Steering Wheel Shake: Looking for feedback

LEDZEP · 11-19-2005, 12:46 PM

Since my dealer is telling me that I'll just have to live with it basically, I'm curious how many others have experienced, or are experiencing the 'steering wheel shake' or 'shimmy' problem.

Also, if you could state the tire brand and size.

I know there have been multiple threads and rants on this, I'm just trying to find a way to get metrics.

Guess I should lead off: stock 16" Bridgestone Turanza's. The dealer did a balance for me once and it cleared up 98%, but then after having the tires rotated it came right back. My car is a May build.

e90driver · 11-19-2005, 04:22 PM

My wheel shook from about 500 and was gone by 2k. It no longer exists whatsoever (at 7 k) and I have the same tires as you. I just never had a chance to take it into the dealer and it eventually went away. Good luck...

Oz · 11-19-2005, 04:25 PM

I have 330i base model and haven't had a wheel shake problem

Compos Mentis · 11-19-2005, 04:29 PM

I noticed a tire imbalance on a test drive with run flats. They sat for a while, and had flat spots. It eventually went away. I felt it in the steering wheel the most.

David328M-Sport · 11-19-2005, 04:39 PM

ledzep,

sorry to read about your ongoing shimmy problem(s). of course you shoild NOT have anything of the sort on your car.

the feedback from the steering wheel can tell you a lot about a problem. your dealer is being unprofessional and either try the service manager and/or dealer principal unless you have done so already or another dealer's service if you can.

you should not have to put up with any such proble and if my dealer had the audacity to tell me i had to put up with it......well, they just wouldn't.

no other car shimmies.

you have 2. do they both exhibit the same problem? if not show the dealer.

i would insist on them fixing the priblem by taking it to them, get a loan car and tell them to call you once it is fixed properly.

sorry to rant but if i was fobbed off like (even though they sort of tried to fix the problem) that while my car has a problem, they would be loaning me a new M5!!!! (ok,ok whishful thinking).

seriously dont stop until the car is fixed.

my car has 17" wheels with 225 Pirelli runflats on front and 255 pirelli runflats on back

ledzep, i hope this post helps you and all the best in getting your car fixed properly and permanently - no rotates afterwards!!!

all the best.

nextleap · 11-20-2005, 05:09 PM

Mine still shakes, they replaced the tires. Still the same problem, no answer from BMW other than it is "acceptible" to them. I have the crappy runflat bridgestone tires it came with, 18's

Schweitzer · 11-20-2005, 05:20 PM

No problems here, and I've got the Bridgestone runflat 18's as well. (Why are they crappy?)

LEDZEP · 11-20-2005, 05:39 PM

nextleap & Schweitzer - welcome, and thanks for answering.

I hope some of the old timers will wake up and answer... I know a lot of folks had this issue.

Costa · 11-20-2005, 05:42 PM

LEDZEP, firstly I really am sorry to hear about your 'shimmy' problems. As far as dealing with this issue, I agree with David325. I would not be putting up with any such nonsense from the dealer. If they accept it is a common flaw or something like that, then BMW should be doing a global recall - no excuses.

My car is on it's way, and it has basically the exact same configuration as David's. I have read about the shimmy problem and I have been hoping that I do not experience these sorts of problems. If for whatever reason they occur, you can bet your life I'll be at the dealer asking for a loan car equal or better than the car I ordered while they fix any problems - this is why I bought BMW and not Subaru or Honda (which have pretty good quality records actually).

I encourage everyone else to do the same - don't accepty anything less. If you are taking delivery soon like me, and the dealer mentions the survey, make sure you let them know that if any problem is not dealt with, then they will be getting bad marks.

Hope your shimmy issue is resolved soon LEDZEP.

11-20-2005, 05:50 PM

Zep,

No problems here. I have Potenza tires.

Front: 225/40R18
Rear: 255/35R18

You must insist they fix this problem!

