Suspension Problems, please help...

[ShaolinMassa]

I have a 95 BMW 325IS that was in an accident, the rear tires are kind of kicked out further that the front and one of them leans slightly at an angle. I am just trying to figure out what would cause these types of problems. Would it be the upper and lower control arms or maybe something else? If anyone has any suggestions as to what it is please let me know, thanks

[MagicRat]

I think you have already answered the question. Your car has semi-trailing control arms at the back. If the wheels were correct before the accident than the alignment is out, likely from one or more of the following: bent control arms, mounting brackets/hardware, twisted frame, bent spindles, hubs or wheels.
If the bend or twist is very slight, an alignment should correct this but all those components should be checked out for structural intergrity and safety. If you made an insurance claim, all repairs should be part of the claim.

[INF3RN0666]

MagicRat, speaking of wheel inclination. I can't really tell if one of my wheels is bent and not perpendicular to the ground. How can I test for this. Would it cause unequal wear/tear on the tire? Do repair shops have accurate equipment that can easily test for this? In addition, does wheel alignment cover this?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by INF3RN0666

MagicRat, speaking of wheel inclination. I can't really tell if one of my wheels is bent and not perpendicular to the ground. How can I test for this. Would it cause unequal wear/tear on the tire? Do repair shops have accurate equipment that can easily test for this? In addition, does wheel alignment cover this?

If your wheel is bent it will cause a wobble as the tire rotates. You can try jacking up the wheel and turning it by hand, looking for a wobble as the wheel turns. Look for the wobble on the metal rim, not the tire.

Otherwise, if the wheel is not perpendicular to the ground, an alignment shop's services are required. This is called 'camber'. 'Neutral camber' is when a tire is perpendicular to the ground.

It's difficult to tell just by looking, and is only obvious when its a severe problem.

Both a bent wheel and camber problems affect tire wear and shorten tire life. Camber adjustment is part of an alignment. Fixing a bent rim is not.

[ShaolinMassa]

Hey thanks for the help guys. I took it to Midas this morning and they did a diagnostics for $20 and told me exactly what it was. I need the upper and lower control arms for one side and the spindle for the other side, I also need to change the springs and get the wheels aligned after all this...

[MagicRat]

Sounds expensive, but thorough repair. Glad to hear it worked out.

[01rollaS&accordv6]

Sounds Good Now Just Take It To Your Claim.
My Neighbor Just Dished Out 1400 Bucks For New Shocks And Arms For His 95 M3 Coupe Not Including Another 750 For A Broken Support And New Rim Bmw' Are Expensive To Fix Though It Worth It.