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Description

BMW E36 Front Engine Crossmember Reinforcement, also for Compact

With this E36 front engine crossmember reinforcement you repair and strengthen the front engine crossmember of the BMW E36 and E36 Compact. The engine mounts and a large part of the front suspension rest on this crossmember. In a drift car or a car with a heavier engine, it takes a lot of punishment, and that is exactly when cracks appear around the mounting points.

The set is intended for two situations: repairing a damaged crossmember, or reinforcing an intact crossmember in advance so that no damage occurs. Ideal for anyone building an E36 for the track or planning an engine swap.

Key benefits of the E36 front engine crossmember reinforcement

• Repairs a damaged front engine crossmember
• Prevents damage when you weld it onto an intact crossmember
• Made of 3 mm thick S355 steel
• Laser-cut and then bent on CNC press brakes, so the parts fit well
• Fits the E36 and the E36 Compact
• Weighs only 0.32 kg

Suitable for

BMW 3 Series E36

• BMW E36
• BMW E36 Compact

Technical specifications

• Item number: 0069
• Application: repair and reinforcement of the front engine crossmember
• Material: S355 steel
• Thickness: 3 mm
• Production: laser-cut, bent on CNC press brakes
• Fitting: weld in
• Weight: 0.32 kg

Installation and delivery

The plates of the E36 front engine crossmember reinforcement are welded onto the crossmember. The manufacturer recommends doing this before the crossmember is fitted in the car. With the crossmember loose on the workbench, you can get to it from all sides and weld neatly all the way round. During a build or engine swap, the crossmember is usually out anyway.

Clean the steel back to bare metal and degrease it beforehand, check the crossmember for existing cracks and weld those shut first. Finish the weld afterwards with an anti-rust primer and paint. Have the welding done by someone with experience, because this is a load-bearing part.

Combine the work with other jobs at the front. With the crossmember out, this is the moment to replace or check the engine mounts, the control arm bushes and the steering rack mounting. That way you sort everything out in one go and do not have to take the front apart again.

You will find more plates and brackets for a stiffer body in the chassis and subframe reinforcements category. For its successor there is the engine crossmember reinforcement for the E46.

Weld on the reinforcement while the engine crossmember is out anyway: a small effort that can save you a new crossmember later.

Why choose this E36 front engine crossmember reinforcement?

The E36 is one of the most popular drift cars and is often given a heavier or more powerful engine. The front crossmember was never designed for that. With these bent plates made of 3 mm S355 steel, you make it stronger for little money, and that is a lot easier than looking for a good second-hand crossmember later.

Frequently asked questions

Does the set also fit the E36 Compact?

Yes, the E36 front engine crossmember reinforcement fits the E36 and the E36 Compact.

Does the reinforcement have to be welded?

Yes, the plates are welded onto the engine crossmember. It is a weld-in kit.

When is the best time to fit it?

Before the crossmember goes into the car, for example during a build or an engine swap.

Can I repair a cracked crossmember with it?

Yes, the E36 front engine crossmember reinforcement is intended to repair damage and to prevent new damage. Weld existing cracks shut first.

Does this reinforcement also make sense for a road car?

Yes, especially on an E36 with high mileage or a heavier engine. Then, too, the crossmember is heavily loaded around the mounting points.

How thick is the steel?

3 mm, in S355 grade.

Delivery outside the European Union: different shipping costs may apply. Don’t worry: we will email you as soon as possible after your order and agree the shipping with you. You are not committed to anything without your consent.