There is no aligment changes available on the stock rear suspension.

Some camber is expected (up to almost 2deg)

Lowering the rear (aftermarket springs) will increase the Camber.

Adjustable RTAB bushings or weld in adjusters are available (kmac, ireland engineering among others)

I have the Ireland kit,, very happy with the adjustment range (I had bad alignment, probably due to curb hit in the past)

To much toe will actually cause more tire ware than to much camber.

Searching will find you lots more information about the kits etc.

 

+1 blairrm summed it all up. Rears are non adjustable. Excessive rear camber is usually gained after installing some sort lowering kit, shot rear shock mounts, or worst case scenario, bent subframe.

 

I appreciate the help. I think everything is as it should be, I'm just used to seeing my other cars with either no noticeable camber, or maybe some very slight positive camber. It's good to know that a slight amount of negative camber is normal.

 

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but my neighbor (hes 75) and I usually give him a hand with most things, has a 99 Z3. He recently noticed his rear alignment was way odd looking. Bottoms of tires stick way out on both sides. So much that he only got about 4,000 miles out of his new rear tires. Is this really normal for Z3's or could his sub frame be bent?? Ive never owned one, but am fairly knowledgeable when it comes to many vehicles. I doubt hed ever be up for modifying his.

 

That much negative camber, and such severe tire wear, could be caused by broken rear springs.
Google bmw z3 broken rear spring to see pictures and threads.
If that's the problem, new OE springs are expensive, if even available. Used springs should be available through http://www.bmrparts.com. And there are aftermarket springs.

 

That much negative camber, and such severe tire wear, could be caused by broken rear springs. They break in their cups and a coil settles onto the coil below.
Google bmw z3 broken rear spring to see pictures and threads.

Oh ok, that would be something ill definitely look into then! Now that you mention it, there was a rubber spacer or something wedged into the coils I believe. thanks

 

So I took a quick look at the rear coils, cant see any breaks in them, but they are a little rusty. Also, saw that someone (not sure if it was the previous owner or the dealership which could've ripped him off) wedged in what looks like a piece of pipe zip tied to each coil. About 2 inches long. I'm assuming someone tried to help the situation? He's only put about 4,000 miles on the car so its very possible this was a cover up. Is there anything I should look for in specific? I was thinking of jacking the rear up to see what the coils look like decompressed. Is it a tough job to replace these coils? Where is a good place to source new ones? The shocks look to have been replaced (KYB's). TIA

 

... cant see any breaks.... I was thinking of jacking the rear up to see what the coils look like decompressed. Is it a tough job to replace these coils? Where is a good place to source new ones? The shocks look to have been replaced (KYB's).

As I said previously, new OE springs are expensive, if even available. Used springs should be available through http://www.bmrparts.com. And there are aftermarket springs.

It takes a part number to order new OE springs, and the part number may be hard to find because the exact spring depends on the market a car was sold in and what equipment it has. I can't find a part number, and it may be difficult for a dealer, too. And springs from a dealer may be over $300 each.

You did not say if you looked at the link for used parts. That source does have springs for much less.
http://www.store.bmrparts.com/bmw-p...ts-catalog/1999/BMW/Z3-23-25-Roadster-E36/SUSPENSION/Spring-Rear-Pairs-Air-Bags

You did not say if you were interested in upgrading your suspension, but this would be the time to change to aftermarket coil-over sets, shown here for my car:
http://www.store.bmrparts.com/bmw-p...ts-catalog/1999/BMW/Z3-23-25-Roadster-E36/SUSPENSION/Spring-Rear-Pairs-Air-Bags

Rear springs are easy to replace. Let the wheel hang, then support the trailing arm under the shock with a jack, remove the shock, lower the jack, and the spring will be free.

 

Thanks for the info, I have not looked into much yet. As I stated, this is for my older neighbor, just trying to help him out as we do not have a close by BMW dealership in my neck of the woods.