subframe removal.

[Bimmers Only <bmrfamly@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chris
   The body shop just doesn't want to do the job.  It's a piece of 
cake that you can do.  Just support the motor/trans from above.
   I lay a 4x4 accross the top (pieces of pipe along the hood creases 
so the 4x4 doesn't touch the sheetmetal).
   Then I use a short length of chain and attach it to the engine 
lifting hook at the front.  I jack up the motor 1/2 inch after 
removing the motor mount top nuts.  Then I take all slack out of the 
chain, so when I drop the subframe, the motor/trans is at about the 
proper location.
   The steering box, and idler arm are just a couple of bolts, as are 
the lower control arms.  The front sway bar can come away with the 
subframe once the vertical bolts are removed.  The Support arm bolts 
come off, and the subframe is only attached to the chasis with 4 
bolts if memory serves me.
   This can be done in a couple hours.  Install takes twice as long, 
but this is less than a shop day's work if you actually want to do it.
   It's been awhile since I did an E28, but I do a subframe removal 
with engine in place at least 12-15 times/year.
- -- 
Dan Patzer the CyberWrench from BIMMERS ONLY Seattle's exclusive BMW hobby
shop
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