Subframe

Tasked with keeping the vehicles rear end firmly mounted while absorbing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) factory rubber subframe bushings were engineered to provide a balance of control while keeping the ride quality soft and supple. As a factory bushings age, they become brittle and begin to harden. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow excess play, or movement in the subframe. This is typically felt by a sudden jerk or "thunking" noise under acceleration and is a leading cause of "sloppy" or "loose" suspension feel. By replacing the bushings with full polyurethane this play is eliminated since the subframe is being held in place by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. Additionally, the inherent stiffness of the urethane material translates body forces much more directly. This means steering and acceleration inputs from the driver are effectively transferred to the wheels and vital road information is transmitted properly from the wheels to the driver.

Powerflex street bushings are ideal for street driven vehicles and those that see occasional autocross or track time. Need bushings for a dedicated track car? Powerflex Black Series bushings are the ultimate in track and race bushings. Featuring 95A durometer polyurethane, Black Series bushings are 25% stiffer than street bushings. Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane bushings offer a supreme level of control, while still providing enough comfort for the street, with advanced polyurethane that reduces NVH that often accompanies lesser bushings. Expect improved steering feel, turn in, more responsive handling and overall improved chassis composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings.

Poweflex is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension bushings. Using state of the art design and manufacturing, all replacement bushings are engineered to out-perform and out-last the ones that came in the car. Each line of bushings is meticulously tested and then re-tested to ensure perfect fitment and enduring quality through the life of the vehicle. A full lifetime warranty backs every one of their products and demonstrates the level of confidence and commitment Powerflex has to their customers. 

Differential bushings are responsible for keeping the differential in solid alignment while dampening drivetrain vibration. While OE rubber bushings are fine when they are new from the factory, aged and worn out rubber bushings create a multitude of issues that can range from annoying to dangerous. As a factory bushing ages, it begins to harden and become brittle. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow for movement at the differential mounting point. At this point, the differential is free to shift under load causing a noticeable clunking noise under acceleration and deceleration and massively increasing the stress on the driveshaft and axles. Manual transmissions suffer the worst from this as it can make shifting difficult since the differential will shift when the clutch is engaged and disengaged.

By replacing these bushings with full polyurethane, the movement is eliminated since the mounting point is supported by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. This means less stress on the driveshaft and axles and greater longevity of supporting components. 

Powerflex Black Series bushings are the ultimate in track and race bushings. Featuring 95A durometer polyurethane, Black Series bushings are 25% stiffer than street bushings. Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings offer a supreme level of control, while still providing enough comfort for the street, with advanced polyurethane that reduces NVH that often accompanies lesser bushings. Expect improved acceleration response, more direct shifting feel and overall improved drivetrain composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane bushings.

Poweflex is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension bushings. Using state of the art design and manufacturing, all replacement bushings are engineered to out-perform and out-last the ones that came in the car. Each line of bushings is meticulously tested and then re-tested to ensure perfect fitment and enduring quality through the life of the vehicle. A full lifetime warranty backs every one of their products and demonstrates the level of confidence and commitment Powerflex has to their customers. 

This part fits the following BMWs:
2001 - 2006 E46 M3

Rear Axle Carrier Panel (RACP) failure is a well-documented issue that plagues all BMW E46 models. Due to thin sheet metal mounting, the forces applied during cornering, acceleration, and braking create stress fractures in the carrier panel, resulting in large cracks or breaks that risk the structural integrity of your chassis. To fix this issue, many enthusiasts opt to install weld-in reinforcement plates on the underside of the RACP. While this remedies the formation of additional stress cracks and adds rigidity to failure-prone areas, it does not prevent the entire carrier panel from flexing during high-performance driving.

Our all-new Rear Subframe Reinforcement Brace is engineered to add structure to the E46's rear chassis under high-stress conditions, eliminating the common weak points in the RACP while providing the confidence you need for performance driving. Don't let chassis flex limit your car’s potential—upgrade your E46 with the Turner Motorsport Rear Subframe Reinforcement Brace today!

How It Works:

During performance driving, the Rear Axle Carrier Panel (RACP) must react the forces of longitudinal and lateral accelerations. During forward acceleration, the differential transmits torque through the subframe to the RACP, forcing the rearmost subframe mounting points downward. This downward movement flexes the carrier panel, reducing its ability to handle torque efficiently. By linking the rearmost subframe mounting points to the rear shock towers, downward flex is restricted, resulting in improved torque transfer and stability. Alternatively, high-grip cornering generates lateral acceleration (side-to-side) forces across the RACP. Similar to how a rear strut brace functions, connecting the rear shock towers helps to counteract these forces. Adding the subframe to this connection further reduces lateral loads, eliminating side-to-side flex and enhancing overall stability.

Features & Design:

Four-Point Triangulated Structure: Links the rearmost subframe mounting locations to both rear strut towers for superior load distribution. Enhanced Stability: Reduces lateral and longitudinal RACP flex during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Improved Torque Transfer: Minimizes downward flex of the RACP, ensuring efficient power delivery for enhanced driveability. High-Performance Durability: Heavy-duty steel tube construction ensures lasting support during spirited driving, track use, and for vehicles with increased power output. Blue Powdercoat Finish: Offers fantastic corrosion resistance, protection from scuffs and scratches, and a stylish appearance that is sure to complement your performance-centric E46. Underside Reinforcement Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly alongside our underside RACP reinforcement plates (TDR4675412, T#91). Kit Includes:

Rear Subframe Brace Sedan Subframe Brace Spacers Extended-Length Drill Bit (1/4", 12" Overall Length) High-Speed Drill Bit (12.5mm, 152mm Overall Length) Drill Bit Guide Extended Subframe Bolts Zinc-Plated Steel Hex Nut (2) Installation & Support:

Need installation tips? Our team has assembled a guided start-to-finish installation tutorial, including detailed instructions on drilling and cutting your trunk floor panel for perfect fitment. Click HERE for Installation Instructions