not easy to install.

Turner motorsport can install for you or supply a finished subframe - contact UED for details on how to get a hold of TMS for this offer.

Applications: 1998 - 2004 323, 325, 328, 330, E46M3 (E46)

TMS solid sub-frame bushings are designed around current SCCA SPEED World Challenge regulations, and developed by the TMS WC race team. A BMW’s subframe is the heart of the suspension. When the subframe moves, so do all the suspension mounting points.

Replace the stock rubber bushings to limit drivetrain and suspension movement and keep your car setup the way it’s supposed to be. Solid bushings will also help keep the subframe from tearing out of the chassis. One front bushing is slotted to allow for compliance between manufacturing standards as BMW specifies. These bushings are CNC machined out of high grade billet aluminum.

Applications: 1999 - 2005 323, 325, 328, 330, M3 (E46)

TMS E46 solid differential mounts are designed around SCCA SPEED World Challenge regulations and have years of street and track testing to prove their performance. Replacing your differential’s rubber mounts with this kit will result in a snappier feel when cornering and better suspension performance. You save money by never having to replace the stock rubber mounts that fail due to old age and fatigue. These bushings are CNC machined from high-grade billet aluminum.

Applications: 1999 - 2006 323, 325, 328, 330 (E46)

TMS solid mount kits will hold up to the abuse that a powerful, high revving race motor will induce. The main benefit is that they reduce the torque and power lost from rubber mounting movement. Rubber mounts absorb the energy and vibrations produced from the torque of the motor. By not allowing that motion and energy to be absorbed, more power is transmitted faster.

The solid engine mounts locate the engine in the original orientation, but 5mm lower, and the transmission mounts are 1mm lower than the original mounts and are also located in the original orientation. This lowers the car’s center of gravity and improves the overall handling of the car. Solid mounting kits should be used for race only applications. These are the exact mounts used by TMS SPEED World Challenge race cars.

Subframe reinforcement kits are highly recommended to go along with this kit to reduce the risk of damage to the subframe. We highly recommend using the transmission and engine mounts together and installing this as a complete kit.

Mixing a rubber mount with a metal mount will cause undue stress on the mouting points. This kit fits all E36 and E46 6 cylinder models.