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BMW
Mini
Purpose
Category
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Suspension
- Bushings & Mounts (5)
- Camber / Caster Kits (1)
- Chassis Reinforcement Kits & Parts (3)
- Coilovers (1)
- Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades (10)
- Shocks & Struts (26)
- Springs (21)
- Spring & Shock Packages (2)
- Strut Braces & Stress Bars (6)
- Subframe (2)
- Suspension Install Kits (4)
- Sway Bar (3)
- Electronics (7)
The motor mount area on a subframe is one of those easily-forgotton areas that may be hiding a serious problem. The subframe on the E36 has a gusset ('ear') welded on for the motor mounts. These gussets take the stress of the motor mount as the engine torques (more upgrades = more torque = more stress). Worn motor mounts only transfer more stress to the subframe. Unfortunately, the gusset is not well-reinforced from the factory and cracks can develop along the welds and the gusset begins to collapse. A total failure of the guesset will shift your engine to the side and forward, taking out many other components along the way and leading to a very costly repair.