[Boomwha]

Hey guys, got a question related to my car's suspension (me thinkz).

Bought a factory demo 2009 320D M Sport Auto with about 10,000km on the clock 2 weeks ago. I have just noticed that the right side of the car is lower than the left side. Let me try to explain.. I can JUST fit my hand between the fender (rear) and the tire if I place my hand flat on the tire's surface. The left rear side has about space for 3-4 fingers, so there is quite a big difference, same at the front.

This is obviously not normal, what could be the cause. I will take it back to the dealer to have it checked out, but I am now really concerned. The car hasn't been in any accident, it doesn't look so anyways, really pristine condition.

Why on earth would the right side hang lower than the left side? I'm a bit freaked out now... Please spare me some words of wisdom here.

Oh yes, it has the optional SA2MF wheels fitted:

Double-spoke styling 193M with mixed tyres, (optional )
front: 8Jx18” 225/40 R18, rear: 8.5Jx18” 255/35 R18

[jun]

All I could possibly say is I know when we do camber adjustments for our cars, we have a driver sit in the seat. It is possible the right is lower/left is higher because they are trying to account for the weight of the driver. The weight of the driver may level out the gap.

[DESI4life10]

Originally Posted by jun

All I could possibly say is I know when we do camber adjustments for our cars, we have a driver sit in the seat. It is possible the right is lower/left is higher because they are trying to account for the weight of the driver. The weight of the driver may level out the gap.

+1..my left suspension sits slightly higher than my right when there is no driver.

When there is a driver, the car sits level.

[Boomwha]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will have it checked out and let you know. The difference is really big, I'm not sure the weight of a person or two can balance it out. Will let you all know what they say.

Cheers for now!

[scott@bmwhn]

well it could very depending on if the driver is 120lbs or 220lbs

[Boomwha]

Mmm.. the driver seat does look pretty neat though, so I doubt the previous owner was very big, also the car had only 10,000kms on the clock. My car is booked for an inspection tomorrow, will let you guys know what happened.

I also doubt my 80kg's could have caused a lowered suspension in 2 weeks!

[BK]

If you you will find some older threads on exactly this issue. It's like this on all of our cars. Besides the driver weight potentially balancing it, is it possible a full gas tank weighs down the right side more than the left?

[Boomwha]

Originally Posted by BK

If you you will find some older threads on exactly this issue. It's like this on all of our cars. Besides the driver weight potentially balancing it, is it possible a full gas tank weighs down the right side more than the left?

My car is at the garage today so they can have a look. Last night I took my measure tape and measured the exact difference, and it seemed much smaller than a few days ago, about 1cm now. Last time it was about 2.5cm.

Now that you mentioned the gas tank factor, I realised it was almost empty, which could explain the sudden "improvement". I will fill the car up and check if it is hanging lower again, you may have pin pointed the exact cause. Assuming the tank sits on the right hand side that is.

Thanks man...

[raj1984]

Hello m8,
I have read ur thread... I think i have a similar problem with my 2009 e90 320m sport. My rear driver side gap b/w wheel and arch is less as compare to the passenger rear side (left side). Have u fixed that similar problem with ur car. Any other advise will be helpfull and appreciable
Thanks
Raj

[madmanhiker]

I have the same on mine even after a professional corner-balance. I show up with a full tank of fuel and my current weight. This is a normal stance....... (lower on RT side by about 1/4")