New shocks fitted, one side sitting higher?

[Ilogik]

So same everything purchased, new dust covers and white rubbers, one side is sitting perfectly, the other side now looks like a 4x4. Took it back they said drive it over the weekend and see if it settles. They said fitting the shocks was straight forward and the rear springs didn't need to be removed to fit so I'm guessing nothing shouldn't;t have moved too much.

Any suggestions, ride it out, faulty shock? just annoying.

Sachs shocks from ECP

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/sachs-shock-absorber-635112020

and the dust covers
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Shock-Absorber-Protection-Kit-Fits-BMW-OE-33506777036-Febi-103790/174087885820?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[Davz]

BMW allow a tolerance of 10mm between sides. I would get a tape measure out and see if the difference is more than 10mm, if it is 10mm or less it's within tolerance. You can buy from BMW a spring pad (for the E46, look on realoem for part number, as there are different thicknesses) this will equal the sides up.
If it's out of tolerance.....the garage need to check they installed the shock mounts correctly and that top and bottom bolts were tightened fully when the zed was sat on its wheels and not when the shocks were unloaded on the lift.

 

[Ilogik]

Man that is the perfect reply, gives me the person with sod all knowledge something to go back to the garage with, huge thanks!

BMW allow a tolerance of 10mm between sides. I would get a tape measure out and see if the difference is more than 10mm, if it is 10mm or less it's within tolerance. You can buy from BMW a spring pad (for the E46, look on realoem for part number, as there are different thicknesses) this will equal the sides up.
If it's out of tolerance.....the garage need to check they installed the shock mounts correctly and that top and bottom bolts were tightened fully when the zed was sat on its wheels and not when the shocks were unloaded on the lift.

 

[Rockhopper]

Shocks don't support the car though - remove them and it should still sit the same. The bush in the end should prevent it binding sufficiency to stop the car settling.
A faulty shock (bent shaft perhaps) would do it though.
What happens if you bounce up and down on that corner?

 

[R60BBA]

It's normal.

The rear left on a BMW always sits higher to offset the weight of the driver in a LHD car.

Presumably due to manufacturing costs, BMW have never bothered to address this for RHD cars.

You mentioned you changed the shocks but did you change the springs?

 

[Davz]

It's normal.

The rear left on a BMW always sits higher to offset the weight of the driver in a LHD car.

I disagree with this, to engineer the car to sit higher on one side the spring height would have to be different, if bmw did this all they would have to do is swap springs during assembly.....its just one of those internet myths.

If the op's car sat normally before the shock change that is the cause of it now not sitting correctly. If the garage have tightened the shock bolts unladen that can put a twist into the shocks when laden causing torsion of the shock and could result in uneven height.

 

[z4pilot]

As well as the previous comments, a couple of questions or things to check... is it on level ground in the photos and does it look as bad if you move it elsewhere? Is it running on msport or se springs? Also in the photos, is your handbrake on and is it operating on both sides properly?

 

[R60BBA]

It's normal.

The rear left on a BMW always sits higher to offset the weight of the driver in a LHD car.

I disagree with this, to engineer the car to sit higher on one side the spring height would have to be different, if bmw did this all they would have to do is swap springs during assembly.....its just one of those internet myths.

It's not myth at all.

Go to a BMW main dealer and have a look at every car in the forecourt from the rear...the proof is in the pudding.

 

[Ilogik]

I've got 1 year old Eibech springs so they should still be good.

It's normal.

The rear left on a BMW always sits higher to offset the weight of the driver in a LHD car.

Presumably due to manufacturing costs, BMW have never bothered to address this for RHD cars.

You mentioned you changed the shocks but did you change the springs?

 

[R60BBA]

I've got 1 year old Eibech springs so they should still be good.

It's normal.

The rear left on a BMW always sits higher to offset the weight of the driver in a LHD car.

Presumably due to manufacturing costs, BMW have never bothered to address this for RHD cars.

You mentioned you changed the shocks but did you change the springs?

Something is definitely wrong there seeing as you have Eibach lowering springs.

Shocks don't settle either (they're not coilovers) so not sure what your garage is on about there.

As per others I recommend you take it back, tell them you are not happy with it and want it addressed properly.

Note it may be worth checking the Eibachs as they are known for cracking.

Good luck.

 

[Davz]

Thinking about this a bit more, I would ask the garage to check the rtab bushes, if the drivers side has worn badly it could cause a drop in height.
How much difference is there?

 

[Ilogik]

On my drive it’s about 3 fingers in one side and 2 on the other, when I checked on flatter ground 2 one side 2 with a bit of room on the right

 

[ben g]

On my drive it’s about 3 fingers in one side and 2 on the other, when I checked on flatter ground 2 one side 2 with a bit of room on the right

1 finger is about 10mm I guess, so sounds about right. It probably just looks worse in the photos due to the angle they were taken at. Mine sits higher on the passenger side also.

 

[Mister T]

Are you sure you don't have a broken spring?

As you said, no need to remove them when changing the shocks, so could have gone unnoticed by the garage.

 

[Ilogik]

So been driving it around last few days, checked on far flatter ground and it looks a bit more balanced. Weird on my drive though as whichever way I park it it always looks higher on the one side.