QP/GT front subframes - the truth

ChrisQP09

Member
Messages
2,994
Chris, that looks ok and it’s obviously had some sort of treatment at some point, if only painted.

In your third picture, poke the plate that faces down between the upper wishbone with a screw driver to confirm and the top side of that triangular box section if you can get to it.

Subframes are indeed, £2k new and £1k used and refurbished but the factory only have a few left.

Labour we just charged was 22-25hrs and the wishbone bolts do seize and lower camber bolts are £95 each and there are 4 in total. Upper 4 bolts are more like £10 each.

Also on a QP there is an early 2003-05 Subframe that is complete different as are the wishbones so if considering used make sure you get the right one. The inboard wishbone knuckles are very different widths.

Thanks my car is 2009. So am I poking for some sense of brittleness?
 

Ebenezer

Member
Messages
4,444
I think you're hoping that as a result you won't be peeking though a hole you poked!
Fingers crossed for you. I have had my underside treated a few years ago and topped up recently. 2007 QP 68K. Mine was ex Ireland before I got it 6 + years ago.
No apparent problems reported....:worried1: ....so far
Eb
 

Swedish Paul

Member
Messages
1,807
Just read an article on buying a 996 GT3 which stayed that they weren’t under sealed as they were meant for track days so if they are used as an everyday car on salted roads, beware corrosion.
 

makeshiftUK

Member
Messages
1,089
Right... picked up my QPV GTS yesterday from SportsItalia in Southampton. My paranoia about the condition of my subframe has known no end since I bought her middle of last year (I've driven her in the rain, once - and REALLY didn't want to, but it was for a job interview and the BMW was in the garage... the job I didn't get incidentally, bloody waste!) - and whilst I had it inspected before purchase and found it to be in 'good' condition it's one of those things you want to stay on top of, particularly in lieu of the horror stories of which some can be found on this thread.

I went for the full works - descale, rust remedy, stone chip and clear waxol to the entire underside and pumping of cavities. Also... tinwear and front and rear ARB removal, shot blast and triple powder coating.

Fantastic service, great value - and peace of mind that a new subframe isn't likely to be an issue anytime soon. Massive thanks to Matt, Ashley and the team there - above and beyond is in their nature.

Some pics before:

65045650466504765048650496505065051650526505365054
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Thanks, our pleasure as ever.

just one note with regards to the after pics. The heavily applied clear/opaque wax blends over time and looks invisible after 1-2 months.
 

Lavazza

Member
Messages
1,060
I wouldn't be too concerned about driving in the rain. Regular use and heat should keep it in good order.
I had the underside of my car treated by Ashley, and I love the smell of the wax after a good drive, and that's after a month or so.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
...and another one. The shocking thing about this one is it’s a 2010, immaculate car on top but the horrors hidden beneath were shocking.

It was confined to the off side front but another winter and that would have been a new subframe required:
68141
68142
68143
68144
68146
 

Goodfella

Member
Messages
735
Yes, that’s the bit that worried us.

Yeah, it’s scaring the sh*t out of me!

Might need to come down to you for the work later in the year.. Have you got a car I can borrow so I can carry on down to Portsmouth for a day or two-whilst you’ve got it :D
 

lifes2short

Member
Messages
5,821
that's some serious tin worm on a 2010 motor, it's just gobsmacking that the factory couldn't give them some proper protection, not exactly cheap cars
 

DaveT

Member
Messages
2,830
Some shocking stuff there. Living 100 yards from the sea with my GT sitting outside means I'll be buying an ongoing season ticket to Sports Italia for inspections and remedial work.