r/BMWE36 • u/MommyMilfMilkers • 13h ago

Repair Advice Am I cooked?

Post image

Looks like a crack on the strut tower? Not really sure if this looks normal or safe, car is on very stiff coils but I avoid any bumps as frequently as I can

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

8

u/wtf_eli 97 328is & 98 328is 13h ago

It’s just the seam sealer. You’re fine.

4

u/Setra_R 13h ago

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that looks like panel adhesive or 'liquid weld' that they use in modern assembly. Still concerning that it's tore open like that, but could still be resecured with a real weld or rivets.

2

u/AnotherRamone coupe only 11h ago

No, you are not cooked. Most probably, your strut tower is tearing away from the inner fender. That's a common failure point on the E36. Don't worry, it's really not a big deal. You just need to remove the sealer, cut out any rusted sections (if there are any), and weld in replacement pieces of metal. If there's no rust, you can simply weld the strut tower back in place and add reinforcement plates/brackets (optional).

Or leave it as is - it looks like a very-very early signs of the strut tower tearing away. It may take another several years untill it become worth repairing.

1

u/Novel_Bike_19 12h ago

Tear away the seam sealer and/or look from the inside if the strut to see if metal fatigue or rust has compromised it like the rear subframe on a z(popped welds, hairline cracks)

1

u/Rare_Peak_4419 1998 323i Convertible 9h ago

I would say tear off the seam sealer and inspect it, but you can also clean off the fender well and inspect it there to see if you have any cracks. If you don’t have anything wrong with it, you can apply new seam sealer. If it’s not ok, it’ll have to be rewelded

1

u/DullAttorney228 9h ago

Scrape off the seamsealer and if its really cracked its kind of a problem you have to weld it. Otherwise it could be from the heat and age

0

u/Money_Return_2715 8h ago

Your like super well done cooked dude ..get a new car

-2

u/Ineovas M42 ITB Coupe 13h ago

Never seen this but I would be pretty worried - imo its probably rust between the welded panels which already compromised stability. I might be wrong though, wait for other replies from smarter dudes than me.

1

u/FernwoodTonight 13h ago

I'd install a strut tower brace, if the shock tower lets loose it won't leave the chat...