Ride height uneven

[lambo911]

Hi all,

I have just bought a 2003 3.0i SMG and very pleased with it however it isn't sitting level with a lean towards the drivers side. The front corner is 1 finger lower than the other. I had a look at the spring and it's fine.

The tyres are wearing evenly and it hasn't been in an accident so I think it is all straight.

Is there any height adjustment or is it just down to the spring?

Cheers
Richard

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Are you sure you are parked on a flat level surface? How have you measured the drop? Is the clearance in each aposing wheel arch equal? Have you any pictures?

 

[wonkydonkey]

It's possible that someone replaced a single spring rather than replacing the pair of springs across the axle. The older spring would then be a bit softer than the newer sprint, resulting in a sag on that corner.

 

[Davz]

10mm difference is within factory spec. What is the rear like? There are rubber shims available from the stealers but they are for the rear. If the rear is out maybe a shim will even it out front and back?
How old are the springs, they will sag with age (as any woman will tell you ) and with more weight on the driver's side that it the side that will sag more.

 

[lambo911]

Hi All,

Thank you for your replies, I will take a couple of photos.

The car definitely doesn't sit level, left to right with the right side being lower. Thinking about it though it has had two new tyres on the left side, Bridgestones and has worn P Zeros on the right. That said the finger to wheel arch gap is smaller on the right side front so that contradicts the tyre diameter being the issue.

The springs on the front look quite new and even have bmw part stickers on them but then the car is very clean underneath so they may be qute old. The car has been owned by a single guy so he hasn't carried many passengers!

I know it has had new springs on the back a few years ago so perhaps they did miss a shim?

 

[firebobby]

Check the springs, my zed was sitting lower when I got it, the drivers side rear spring was broken.
Oh, and welcome to the forum

 

[lambo911]

Solved!
The previous owner had one rear spring replaced last year which was pretty stupid as everyone knows you change then as a pair. Anyway the rear near side corner is higher than the off side now which is pushing the OSF down.

So I just need to fit another spring on the OSR and it should then sit level.

 

[wonkydonkey]

everyone knows you change them as a pair.

So I just need to fit another spring on the OSR and it should then sit level.

Wait a minute.... :rofl: oke:

 

[davros]

Hi lambo911,
This is quite common. I noticed the height difference on mine after I lowered it with a B12 kit. I lost count how many times I raised the car and fiddled with the rear springs to try and get it level.
After much research I finally ordered a thicker rear spring pad from BMW for the drivers side and it now sits perfectly square

 

[lambo911]

everyone knows you change them as a pair.

So I just need to fit another spring on the OSR and it should then sit level.

Wait a minute.... :rofl: oke:

Yes, I should replace them as a pair but as the one has only been on for a few thousand miles it should be ok. But.... if i can't get the same spring, which might be difficult I will get a pair.

 

[tadekk]

After much research I finally ordered a thicker rear spring pad from BMW for the drivers side and it now sits perfectly square

In RealOEM, the 5mm pad number is 33531136385 - would you happen to know the thicker ones?

 

[davros]

After much research I finally ordered a thicker rear spring pad from BMW for the drivers side and it now sits perfectly square

In RealOEM, the 5mm pad number is 33531136385 - would you happen to know the thicker ones?

The 10mm pad is part number 33531136387 and 15mm pad is part number 33531094754. I ordered mine from Sopers in Lincoln and got a discount for being a forum member. I think you can also get them on eBay.

They are a straight swap for the standard rear pad.

 

[R60BBA]

Sounds pretty normal.

Either live with it or put it on coilovers to solve the problem.

 

[lambo911]

I have a part number for the rear springs 33536760605

Was there a m-sport suspension option or is it one spring fits all ?

 

[Davz]

Was there a m-sport suspension option or is it one spring fits all ?

M-sport is a shorter spring, this will lower the car by 15mm (if my memory serves me well) when compared to the SE, so make sure you get the correct spring! Better still fit eibachs all round for an improvement in handling, ride comfort and appearance.

 

[lambo911]

I bought a set of eibachs and fitted the rears. Surprise surprise the spring the 'BMW' mechanic had put on was completely different and much stiffer. What a dork!

Original one on the right