Rear one side lower than other side - United Bimmer Community

**isBMW** · 05-20-2009, 07:15 AM

Hi guys

Quick one my car 98 318is saloon, the rear driver's side is lower than on the other side anybody knows why?
Measured on level surface drivers from outside of rim to wheel arch 12cm
and on passenger side 13.5mm
could spring have sagged?

**isBMW** · 05-20-2009, 07:15 AM

sorry 13.5cm

**3050rpm** · 05-20-2009, 09:56 AM

Could be a spring, but also could be a structural failure in the shock mount area, a weakness in the E36 design brought about from hard use, especially on the track, if this area is not reinforced. Pull back the lining in the trunk to see if things are okay.

Big Evil · 05-20-2009, 04:49 PM

Yup, 3050 is right. What your describing could be a sagging spring but is most likely a bent/damaged component. Assuming your tire air pressure is good who did you loan the car to that might have curb checked it?

**scooter** · 05-20-2009, 04:56 PM

being that its only 1.5cm could it be a spring pad?

Big Evil · 05-20-2009, 09:00 PM

It's certainly possible, your best bet is to have a shop the does suspension work and alignments check it out (unless you have the equip and training to do this, springs can be dangerous). If you take it to a shop though make sure the guys know beemer. They're not to different from normal stuff but they do have their kinks. Have you taken a look under the car and done a visual? When did you first notice it and what may have happened just before? Most likely that'll give you your answer.

**isBMW** · 05-21-2009, 01:26 AM

Thanks guys will do that and keep you posted on what the problem was!!

**scooter** · 05-21-2009, 01:31 AM

when you measured was your ebrake on? that will make one side on the rear sag.

**MBD506** · 05-21-2009, 08:09 AM

Maybe the spring got rusted and it broke, that's what happend to mine.