Potential suspension issue.
Discussion
Over the last fortnight I've been doing a double take on the 740 as I've been getting in as one corner looks slightly lower than the other. I've just gone out with a ruler and the rear drivers side is about 10mm lower than the rear passenger side (going from top of alloy to wheel arch, not massively accurate or scientific I know). The ground is pretty level. I've not noticed anything whilst driving and I can't 'bounce the corner'. Does this sound like a dodgy/busted spring to anyone or am I just car paranoid (I am bad for this)? Anyway of testing for this?
richyb said:
Over the last fortnight I've been doing a double take on the 740 as I've been getting in as one corner looks slightly lower than the other. I've just gone out with a ruler and the rear drivers side is about 10mm lower than the rear passenger side (going from top of alloy to wheel arch, not massively accurate or scientific I know). The ground is pretty level. I've not noticed anything whilst driving and I can't 'bounce the corner'. Does this sound like a dodgy/busted spring to anyone or am I just car paranoid (I am bad for this)? Anyway of testing for this?
Is it still 10mm lower when you are sat in it? 
john_p said:
richyb said:
Over the last fortnight I've been doing a double take on the 740 as I've been getting in as one corner looks slightly lower than the other. I've just gone out with a ruler and the rear drivers side is about 10mm lower than the rear passenger side (going from top of alloy to wheel arch, not massively accurate or scientific I know). The ground is pretty level. I've not noticed anything whilst driving and I can't 'bounce the corner'. Does this sound like a dodgy/busted spring to anyone or am I just car paranoid (I am bad for this)? Anyway of testing for this?
Is it still 10mm lower when you are sat in it? I'm going to pop into a local place and ask them to have a look. I'm jumping the gun a bit but how big a job is it to change the springs both sides on the rear axle? (I'm assuming you'd do them in pairs as with most items on suspension). I'm thinknig 1 1/2 max for a pro but could be well off.
Would a worn ball joint cause a slight drop on one side? I know that side has a worn ball joint on the upper wishbone.
Would a worn ball joint cause a slight drop on one side? I know that side has a worn ball joint on the upper wishbone.
richyb said:
I'm going to pop into a local place and ask them to have a look. I'm jumping the gun a bit but how big a job is it to change the springs both sides on the rear axle? (I'm assuming you'd do them in pairs as with most items on suspension). I'm thinknig 1 1/2 max for a pro but could be well off.
Would a worn ball joint cause a slight drop on one side? I know that side has a worn ball joint on the upper wishbone.
If it's just replacing springs, maybe an hour to an hour and a half each side. I recently had the springs off my E32 and it's not that big a job. Replacing dampers or top mounts would take rather more time though as that requires access to the various bolts, etc. which may only be accessible by removing the back seat.Would a worn ball joint cause a slight drop on one side? I know that side has a worn ball joint on the upper wishbone.
This comes up regularly with E36 and E46 three series cars.
The most accepted theory is that these cars are designed originally for left hand drive so the suspension has been set up to sit slightly higher on the drivers side (passengers side on right hand drive cars) to counteract the weight of the driver.With the driver onboard,the cars sit level.On right hand drive cars BMW didnt change the suspension set up so with the driver on board,the cars sit lower still on the drivers side (passengers side on a left hand drive car).
Be wary,You could end up spending hundreds of pounds trying to solve a problem that isn't really a problem.I'd suggest seaching other BMW forums for this issue before You start paying to replace parts.(P.S, My 328i sport has the classic 3 series lean and it's never been an issue).
The most accepted theory is that these cars are designed originally for left hand drive so the suspension has been set up to sit slightly higher on the drivers side (passengers side on right hand drive cars) to counteract the weight of the driver.With the driver onboard,the cars sit level.On right hand drive cars BMW didnt change the suspension set up so with the driver on board,the cars sit lower still on the drivers side (passengers side on a left hand drive car).
Be wary,You could end up spending hundreds of pounds trying to solve a problem that isn't really a problem.I'd suggest seaching other BMW forums for this issue before You start paying to replace parts.(P.S, My 328i sport has the classic 3 series lean and it's never been an issue).
Edited by 4rephill on Friday 26th June 19:46
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