Best of luck.

shuzmaker · 11-21-2005, 09:20 AM

Michelin Pilot Sports A/S

scottz5 · 11-21-2005, 09:49 AM

DONT GET ME STARTED!

davinet78 · 11-21-2005, 09:52 AM

i havnt had any problem and i hope it stays that way

longtran · 11-21-2005, 10:11 AM

no prblems here. i have bridgestone potenza re050A 17" then i got bridgestone potenza re750 19"

Bimmerista · 11-21-2005, 10:21 AM

LedZep, I do not have this problem - but my 225 / 255 Potenzas ran for very little time before I switched to winters.

Rember that your problem went away and only came back when you rotated, and I feel that it is the rotation that causes the problem -uneven wear-switch front/back=shimmy.

Hope you were able to rotate back ASAp, otherwise the problem you have is due to your tires uneven wear and not a BMW issue. (Which in a way is good news)

LEDZEP · 11-21-2005, 04:25 PM

Bimmerista, I agree with you. I had the problem early on, and they re-balance the wheels and it was much, much better. Then at 7,500 miles they rotated the tires and it came back with a vengance. I guess what bugs me too is that they told me they recommend rotation at 5,000-7,500 miles. Then I hear later that BMW recommends no rotation. I read the owner's manual very carefuly and the tire section does not mention the word rotate, to either encourage or discourage.

LEDZEP · 11-21-2005, 07:43 PM

So, after forgetting to give me the work slip when my car was returned they mailed it to me and I got it today. On the phone, the guy said he drove my car and couldn't feel anything. Mileage in and Mileage out on the form are the exact same number... so when exactly did he drive it? Into the work bay? When he called me that day he said he would probably rotate the tires back to their initial setup. The paper does not say whether the tires were rotated or not.

Is it just me, or does the word "service" just not mean anything anymore? I just want some good honest information, and to be able to feel like they want to solve my problem.

11-21-2005, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

. . . Is it just me, or does the word "service" just not mean anything anymore? I just want some good honest information, and to be able to feel like they want to solve my problem.

I find that good service is almost impossible to find any more. I'd be so pissed if they told me they couldn't feel anything and my mileage was the same in and out! What kind of service is that?!

LEDZEP · 11-22-2005, 08:58 AM

They won't fix my shimmy / vibration problem, but they did write me a prescription. They recommend I take two tablets daily, or as needed for BMW related stress and disappointment.

11-22-2005, 01:31 PM

Zep,

LMAO @ the Fukitol

But, you're not serious, they say they can't fix your shimmy problem? :mad:

petesamprs · 11-22-2005, 01:35 PM

Is there a way to get a video of the steering wheel in action during shimmy? It's hard for those of us without the problem to visualize it. Or is it something you can only feel and not see while driving?

mishenka · 11-22-2005, 01:56 PM

Led (Zep),
Ask the service dept manager to take a ride with you (he is driving). Last time after my Service Advisor could not communicate my concerns about steering wheel not being centered I simply ask that a mechanic ride with me in the car. As simple as that. Both of you in the car and everything is visual, no words involved. If the guy even after that will refuse to acknowledge the shaking... well stop the car on a highway, pull his sorry ass out, punch him few times on his head so he feels shakings

.
Seriously, why don't you ask that a mechanic takes a ride with you?

View Poll Results: Has your E90 experienced the shake/shimmy problem?
No. I have never had this problem with my E90	46	70.77%
Yes, but it was fixed and has not reoccured	4	6.15%
Yes, and it was fixed once but has since reoccured	1	1.54%
Yes, and they have not been able to fix it at all	14	21.54%
Voters: 65. You may not vote on this poll

