How difficult to remove front subframe?

[5Toes]

Okay I ask, because my Dad's buddy who happens to own 3 E30s... has a wrecked one that he would let me have for about $500. Great interior, auto, zinno, crackless dash. Nice car.

The wreck - Well he says his daughter got hit in the front quarter, I believe left side? Anyways, he says the front headlights are fine, but the wheel is rubbing on the strut. SO it would need either a new strut assembly, or I thought it would be even better to buy a whole new subframe?

He has a shop, but do you need a life to drop front subframe? I figure just do whole subframe, because then I could refresh the front suspension with it out of the car, and all. Maybe even some billiesports/H&R action?

So cliffnotes -
I can get wrecked car for cheap
Car needs (atleast) new strut assembly, wheel, and fender.
How hard is it to replace subframe?
What is the cost of a a strut assembly or front subframe?

[Eecen]

Pictures of guy's daughter?







Subframe is pretty easy to remove...just time consuming and occasionally frustrating.

[5Toes]

Does motor need to come out?

[Van Westervelt]

Not likely that the subframe is bent. Possible, not likely. More likely is a bent wheel, control arm, tie rod, or the strut/housing. Front subframe isnt that bad to drop if you have an engine brace and some tools. Motor does not need to come out to do it.

[5Toes]

Damn. For some reason I was thinking subframe would include strut assembly.

DUH Im dumb.

Well then in a perfect world this repair would be just like putting in new struts/springs, just a fender too.

Still prices? I just checked over in the parts section, I saw front strut assemblies from $75 to $250

[Van Westervelt]

You can get a pair of empty strut tubes for 100 bucks all day long. Find out whats up with it first though. No sense in speculating without using your lookin balls.

[5Toes]

Oh I know.

Just Im excited and all. Hahaha anybody have experience applying for a salvage title?

[jasonsnoddy]

I've got both strut tubes as well as a front subframe.

[5Toes]

^ I might be buying those from you? Any rust?

[jasonsnoddy]

Off the top of my head idk. Came off of my 240k parts car, which coincidentally is an auto as well. When I finish pulling the subframe ill clean it up and see.

[5Toes]

Okay let me know

[bernzpeed]

got those off my car, 63k miles only

[5Toes]

Well whatever I will need, it will likely be bought on here,

[iamsam]

anybody have experience applying for a salvage title?

yes, it's not that bad. Just go to DMV, get paperwork, have them explain it, go to the police station for an inspection, win.

[LuckyHenriksen]

Why do you need to apply for salvage title? I also have a complete set of front strut housings, still assembled with brakes and springs