Replacement subframe options

[hod05]

Hello anyone who's replaced a subframe What are the approx cost options to replace a rotton subframe? Excluding main dealer.

1. Brand new subframe fitted by indie.
2. Second hand subframe fitted by indie

Will Mercedes supply brand new subframes for A207 E class? And if so what is the approx cost vs used frame.

I'm considering buying a used frame and applying a ton of rust prevention paint and sealer on it myself.

Cheers guys

 

[mioba]

I would give merc a call for a subfame, but better done via your indy as they get discount on prices or ask for a discount. I would then coat the new subframe as it wont need prepping.

If you get a used, it will need cleaning, prepping then coating, so weigh up the efforts and cost for each scenario.

The above also deppends on how long you intend on keping on the car, personally if i was not keeping a car for long, I would be reluctant to fit a substandard subframe for sell on, do it once do it right.

Keep us updated as to how you get on

 

[peterws1957]

Hello anyone who's replaced a subframe What are the approx cost options to replace a rotton subframe? Excluding main dealer.

1. Brand new subframe fitted by indie.
2. Second hand subframe fitted by indie

Will Mercedes supply brand new subframes for A207 E class? And if so what is the approx cost vs used frame.

I'm considering buying a used frame and applying a ton of rust prevention paint and sealer on it myself.

Cheers guys

I would be tempted to go used as long as you can satisfy yourself it's rust free. I would then get it acid dipped (about £30) and etch primed and powder coated inside and out (probably another £30). Bushes will need replacing. Then waxoyled if you want to go belt and braces. Having said that, I'm sure someone on here found a place who does refurbed ones with new bushes etc for half the price of new.

 

[hod05]

I would be tempted to go used as long as you can satisfy yourself it's rust free. I would then get it acid dipped (about £30) and etch primed and powder coated inside and out (probably another £30). Bushes will need replacing. Then waxoyled if you want to go belt and braces. Having said that, I'm sure someone on here found a place who does refurbed ones with new bushes etc for half the price of new.

I think I'll go this route. There's plenty second hand ones online for not to much.

Any idea how much the labour to swap a subframe is? 1k? I imagine there's a fair bit of work

 

[star]

I would be tempted to go used as long as you can satisfy yourself it's rust free. I would then get it acid dipped (about £30) and etch primed and powder coated inside and out (probably another £30). Bushes will need replacing. Then waxoyled if you want to go belt and braces. Having said that, I'm sure someone on here found a place who does refurbed ones with new bushes etc for half the price of new.

The trouble is that they rust from the inside and so the main rust is not visible.

 

[peterws1957]

The trouble is that they rust from the inside and so the main rust is not visible.

That's why I have these sort of parts acid dipped, which removes the rust from the inside and then powder coated so that the inside surfaces are protected as well. But you need to tell the powder coater to coat inside.

 

[peterws1957]

I think I'll go this route. There's plenty second hand ones online for not to much.

Any idea how much the labour to swap a subframe is? 1k? I imagine there's a fair bit of work

Don't know the cost, but if you pm Star (see post 5) he may be able to give you an idea.

 

[hod05]

Don't know the cost, but if you pm Star (see post 5) he may be able to give you an idea.

Thanks I did this and he got back to me with an approx cost should I need a replacement. I think I'm worried over nothing for the time being.

looking again my subframe probably isn't too bad but I'll ask for an inspection and advise at the next MOT.

 

[star]

That's why I have these sort of parts acid dipped, which removes the rust from the inside and then powder coated so that the inside surfaces are protected as well. But you need to tell the powder coater to coat inside.

How do you powder coat inside a box section? Plus you cannot determine how thin the subframe is if it’s rusting from the inside, we would only fit a new one as there not that expensive and you know it should last a few years.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Ironic isn’t it that manufacturers have perfected paintwork and eliminated body panel rot but subframes are just as prone to rot and no better protected than they were 50 years ago. It’s long been my view that second hand car buyers should be able to inspect the underside before purchase but of course the industry wouldn’t be very keen...would they!

 

[peterws1957]

How do you powder coat inside a box section? Plus you cannot determine how thin the subframe is if it’s rusting from the inside, we would only fit a new one as there not that expensive and you know it should last a few years.

No you can't powder coat inside a fully enclosed box section, only if there are openings.