11-19-2005, 12:46 PM	#1
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Steering Wheel Shake: Looking for feedback Since my dealer is telling me that I'll just have to live with it basically, I'm curious how many others have experienced, or are experiencing the 'steering wheel shake' or 'shimmy' problem. Also, if you could state the tire brand and size. I know there have been multiple threads and rants on this, I'm just trying to find a way to get metrics. Guess I should lead off: stock 16" Bridgestone Turanza's. The dealer did a balance for me once and it cleared up 98%, but then after having the tires rotated it came right back. My car is a May build. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-19-2005, 04:22 PM	#2
e90driver Lieutenant 14 Rep 502 Posts Drives: 06 325i, 08 328xi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	My wheel shook from about 500 and was gone by 2k. It no longer exists whatsoever (at 7 k) and I have the same tires as you. I just never had a chance to take it into the dealer and it eventually went away. Good luck... __________________ see ya 06 325i. IT'S HERE!- 08 E92 328xi, Premium, Auto, Cold- Montego Blue
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11-19-2005, 04:25 PM	#3
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I have 330i base model and haven't had a wheel shake problem __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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11-19-2005, 04:29 PM	#4
Compos Mentis Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 230 Posts Drives: Arctic 330xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	I noticed a tire imbalance on a test drive with run flats. They sat for a while, and had flat spots. It eventually went away. I felt it in the steering wheel the most. __________________ *Compos Mentis* ----------------- 2006 330xi Arctic, black leather, aluminum. 18000 miles...
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11-19-2005, 04:39 PM	#5
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	ledzep, sorry to read about your ongoing shimmy problem(s). of course you shoild NOT have anything of the sort on your car. the feedback from the steering wheel can tell you a lot about a problem. your dealer is being unprofessional and either try the service manager and/or dealer principal unless you have done so already or another dealer's service if you can. you should not have to put up with any such proble and if my dealer had the audacity to tell me i had to put up with it......well, they just wouldn't. no other car shimmies. you have 2. do they both exhibit the same problem? if not show the dealer. i would insist on them fixing the priblem by taking it to them, get a loan car and tell them to call you once it is fixed properly. sorry to rant but if i was fobbed off like (even though they sort of tried to fix the problem) that while my car has a problem, they would be loaning me a new M5!!!! (ok,ok whishful thinking). seriously dont stop until the car is fixed. my car has 17" wheels with 225 Pirelli runflats on front and 255 pirelli runflats on back ledzep, i hope this post helps you and all the best in getting your car fixed properly and permanently - no rotates afterwards!!! all the best. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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11-20-2005, 05:09 PM	#6
nextleap Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Mine still shakes, they replaced the tires. Still the same problem, no answer from BMW other than it is "acceptible" to them. I have the crappy runflat bridgestone tires it came with, 18's
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11-20-2005, 05:20 PM	#7
Schweitzer Lieutenant 46 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2015 M5 CP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	No problems here, and I've got the Bridgestone runflat 18's as well. (Why are they crappy?) __________________ 2015 M5, Alpine White, Sakhir Orange/Black leather, 20"M Style 343M, forged black wheels, Carbon Fiber trim/mirror caps, Competition Package, Executive Package, Bang & Olufsen sound.
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11-20-2005, 05:39 PM	#8
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	nextleap & Schweitzer - welcome, and thanks for answering. I hope some of the old timers will wake up and answer... I know a lot of folks had this issue. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-20-2005, 05:42 PM	#9
Costa Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 203 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	LEDZEP, firstly I really am sorry to hear about your 'shimmy' problems. As far as dealing with this issue, I agree with David325. I would not be putting up with any such nonsense from the dealer. If they accept it is a common flaw or something like that, then BMW should be doing a global recall - no excuses. My car is on it's way, and it has basically the exact same configuration as David's. I have read about the shimmy problem and I have been hoping that I do not experience these sorts of problems. If for whatever reason they occur, you can bet your life I'll be at the dealer asking for a loan car equal or better than the car I ordered while they fix any problems - this is why I bought BMW and not Subaru or Honda (which have pretty good quality records actually). I encourage everyone else to do the same - don't accepty anything less. If you are taking delivery soon like me, and the dealer mentions the survey, make sure you let them know that if any problem is not dealt with, then they will be getting bad marks. Hope your shimmy issue is resolved soon LEDZEP. __________________ 325i auto \| Saph Blk \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Prof Nav \| BiXenon \| SS \| Logic7
