HELP!! BMW Z3 Rear Camber and toe

[zedonist]

I agree Brian the only true camber adjustment is to refab the back end and add some cam bolts. I think if it is your daily driver then it is worth doing, if you only do a few thousand miles a year, I would live with it as you would only buy new tyres every three years or so, plus it does help you go round corners better!

 

[Jake]

Thanks for all the replies. I have just got back from a recommended garage near me. They are baffled! The chap there couldn't see why the toe is so out. There is nothing bent and no excessive wear to bushes. They checked to see if there is any signs on a crash and nothing. Everything looks as it should be. He said the only explanation to him is that some "wrong" parts are fitted.
As a recent purchase I am thinking if asking for a refund which is a shame as everything else is good with it.


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[Brian H]

..........As a recent purchase I am thinking if asking for a refund which is a shame as everything else is good with it.

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If the car is still covered under a warranty then take it back with your alignment print outs and ask them to fix it. As mentioned before don't worry about the camber this is "normal" just get the toe sorted.

 

[Jake]

I managed to get money back!

So will be looking for a new one now. So beware of that car!


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[Aceman]

On no zedless !!

Hope you find another one soon and remember this time of year is a buyers market for zeds.

 

[Mr-P]

I managed to get money back!

So will be looking for a new one now. So beware of that car!


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That was quick. Hope you find another one soon.

 

[Brian H]

I managed to get money back!

So will be looking for a new one now. So beware of that car!


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Wow, did the seller acknowledge there was a fault then. Good luck with the new search.

 

[Jake]

I think the seller, who was a trader working from his home, knew there was a problem when he sold it. When I took it back his mechanic was there and said that he could fix anything! ( should have got his number as you could make a fortune if you could do that!?) dispute that I told him I wanted a refund. I think he knew from my tone that I wouldn't give up and persistence usually gets things sorted.
Amazingly I found a new one yesterday in Essex. A 2002 1.9i Sport with 70k on the clock. It has the trip computer, electric hood, M heated seats etc. A better car all round and has no camber and drives straight.
So again beware of a Topaz Blue V325 PDV unless there is prove of a repair and an alignment print out.
Thank you all for your help.
Jake.


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[Brian H]

^^^ now all we need is some pics of the new one

 

[Aceman]

Wow that was quick, what's the saying "Every cloud has a silver lining" certainly sounds like you dropped on a good one this time.

Well done.

 

[Walrus]

my friend has just fitted the rear subframe camber and toe kit to his E30 .very similar to our Z3 subframes .... it was a big job... subframe off weld plates on the grind out holes on subframe ..... but when fitted the kit worked well ... im going to get my car done as soon as i can afford it

 

[Stormy_be]

What's that about a kit for rear camber changes? any link about something like that?

 

[zedonist]

http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/Z3-suspension-steering/adjcmbkit-lock.html

 

[Don N]

Looking at Bavarian Autosport parts, I found a Rear Camber Kit (part#192026) that supposedly creates adjustment of rear camber for improved handling or improved tire wear. In addition, they say it can be installed with removal of the rear springs. It's pricey, and probably not something I would attempt as DIY.

However, in all of the preceding thread, there seem to be no opinions on the desirability of changing the camber, particularly with regard to reduced tire wear. When I found my Z, the steel belts were showing on the inner edges of the rear ties. But, I would expect less negative camber to result in increased oversteer. I'm not sure that would be good, but I haven't had the Z long enough to really get a feel for its limits. Another disadvantage to less negative camber would be appearance. I love the squat look.
(1997 2.8)

http://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/ins032.pdf

 

[zedonist]

I don't do enough annual mileage to worry about the wear, if I change them in 3 years time I won't notice the cost. Also the camber does give a positive handling effect, so brucie bonus. I imagine it would be different story if it was a daily driver mind, and that would only be pressure from the other half to stop spending money!

 

[Dimitris Flo]

HI
I have recently bought a Z3 and I am new to them. I went for a 1999 1.8 in blue with matching blue interior. Being a bit green I thought that being rear wheel drive I would get used to the different drinig experience but though I should get the geometry/ wheel alignment checked.
I have today had it checked at 2 different places that confirm that the near side is 15mm out on the toe and camber is over 3 degrees on each side!!! Neither of them knew how to adjust it - the 2nd place said it wan't adjustable! The tyres are very worn on the inside as you can imagine.
Has anyone got any suggestions and remedies?
Many thanks in advance, I love the car but want it to drive straight!

Jake

Hi J
Most likely you problem is with the rear sub frame axle carrier OEM part number 33311090957 which if has been bent due to the lower suspension can cause such problems

 

[Mint]

Holy thread resurrection Batman, this is over 5.5 years old

 

[Dimitris Flo]

Holy thread resurrection Batman, this is over 5.5 years old

Better late than never