Vibration

[e36surge]

Well, I did it, I sold the 1994 318is and got my hands on a 1995 325is, pics below.

She has 200 000 kms, automatic :( , the engine runs beautiful. Older gentleman drove it since its initial purchase... you wouldn't believe the maintenance records on this thing.

NOW.. for the life of me I can't figure out my front end vibration (noticeable in steering wheel movement). Between 58 and 60 km/h the front end begins to vibrate and then stops... vibrations return between 180 and 220 km/h range.. obviously with much more rigour. Now from what I remember from those physics courses I took too many years ago, a small vibration or oscillation in one part of the system may be compounded into or appear in another part of the system...

The vehicle has been inspected, twice. Alignment, wheel balance performed. Tie-rods and front tables all new as well as bushings and bearings and joints. Steering Rack was replaced by previous owner... Front shocks new... springs look good but feel like they are old... front end moves up and down too much... would this be the source? Tires... uneven wear...

I spent the night looking at the front end and still can't figure it out..

I'm stumped... I would appreciate any ideas. Thank you.

[97alpineM3]

Check the condition of the front control arms... if they have been bent... or are rather old... they are prone to the problems you speak of... also.. check ever bushing under the car... in the front... look for cracks and signs of extrem wear... you can change all that you said... but there are still other things that would amount to a front end shimmy..

Good Luck,

Les

[e36surge]

Thanks Les I'll look it over again tonight.

[Furious]

take a look at the calipers to make sure they arent sticking as well, when a caliper seizes it will act up then go away , act up then go away. just an idea.