Ongoing Vibration Problem. Pleeeeease help!!

[jared99]

I have a 2001 E46 318 Auto. I've had a hassle with vibrations for ages now and in the process replacement many different parts. I'd like to ask if anyone knows what all (anything at all!!!) could cause a vibration? I have a feeling its the control arm bushes but my mechanic reckons it cant cause a vibration.

Please if anyone knows, let me know. I'll be extremely grateful. This vibration is making me doubt my sanity. lol

[witeshark]

Are the wheels balanced rightly? It could also be bad tires.

[jared99]

Well, I'm assuming the wheels are balanced properly. I'll never know for sure. I had new mags and tyres fitted at the same time so I hope so.
Its been such a long, ongoing issue. I've been back and forth to tyre shops at least 10 times already but nobody can seem to sort it out 100%.

[bkpiper00]

I would try a balance the wheels with no tires. If they balance then its the tires. This happened on my c-4 vette. I could never get it to stop shaking and vibrating and they took it to discount tire and they checked the tires and thats how they fixed it.

Hope it helps.

[jared99]

thanks!

Ill give that a try

[zibby]

Change control arm bushing and stabilizer links.

[Dirty_Tool]

Check this ..

http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/3-s...eys-34279.html

[stewby22020]

I changed the pads on my 2000 328 ci and immediately i had same problem,found it was the calipers/pads.give them a good overhaul and clean up and used copaslip anti seize on the rear of the pads and hydraulic drum, runners (where the pads sits) but main thing was to insure the calipers were moving freely.that did it for me.

[Steve323i99]

Originally Posted by Dirty_Tool

Check this ..

http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/3-s...eys-34279.html

What he said.

You mentioned that the wheels and tyres were changed? Recently? Did the problems manifest before or after the new wheels? Are the wheels OEM or aftermarket?

[bbryant]

I had the same thing happen to me when I purchased my 2000 323i. A small vib on acceleration felt in the steering wheel to around 60 mph or so. But on braking the vib was much worse,steering wheel shaking on braking, heavy or not. (Rotors) The porshe dealer that I bought this from installed new front rotors and pads, part of the deal. That made it worse. Took it to a BMW dealership (ouch), Found out that aftermarket rotors and pads were installed. Dealer installed BMW rotors and pads and was great. But the real issue was the vib, the control arm bushings were replaced, let me tell you after that, the car drives like its on glass baby, Best 9 yr old car I ever had, drives like new, no joke. Check the the steering and arm bushings,I would almost guarantee you thats the issue.

[jared99]

Ive recently had my car checked out from top to bottom and it turns out almost every single bush on the rear suspension is worn. Diff mounts are also worn as well as front control arm bushes (ive already had those replaced twice). Right rear shock is also leaking. Steering racks end are slightly worn too.

So any one of things could of been causing the issue...

This whole situation just proves that you have to trust yourself when you feel something is wrong and don't just accept when a mechanic or whoever says nothing is wrong. Ive taken my car to many different places and each of them puts the blame on someone else or are just too damn lazy to do a thorough check on the car. I've even had an agent from Goodyear drive in my car and all he can say is that I'm feeling the bumps on the road. Yeah right!! He's just too damn lazy or incompetent to do anything about it.
I've also taken my car to a roadworthy centre were they put the car on a machine that flexes and moves certain parts of the suspension. They couldn't pick up any faults either. Absolutely pathetic!!!!

I had to tell my mechanic that I'm prepared to pay his hourly rate if he checks over the WHOLE car for ANYTHING that might be wrong. Took him a few hours to go through the whole car. Seems like thats the best way to get something sorted.

Anyways, that enough ranting for me.
Thanks for all the responses. Its really appreciated. Seems like things are finally going to be sorted out