HELP: Broken subframe bolt in frame

[JGF30]

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Need help removing rear subframe bolt.
Imaged attached and video linked
Image:
videos :

https://youtube.com/shorts/cwccQwroKBQ?feature=share

One of the rear subframe bolts has snapped and is stuck in the frame. Original mechanic tried to weld something to the bolt in an attempt to remove it but failed.

Brought the car into local BMW dealership and was told they cannot remove the bolt and was not given any recommendation on how to proceed. (see video for bmw explanation) Recently brought the car into another mechanic and they also said they cannot remove the bolt, however they did not attempt to. This mechanic told us we would likely have to have the section of the frame with the broken bolt cut out and replaced. They estimated this could cost $10k-$15k to do.

does anyone have any information or ideas about how to proceed with this. Cutting the frame and having the section replaced is not something we are willing to do. Looking for ideas or guidance on how to go about removing the rear subframe bolt from the frame.

[ellipsis212]

Why can’t it be drilled and then extracted?

[JGF30]

Originally Posted by ellipsis212

Why can’t it be drilled and then extracted?

That is what I do not understand. The last mechanic that looked at it seemed to believe it couldn't be. I was previously under the impression any bolt can be drilled out and re tapped.

Do you think the issue may just be finding the right shop/mechanic that is willing to drill it out?

[ellipsis212]

Access may be limited but also I think this is a liability they’d want to avoid because of the potential to mess up the chassis. A bolt can be drilled out though so you just need to find a willing participant and relieve them of any responsibility.

[robbo mcs]

I would contact a professional bolt extraction service. They almost certainly would be able to get it out. Problem then is whether it can be rethreaded.

[Tdog86]

It really looks mangled, I would have not drilled that far as now if you tried to weld something on it it has a greater chance it would snap but you could try to weld a smaller nut that would fit in the drilled hole then weld a bigger nut on top of the smaller nut. You could drill it out completely as stated above but are you sure the even drilled in the middle from the beginning, if not you risk messing up the threads and yes you can tap it but if it’s drilled off to the side, your risk the integrity of the clamping force and stripping it out. It’s a shitty situation, good luck.

[mikerunt]

Is it it worth to cut the subframe, get the bolt out then buy this and reinstall with a new / used subframe like this?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28472233298...mis&media=COPY

I get that it’s a lot of labor removing everything from the current subframe, but could be an option.