Ride Height - To Rake or Not to Rake

[R3VM3UP]

I’m setting my coilover ride heights now, I’m measuring to the pinch weld for a consistent chassis height measurement. From a functional/performance standpoint, when measuring to the pinch weld, should the front and rear heights be the same?

I am aware that measurements to the fenders will not be the same front to rear due to the shape of the fenders, I’m specifically wondering about the pinch welds.

[Northern]

No solid data, but my car feels worse with the ass end up higher than the front.

[moatilliatta]

I know on setting up e36’s the rear arches are about 1 inch lower than the front, and the front jack points are 1 inch lower in the front. Illuminati confirmed.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a late E30, but defiantly the rear arches are tucked more than the front. I’ll look and see if I can find some numbers.

Where H&R race springs set with no rear pads is a good starting point.

Optimally you want the front control arms inner and outer ball joint axis flat with minimal rake from the pinch welds.

[packratbimmer]

I would look at the Bentley manual, but I cannot remember if they address early vs. late on ride height. Offset CABs always felt better on my 325i E30 cars is all I can add here.