E36 325i Rear end wiggle

[Scott320i]

My 1993 325i has been handling very poorly lately.
On rough rodes or in slippery conditions ( I live in Minneapolis), the back end really squirms around a lot. I took it to a local Tires Plus and asked them to look at the rear suspension and they said it was just the alignment.
I find it hard to believe that an alignment can have such a drastic effect on the handling of my car. It almost feels like the rear wheels are loose.
Has anyone out there ever had this problem? If so, how did you fix it?

Thanks,

Scott

[mrinfinit3]

rear end side to side travel is usually associated with worn rtabs ( rear trailing arm bushings) It's a pretty cheap upgrade/repair and only requires 1-3hrs depending on if you have to cut out the old bushings or not.

[Scott320i]

Thank you.
How do I test for this? SHould it be fairly obvious?

Scott

[mrinfinit3]

Originally Posted by Scott320i

Thank you.
How do I test for this? SHould it be fairly obvious?

Scott

From www.rogueengineering.com:

"Are your bushings already shot?
A simple test to determine if the stock rear trailing arm bushings require replacement is driving the vehicle in a straight line. While in gear, under full acceleration, does the car pull to one side? Additionally, under full, firm application of the brakes, does the car pull again? If you answered yes to either one, the bushings probably require replacement."

"Problems with Factory Mounts
The factory BMW RTABs (Rear Trailing Arm Bushings) are a very soft material to provide the quietest, most comfortable ride possible. Because of this, we have seen factory mounts require replacement in less than 50,000 miles and 3 years. On modified vehicles, expect them to require replacement sooner."

Hope this helps;

Jake

[KellyGuido]

Hi all, Im having a problem with the rear of my car also. 1990 325i. When turnig left under acc I get a loud clunk in the rt rear. after i let off the gas it clunks again (not as loud). Now it started to do it on rt hand turns. Im thinking its the rear sub frame mounts. The rear shocks and mounts were all replaced. How do you take out the old bushings?
Thank you
Kelly

[Jeron]

Rear clunk is usually the Rear shock mounts.

RTAB's are best tested by checking if hard acceleration on the highway causes you to have to change the steering input to keep the car going straight.