1996 BMW 318 just bought car has slight problem.

SAMFARNS

MEMBER
1996 BMW 318

Suspension problem
1996 BMW 318 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 156k miles

bmw 318ti listing to passenger rear side, maybe 4 inches. All tires equally inflated, seems like body dropped on passenger rear side. Drives fine, pulls a little to that side. Everything else on car clean, great condition. Wondering how serious problem this is, worth going back to dealer, or easy to fix? Can send pic, but problem doesn't really show up well.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

It sounds like a suspension problem. Have you checked to make sure the coil springs are in good condition and nothing is broken?

Also, to answer your other question, anything with the suspension gets expensive. If it's under warranty, take it back to them.

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 4:03 PM

SAMFARNS

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3 POSTS

Thanks for your reply. I've been advised it may be body/frame issue, is there a way I can tell if it's a suspension issue instead? How should I go about checking the coil springs? Just trying to find out as much as possible before I take it in. Someone else advised taking it to a body shop, would they be the right people to address a suspension issue too?

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 9:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Some body shops will work on them when it is the result of an accident. If it has to do with the frame, and the car sits about 4 inches lower on that side, that doesn't sound good.

As far as the coils, check them for cracks, make sure the top and bottom mounts are secure and not rusted allowing the coil to loose. If the frame is bent, or there is body damage causing this, you should be able to see it if you look under the car.

Let me know what you find, or if you have any other questions, let me know.

Joe

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Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 12:02 AM

SAMFARNS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks. I took it to a local mechanic and he found a loose right coil spring, as you thought. He suggested replacing both left and right rear springs as well as shocks since it all looked worn to him. I ordered the parts from the BMW dealer and will take them to him to install. Sound right to you?

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Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 6:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Yes, it sounds right. You should replace both when it is done.

I'm glad you got it figured out. Thanks for using 2carpros. Com, and if you have other qustions, let me know. It's a pleasure helping good people.

Joe