Rear Coil Measurement 318i

[singring]

Had some brake work done on my 1995 318i last week, and the technician found the rear driver's-side coil was broken at the bottom of the coil. I left the coil as is, so I could research this out. So yesterday, got out my Bentley, and did a measurement from bottom of wheel rim to edge of wheel-well. ..
did this for both sides....oddly enough, the measurement on the passenger side (532mm) was LESS that the driver's side (535mm), yet there is a very slight listing (lower) on the driver's side when viewed from the rear. All measurements were done with the car empty, no suggested weights as noted in the Bentley manual.
The coil on the passenger side is good. I'm baffled. since the coil is broken on the driver's side, shouldn't the measurement be LESS than the passenger side?
thanks in advance, for the advice

[kylek325i]

was the e-brake on? try rolling the car forward and back, then take new measurements. also, the spring pad could likely be unseated, causing the car to sit slightly off. I had the same problem on my 325i. If the car has a lot of miles on it, then i would guess the springs are probably fatigued as well, and with one being broken they wouldnt be even. Also try taking the wheel off and checking things out. Luckily replacing the springs in a snap, good luck-

[Furious]

its almost impossible to measure spring rates/heights because they may wear at a different rate. once the coil snaps at the bottom, which i might add is actually pretty common, its probably best to invest in a nice new set of upgraded springs all around, the price youll pay for two OE ones will almost cover the cost.