I have done this job 3 times now. The first two times the subframe would have literally fell from the car if not for floor jacks to let it down slowly. This past weekend I removed the subframe from an '89 325is parts car I purchased and it was a different story. This car had seen some salted roads and the subframe was rusted to the body via the subframe bushings.
I ended up using a 6" two-jawed puller to literally pull the bushings apart leaving the inner bushing attached to the car. It was amazing how much force it took to remove the inner bushing from the car using a hammer (once I had the bushing seperated and the subframe dropped). It was rusted HARD to the car and I’m convinced the only way that subframe was coming off was by seperating the inner/outer part of the bushings. Another option would be to use a propane torch to melt the bushings apart here, but that option would require much caution since working so close to the fuel tank.
My '89 SpecE30 was a southern car and the subframe came off easily. So, if your car has seen salt, be prepared for a battle if attempting removal of the subframe.
Steven
