Right REAR Lower Control Arm Bent!
 

Hi,
Have a 97 base. Standard suspension. Nothing lowered. Replaced rear shocks about 3 months ago. and did the front shocks two weeks ago. Nothing at all fancy, KYB. Rear left tire seems unevenly worn and there is some shaking when driving on the freeway. Went in for an alignment today and was told right rear lower control arm is bent so they couldn't do it. (Is this the same as trailing arm?) Got the car just under a year ago. Looking on eBay for some replacements and I see single parts to full blown kits that replace the both left and right side. Bushings... not sure where to start and not sure if it's okay to do just one side or recommended to do both and eventually even the front. Please help. Thanks!

-Dennis, L.A., CA

Yes, the rear lower control arm is known as the rear trailing arm on the 318ti's suspension. The rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs) and rear subframe bushings will heavily affect the rear alignment.

You don't mention how many miles are on your car but it is possible that new stock bushings will bring everything back into or closer to spec.

If it truly is bent, then you can either find another used arm, which may be bent as well, or weld in alignment adjusters which change the RTABs to be eccentric and allow you to dial in camber/toe.

It is very common for the rear of these cars to not have the alignment spot on. It's up to you how far you want to go to correct it.