Rear Coil Measurement 318i

Had some brake work done on my 1995 318i last week, and the technician found the rear driver's-side coil was broken at the bottom of the coil. I left the coil as is, so I could research this out. So yesterday, got out my Bentley, and did a measurement from bottom of wheel rim to edge of wheel-well. ..
did this for both sides....oddly enough, the measurement on the passenger side (532mm) was LESS that the driver's side (535mm), yet there is a very slight listing (lower) on the driver's side when viewed from the rear. All measurements were done with the car empty, no suggested weights as noted in the Bentley manual.
The coil on the passenger side is good. I'm baffled. since the coil is broken on the driver's side, shouldn't the measurement be LESS than the passenger side?
thanks in advance, for the advice

It depends how and where its broken. Sometimes it doesnt affect ride height, but it affects the ride itself. Not sure what to tell you without looking at it. Maybe somebody has had the same experience and can offer some knowledge.