Opinions? Help needed

[Brian4]

Has the car always done this or is it only since you damaged the rear? if just recently could well be the rack is damaged. The steering rack is specific to the Z3 so you would need to contact a breaker or a refurbishment company.

 

[ZTec]

Is there anywhere to get new trailing arms from?! Can't find any anywhere.

BMW main dealer quoted nearly £700 each

 

[amancuso]

Wow, what a saga. A friend just had the rear of their Z3 run into by another car while making a turn across traffic. It's at a repair shop now, so we'll see if they total it or repair.

 

[SteveZ3]

Good luck with the repair.
That's looks very bent!

 

[t-tony]

That's a real shame when it happens through some one else's actions. But, accidents do happen. Hope they repair it.

Tony.

 

[SteveZ3]

Bad news. My rear left still toes out by 8 degrees.
Got the alignment checked again today as I have also lowered the car by 30mm with Eibachs.

Next steps?

 

[SteveZ3]

Hi guys,

I've kind of put up with the problem for a while now but it's still annoying that the car turns quite significantly to the right when I accelerate.
I know this is because of my alignment. I've attached a diagram showing the current situation below.

What is the best thing to do next? I have already replaced the trailing arm, but this made no difference. I am guessing that the only thing it could be is a bent subframe, but I am open to suggestions.

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[t-tony]

If the o/s/r wheel is set correctly inline with the o/s/f wheel and the front wheels are "tracked" correctly Steve, then the n/s/r being the odd man out so to speak would say to me that you're right to assume that the rear frame is out of line. You just need to ascertain if it's the subframe itself or the mounting point on the car. I would say it's more likely the frame.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

I agree with T- on his analysis. Was your rear end swinging out toward the curb or whatever you hit? If so, the rear of the tire may have hit first causing the subframe to move rearward which shows up as your 8 degree toe out. JIM

 

[SteveZ3]

Thanks both for your replies @t-tony @oldcarman the rear was swinging out so this explains why the rear near side is toeing out. I guess it's a case of getting a new rear end that is aligned correctly?
More looking around the breakers for me then...

 

[t-tony]

Don't forget to ask Andy, Steve. I know he's a fair way down south but price may be favourable!

Tony.

 

[SteveZ3]

This might be a stupid question but will this fit my car?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-1-...011?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf740e4e3

 

[GazHyde]

I think the 1.9's and everything else have different rear beams. Someone like @zedonist should be able to confirm though.

 

[Brian4]

According to realoem the axle carrier is the same for all z3's and E36 compact.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=33311090957

 

[Brian4]

Another one here but says needs new bushes as probably the other one will.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E30-E...098?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4ae8eaa2ba

Bushes are here.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-C...its=Car+Make:BMW|Model:Z3&hash=item3f49c924d9

 

[SteveZ3]

I want to be certain that the rear sub frames are the same across the range. Bearing in mind mine is a wide body, don't know if this makes a difference.
Any other opinions?

 

[t-tony]

If Brian says he has checked real OEM and that they're all the same Steve the only other people I would bother asko would be Sopers.