1st question.
Has anyone noticed that not all the holes where the subframe attaches to the body have bolts? why would BMW make a place for attachement and not bolt.

2nd question.
How do you know if your subframe is out of alignment. I have been having some strange handling issues when I put load on the rear suspension drivers side...more body roll, but corrected when I do a left turn...any clues.

I've posted 3 times about this issue but know one seems to share it.

 

IME with other cars the only way for a subframe to be out of alignment is for it to be damaged due to a significant impact (accident). I've never owned a car that was designed with adjustments built into the subframe.

If you really want to know you'll need to get the car on a rack and confirm the alignment and measurements.

 

extra holes are often for extra bracing, like you'll commonly see on the convertible versions of cars.

most subframes have no adjustment or play in their location, however some, like the VW passats can be shifted a bit when you're doing an alignment, but we're talking 1-2 people under the car w/ impact guns & big prybars. Unless you've been in an accident or the dealer's had some reason to R&R the subframe it's highly unlikely that it needs any adjustment (assuming there's any wiggle room at all).
Like Greystone suggested, take it in for an alignment, or if you have hit something, take it to a collision shop with a rack.

 

Front subframe right? There may be extra holes in the subframe, but there are no extra holes in the unibody for fasteners. There are 3 on each rear "leg" of the subframe, two that hold the upper stanchions, and two that hold the control arm bushing carriers. There are also some others up front that hold the crash support and bumper. The other holes are usually for either for water management or controlled crash deformation.

The two upper stanchions have dowel pins that mate with female versions in the unibody. These are the only two points for alignment in the front subframe.

Your issue sounds like something is broken, not misaligned. You might have a broken spring. Inspect it yourself with a Bentley manual or take it in for inspection.

 

Thanks for the info. Do you think it could be the soft bushings between the strut and the subframe?

 

It's possible, however even from this side of the monitor something is clearly missing, broken, or installed wrong. I'm not surprised the retards at the dealership didn't actually look at the car. Are you close enough you can have a service writer take it for a drive to replicate what you're finding?

 

Well I took measurements and the drivers-side rear is a half inch lower than the passenger side. I take it in tomorrow. Is there anyway to contact Mini USA and speak to a rep or an engineer because these service techs seem to be clueless