Author Topic: Horrible cornering problem (Read 3666 times)

nigel · « **on:** June 16, 2009, 12:01:48 AM »

I have a really bad suspension problem... when cornering any faster than a grandmother in a Buick, I lose all traction in the rear (found this out the hard way - kissed a guard rail, lost a bit of grill and a headlight assembly). It feels like the chassis just picks up off the axle and slides. The shocks are ok, and there's no problem going straight down the road. The bushings look like they were replaced by one of the POs (there have been 4 in about 5 years). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

colin86325 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2009, 09:51:52 AM »

Are your rear subframe mounts worn out?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2009, 10:11:52 AM »

You're driving an e30, right? +1 on the shot subframe mounts.

If they're OK, you're probably feeling the notorious BMW 'twitch.' Don't head into a corner too hot...brake before you get into the turn, then gradually feed her more gas as you go through. If you let off the gas in the turn, or worse use the brakes, you unload the rear suspension and transfer weight to the front. When you hit the gas again, the camber changes on the rear tires break them free, and the very light rear end starts chasing the heavy front end.

I lose traction around almost every 90deg turn...and I have an LSD! That's what makes these cars so charming...dexterity!

nigel · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2009, 10:28:02 AM »

thanks guys...
can I get a pic of the rear subframe mounts, or a description of what I'm looking for?
I'm not that bad a driver... I know to finish braking before the corner, then ease the gas etc. and not to downshift and pop the clutch without matching revs.
last time I lost traction, I was making a left through a light and was in neutral and not on the brakes or gas...
actually, forgot to mention that the problem seems worse in the left hand turns

nigel · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2009, 10:32:34 AM »

oh, and yes, it's an e30 318is
it's actually a really poor specimen... the cowboy PO beat the hell out of it, but I picked it up mad cheap ($600)

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2009, 10:40:34 AM »

Do your own work on it...they're surprisingly cheap & durable cars if taken care of. And frugal too...I get like 24/33 now, and I'm hoping to pick up a few more MPG and HP with some mods.

Make sure you check the oil pan on the next change...these engines will loose oil pressure from a failed upper pan gasket. They also have a bad chain tensioner that will shed timing chain links and broken guides into the oil pan...

And I'm happy to see another PA driver here...I think they're mostly West Coast drivers...maybe because we dissolve our e30s with road salt?

nigel · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2009, 11:23:08 AM »

yeah the car's definitely a champ... I already did the timing chain tensioner, and I've been keeping a wary eye on the oil level/leak rate (not bad - doesn't leave drips)
Has some pretty bad rust in the front fender wells, but hopefully i'll get to that later this summer.
back to the suspension, though....

DesktopDave · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2009, 12:57:33 PM »

Yeah, I think I have a little rust creeping into those front quarters. The e30 has a rust trap in behind the fusebox, under all that rubber insulation. PITA to get to, but that's the way it is. My parts car was so rusty that the main wiring grommet had pulled right through the firewall!

I have similar problems with my rear suspension, I have to refresh all the rubber back there. After I hit the lottery I'll refurb the whole car!