2003 mini Cooper S 200,000+ miles (no known previous rear suspension components repair/replacement)

Suddenly ride height at left rear diminished to virtually no clearance above tire. Car sits at rest - normal clearance returns. Huh?
At the shop they replace left rear wheel bearing and hub assembly (what does wheel bearing have to do with ride height?). Out of the shop car looks and drives normal - for less than 2 days, then...repeat of diminished ride height (tire nearly rubbing in wheel well) and after car sits at rest ride height increases.
Is it bad rear left strut? Bad rear left coil spring? Or what other rear suspension component(s) could be involved in loss of ride height on rear left side?
I have not yet removed left rear strut assembly for inspection.
P.S. Did not notice any appreciable sounds that would you make wheel bearing failure suspected.

 

I tend to think it's the spring that is done, the springs aren't known for failing, but alot can happen over 200,000 miles. Honestly, if the suspension parts do have 200,000 miles on them, they're way past their useful life. I'd definitely replace the struts, and probably the springs, bump stops, and spring pads too.

 

Sounds like the strut is binding and not fully rebounding after compression and each time your hitting a bump its getting pushed down and not rebounding fully and the next bump pushes it down a little more etc. While your springs may be a little tired compared to new, I think your main problem is a worn out strut.