[net.auto] BMW rear suspension funniness

stan@clyde.UUCP (Stan King) (04/17/84)

<(-)>

Why do BMWs typically have rear wheels which angle outward, like this:

(view from behind the BMW)


    ------------------
   /   __   --   __   \
 @/   /..\      /..\   \
 ------------------------
 | o                  o |
 |         ====         |
 ------------------------
 /                      \
/                        \      <----  exagerated outward slope of wheels.


I have not seen this problem on the front-wheel drive, independent 
suspension cars like the Honda & Rabbit, but I think I have seen it
occasionally on Corvettes and Beetles.  BMWs seem to have this
behavior quite consistently.  In fact, a friend who owns one was told
by his mechanic that the situation is "normal".

Could someone explain to me whether this is a "bug" or a "feature"?

Please send me directly to me unless there is a pressing reason not
to.  I will summarize replies when they trickle down.

		Stan King			phone: 201-386-7433
		Bell Labs, Whippany, NJ		Cornet:  8+232-7433
		room 2A-111			uucp:	 clyde!stan