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11-20-2005, 05:50 PM	#10
CMD Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Zep, No problems here. I have Potenza tires. Front: 225/40R18 Rear: 255/35R18 You must insist they fix this problem! Best of luck.
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11-21-2005, 09:20 AM	#11
shuzmaker First Lieutenant 27 Rep 303 Posts Drives: e90 325iAS Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Garden State iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Michelin Pilot Sports A/S __________________ . :: 325i :: JB :: ZSP :: Step :: BLK Dakota :: Hot Seats :: Tints :: Pilot A/S :: .
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11-21-2005, 09:49 AM	#12
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 94 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	DONT GET ME STARTED! __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
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11-21-2005, 09:52 AM	#13
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	i havnt had any problem and i hope it stays that way __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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11-21-2005, 10:11 AM	#14
longtran Lieutenant General 1433 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	no prblems here. i have bridgestone potenza re050A 17" then i got bridgestone potenza re750 19"
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11-21-2005, 10:21 AM	#15
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	LedZep, I do not have this problem - but my 225 / 255 Potenzas ran for very little time before I switched to winters. Rember that your problem went away and only came back when you rotated, and I feel that it is the rotation that causes the problem -uneven wear-switch front/back=shimmy. Hope you were able to rotate back ASAp, otherwise the problem you have is due to your tires uneven wear and not a BMW issue. (Which in a way is good news)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-21-2005, 04:25 PM	#16
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Bimmerista, I agree with you. I had the problem early on, and they re-balance the wheels and it was much, much better. Then at 7,500 miles they rotated the tires and it came back with a vengance. I guess what bugs me too is that they told me they recommend rotation at 5,000-7,500 miles. Then I hear later that BMW recommends no rotation. I read the owner's manual very carefuly and the tire section does not mention the word rotate, to either encourage or discourage. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-21-2005, 07:43 PM	#17
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	So, after forgetting to give me the work slip when my car was returned they mailed it to me and I got it today. On the phone, the guy said he drove my car and couldn't feel anything. Mileage in and Mileage out on the form are the exact same number... so when exactly did he drive it? Into the work bay? When he called me that day he said he would probably rotate the tires back to their initial setup. The paper does not say whether the tires were rotated or not. Is it just me, or does the word "service" just not mean anything anymore? I just want some good honest information, and to be able to feel like they want to solve my problem. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-22-2005, 08:58 AM	#19
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	They won't fix my shimmy / vibration problem, but they did write me a prescription. They recommend I take two tablets daily, or as needed for BMW related stress and disappointment. Attached Images __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-22-2005, 01:31 PM	#20
CMD Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Zep, LMAO @ the Fukitol But, you're not serious, they say they can't fix your shimmy problem? :mad:
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11-22-2005, 01:35 PM	#21
petesamprs Lieutenant 34 Rep 519 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: northeast iTrader: (0)	Is there a way to get a video of the steering wheel in action during shimmy? It's hard for those of us without the problem to visualize it. Or is it something you can only feel and not see while driving? __________________ '14 535i (ED) Retired: '08 M5, '08 550i (ED), '06 330i
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11-22-2005, 01:56 PM	#22
mishenka Private First Class 19 Rep 161 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: upstate NY iTrader: (0)	Led (Zep), Ask the service dept manager to take a ride with you (he is driving). Last time after my Service Advisor could not communicate my concerns about steering wheel not being centered I simply ask that a mechanic ride with me in the car. As simple as that. Both of you in the car and everything is visual, no words involved. If the guy even after that will refuse to acknowledge the shaking... well stop the car on a highway, pull his sorry ass out, punch him few times on his head so he feels shakings. Seriously, why don't you ask that a mechanic takes a ride with you? __________________ 2008 328i, Black/Black, Steptronic
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