Bad Vibration At 35 Nad 65 Mph Any Suggestion? - BMW Forum

cool_tester · 02-25-2005, 06:30 PM

Hello all,
i have this really bad Vibration on my 97 E36, i though it was the tires so i put new front tires and the back one are about a year old, and got all four tires balanced but the vibration is still here, also noticed some oil leaking on the front Struts both sides.... do you guys think it is time to get those replaced, also anyone knows what i should get for the shock and struts, all four... and please any links on instruction about teh installation would be great, if you have done these your self in the past i would really appreciate it if you would tell how hard it is to do them, and what tools are required..
Thanks, guys

mostwired · 02-25-2005, 10:20 PM

Hey - maybe you have a flat spot in one of rear tires. Remember braking hard any time before?
Struts - if leaking, should replace. Best deal I found - $289 for all 4 - Billstein touring at shox.com. Not a DIY without a spring compressor for front struts. There's been several posts on how to DIY - do a search here.

cool_tester · 02-25-2005, 11:10 PM

Thanks for the reply, the back tires are fine as i had them checked, and they are well balanced and the problem is still here, weired only at 35 and 65 Mph, i'm planing to change the front struts, but got confused to which one to buy because i have a 328I Convertible with a sports package, do i need the Billstein HD or Touring or something else ( i don't use this car for tracks )... also does anyone know if i need any special tools to replace them. i search the forum but could really find any clear direction on how to do it.

Thanks,

cool_tester · 02-26-2005, 12:00 AM

I foudn this link that shows how to replace the struts i hope you find it usefull.

Thanks.

Kevin325i · 02-26-2005, 12:28 AM

Check your driveshaft guibo

Cruzin 323is · 02-26-2005, 01:20 AM

i had a bad vibration.. and i went through trial and error... it ended up being my control arm and ball joints.. get them checked!!

a way of checking.. is.. jack the front end up...and try to wobble the tires... of there is play, then u need new control arms/ball joints!!

cool_tester · 02-26-2005, 01:19 PM

Thanks for the reply, i beleive the Control arm was just replaced about 2 years ago, do you guys think it's type to replace it again? also do i have to replace the Springs with the Struts or can i just do the struts alone? the car kind of bounces alot ...

Thank you.

tomctx · 02-26-2005, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cool_tester@Feb 26 2005, 03:19 PM
Thanks for the reply, i beleive the Control arm was just replaced about 2 years ago, do you guys think it's type to replace it again? also do i have to replace the Springs with the Struts or can i just do the struts alone? the car kind of bounces alot ...

Thank you.

[snapback]299824[/snapback]

You can reuse the springs. The control arm should last longer than 2 years. the only special tools you would need would be a spring compressor. Air tools would be nice be not necessary. Might want to think about replacing the rear shocks while you are there.

cool_tester · 02-26-2005, 07:35 PM

Thanks man, do you know where i can get an inexpensive Spring compressor?

also which shocks should i buy, i have a 328 Convert with Sports Package?
I'm thinking about buying "Billstein touring at shox.com 4 Shocks For $289 " would that work? or do i have to go to the heavy duty ones, remember this is just for driving and no tracks.
Thanks guys...

NyteRyda · 02-26-2005, 07:43 PM

I had the same problem with my car before. Try checking the guibo and also the bearings or shocks. Hope you find the problem.

tomctx · 02-26-2005, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cool_tester@Feb 26 2005, 09:35 PM
Thanks man, do you know where i can get an inexpensive Spring compressor?

also which shocks should i buy, i have a 328 Convert with Sports Package?
I'm thinking about buying "Billstein touring at shox.com 4 Shocks For $289 " would that work? or do i have to go to the heavy duty ones, remember this is just for driving and no tracks.
Thanks guys...

[snapback]300003[/snapback]

The touring should be fine. Is there an Autozone parts place where you live? I believe you can rent one from there. Check out "tool rental" places also.

cool_tester · 03-02-2005, 01:12 AM

Cool, i didn't know that Autozone rents tools, i will head on up there tomorrow and grab one, i found one at PepBoys for $50 i hope renting would be cheap...

Thanks again for all your help, i will let you all know how it goes.

cool_tester · 03-02-2005, 03:57 PM

don't get the Touring Class because they are for a wagggggaaaan, the ones you will need are Bilstein HD, if ou don't have a sports package... not sure about the sports package.. funny i called the Stealer to find out if my E36 has Sports package as i tough it did because it has the rims and the seats but it turned out that's all i have and no sports package.