I have had a report of a 1992 E36 325Ci, where the differential suspension mounting has pulled through the floor panel of the boot, leaving a hole large enough to put one's hand in. This I am informed, has happened on one side with cracks appearing round the mounting point on the other side of the car. The car has full BMW service history, and was serviced last year at a main dealer.

To assist me in my investigation of this problem, if anyone has had a similar occurence with any of the early E36 cars, will they please send full details to mailto:H@635csi.co.uk">H@635csi.co.uk

This fault is not to be confused with the more common suspension bush failure.

Howard Walker
Coupé Register Chairman.

Should have said 1992, not 1982. Sorry for the typo now corrected.

BMW lists the car as a 325i Coupé, but many call it a 325Ci.

Further investigations reveal that the differential front support on one side has pulled away leaving a hole that looks as though it was cut with a tin opener. The other side has taken the strain to the extent that large cracks are appearing round it.

If you own such a car (1990-1992 E36 Ci), please check the floor of the boot above the differential looking for cracks. They may not be apparent from underneath the car due to the presence of underseal.

Please advise if you find any.

Hello!

Ive had a very similiar problem when the bolts sheared off the same point, but apparently the floorpan problem is actually fairly common, though this is the first non M car ive heard of it happening to. I know that BMW strengthened the chassis around that part on the post 96 cars but whether there is any claims been put through i dont know. Let us know how you get on.

Andy