SA: Motor is sitting on steering rack

[Macpsi]

So I take my car into the dealer to have the FRM module replaced as I was getting all of the symptoms.

Got a text from the SA stating "after inspection we recommend replacing"....

So they're saying that the motor is sitting on top of the steering rack and stiffening plate.

I have just ordered poly Technic mounts and preparing to take the car to have the rod bearings replaced. However that shop is about 2 hours from me. Would it be safe to drive the car?

I have not noticed any excessive vibrations or anything prior to taking the car there.

[BeaterM3]

Originally Posted by Macpsi

So I take my car into the dealer to have the FRM module replaced as I was getting all of the symptoms.

Got a text from the SA stating "after inspection we recommend replacing"....

So they're saying that the motor is sitting on top of the steering rack and stiffening plate.

I have just ordered poly Technic mounts and preparing to take the car to have the rod bearings replaced. However that shop is about 2 hours from me. Would it be safe to drive the car?

I have not noticed any excessive vibrations or anything prior to taking the car there.

If you are that anxious, just have it flatbedded over. Do you have AAA or towing included on your insurance?

[Macpsi]

Originally Posted by revengeismine

If you are that anxious, just have it flatbedded over. Do you have AAA or towing included on your insurance?

Yes

[wyatth]

2 hours is a long tow.
If it's truly resting on the rack, I would not go for a long drive. Perhaps have the dealer replace the mounts, and then drive to the shop for RBs. I bet dealer labor is cheaper than the flatbed.
How many miles on your motor mounts?

[Macpsi]

Originally Posted by wyatth

2 hours is a long tow.
If it's truly resting on the rack, I would not go for a long drive. Perhaps have the dealer replace the mounts, and then drive to the shop for RBs. I bet dealer labor is cheaper than the flatbed.
How many miles on your motor mounts?

They want 1400 to replace them. I'll have to check my towing coverage.

Miles - not sure, bought the car used. I have some service records but not records of the mounts being replaced. Car is at 117k now.

[pbonsalb]

The motor mounts are collapsed - torn and the fluid has leaked out. But you have been driving it without issue. This did not happen overnight. You are probably ok to drive it gently to the shop. However, no guarantees without seeing it.

[BeaterM3]

Originally Posted by wyatth

2 hours is a long tow.
If it's truly resting on the rack, I would not go for a long drive. Perhaps have the dealer replace the mounts, and then drive to the shop for RBs. I bet dealer labor is cheaper than the flatbed.
How many miles on your motor mounts?

Dealer labor cheap is something I thought I would never hear A 2 hour ride is usually 75-80 miles. That's probably a $400 tow or so.

I wouldn't been surprised if dealer labor and parts cost for motor mount replacements will be double that.

He should check if his insurance or AAA to see if they will cover the tow. If so, no reason not to take advantage of that rather than having to schedule 2 separate appts for mechanics.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by Macpsi

They want 1400 to replace them. I'll have to check my towing coverage.

Miles - not sure, bought the car used. I have some service records but not records of the mounts being replaced. Car is at 117k now.

Find a good indy to replace the motor mounts if you go that way. IIRC you can change the mounts without dropping the subframe all the way by lifting the engine a bit with the engine hoist. Regardless, new motor mounts are $100. So $1400 to replace is RIDICULOUS!!!!!

Cheers,

[Dpc2u]

If you have a AAA plus membership you get towed 100 miles free, with a premier you get towed 200 miles free. Worth the $150 a year.

[roastbeef]

this is typically terminology to scare you into service. drive normally just like you drove it there- it is in the same condition you were driving around with before. if your motor mounts are really shot, the engine could actually be really close to, or even touching the skidplate.
drive it to your shop that you're doing the rod bearings at- its an easy add-on while they are in there for rod bearings.

[Shredicus]

I'd drive it to the rod bearings service. If you arent hearing any sort of grinding/rattling/vibrating when you drive and as long as you arent doing any clutch dumps youll be fine

[Macpsi]

Yeah Geico just mentions towing to closest shop.
If I have time I'd like for them to show me the how damaged they are.
Don't really want to pay to have the mounts and bearings replaced. I'll just park the car until it's time to take it to the shop.

It's also annoying as to why they need to "inspect" anything to try to sell me services. Hopefully I'll never have to take it to a dealer but next time I'll see if I can opt out of that.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by Macpsi

It's also annoying as to why they need to "inspect" anything to try to sell me services. Hopefully I'll never have to take it to a dealer but next time I'll see if I can opt out of that.

Errbody gotta make money!

[MaximusB]

Originally Posted by Macpsi

It's also annoying as to why they need to "inspect" anything to try to sell me services. Hopefully I'll never have to take it to a dealer but next time I'll see if I can opt out of that.

Liability.

In case something happens to your car after you leave dealer. They are less at risk by checking over everything and pointing out all issues (big or small or non issues) to you. ie. They won't be responsible if for example your motor falls out on your drive home now that they have identified the problem to you.

Edit: I doubt it is as serious as the SA makes it out to be. They simply won't release your car or won't let you drive it home if your car is about to suffer major failure.

Several years ago the Lexus dealer held my car overnight after I took it in for a routine oil change. Reason was the cords were showing on the inside corner. They wouldn't let me drive it home. I had to get new tires or tow my car home for liability reasons. I was allowed to buy tires from any tire shop of my choice and they even swapped it over for me before they allowed me to drive the car off their lot.

[pbonsalb]

$1400 is painful. $100 for two corteco mounts and 2 hours labor should be more like $300 at an independent shop in many areas. $500 in an area where labor is $200 an hour.

I DIY. That way I can spend $100 of the $1400 on parts, $1000 on mods and still save money over taking the car to a dealer.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

$1400 is painful. $100 for two corteco mounts and 2 hours labor should be more like $300 at an independent shop in many areas. $500 in an area where labor is $200 an hour.

I DIY. That way I can spend $100 of the $1400 on parts, $1000 on mods and still save money over taking the car to a dealer.

True car enthusiast math skills there!!

[Macpsi]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

$1400 is painful. $100 for two corteco mounts and 2 hours labor should be more like $300 at an independent shop in many areas. $500 in an area where labor is $200 an hour.

I DIY. That way I can spend $100 of the $1400 on parts, $1000 on mods and still save money over taking the car to a dealer.

I'm considering DIY since there is a lift I can use nearby with all the tools I'd need.

[pbonsalb]

For the RB job the same work will be done again so maybe just jack the car up and have a look and decide whether you can drive to the shop to have the RB done.

[Scrippy]

Purchase AAA platinum for $99 which gives you 200 miles of towing. Pay the rest or just have the dealer do it and be done.

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by Macpsi

I'm considering DIY since there is a lift I can use nearby with all the tools I'd need.

It’s not a hard task I usually Just support the motor and drop the subframe it makes it easier to get the mounts out.

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

$1400 is painful. $100 for two corteco mounts and 2 hours labor should be more like $300 at an independent shop in many areas. $500 in an area where labor is $200 an hour.

I DIY. That way I can spend $100 of the $1400 on parts, $1000 on mods and still save money over taking the car to a dealer.

DIY is one of the most valuable skills I am thankful for learning. There is absolutely no other way I'd be able to justify owning these cars. The labor on my exhaust adventures alone on the M3 have made the cost of my LMs totally free, and then some.

Turning a wrench is so damn important as a car enthusiast!

[nrubenstein]

All of you “tow the car” people realize that the oil pan is bouncing off the steering rack just as much if not more on the back of a tow truck, right?

OP - you should be fine driving it gently. It’s likely been sitting on the steering rack for ages anyway.