Front end shimmy

Jakobzara · 07-20-2005, 01:14 PM

I have 300 miles on my E90, I am getting a slight shake in my steering wheel, I do have SP, any comments.

titanium silver, sp, premium, coldweather, 6 speed manual, sirius radio,black leather with aluminum.

spydrz · 07-20-2005, 01:20 PM

Me too. They "can't duplicate" it. Very annoying...my 525i did it, and I swapped out a front wheel with the spare. Took care of it. Too bad we can't do that.

stressdoc · 07-20-2005, 01:21 PM

Is it speed specific, e.g., at 50, 60, and 80?
Is it road specific, e.g., highway but not residential street?
Are your wheels absolutely clean?
Did your car sit without being moved for more than a week?
Any chance one of your tires has been repaired?
Check with your dealer!

viperssd · 07-20-2005, 01:28 PM

if a spare fixed it maybe the tire balancing was not done correctly

itznin · 07-20-2005, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakobzara

I have 300 miles on my E90, I am getting a slight shake in my steering wheel, I do have SP, any comments.

titanium silver, sp, premium, coldweather, 6 speed manual, sirius radio,black leather with aluminum.

I felt this once yesterday, I noticed it but didn't think much of it until I seen this post.

How often is it occuring? I will keep an eye out if it happens again.

jubol · 07-20-2005, 01:51 PM

I have the same problem at 900 miles +, occurs at about 50 MPH on all types of road surfaces!! It is in the shop now, will pick it up tomorrow AM. Hope it is corrected!!!!
Fred

Jakobzara · 07-20-2005, 01:55 PM

I brought it to the dealer, they said the couldn't duplicate it, they took my word and checked the balance, they said there was an extra weight that was not needed on the wheel. It did not fix the problem.

It is a constant shake.

Help, how do I get the dealer to fix it.

titanium silver, sp, premium, coldweather, 6 speed manual, sirius radio,black leather with aluminum.

bimmer4me · 07-20-2005, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakobzara

I brought it to the dealer, they said the couldn't duplicate it, they took my word and checked the balance, they said there was an extra weight that was not needed on the wheel. It did not fix the problem.

It is a constant shake.

Help, how do I get the dealer to fix it.

Could it be flat spots on your tires? I friend of mine had a similiar situation when the car hit over 45mph. New tires fixed the problem. How long was your car sitting in the dealer's lot?

itznin · 07-20-2005, 02:02 PM

Oh this is stomach turning!

Mine just started happening last night (I'm coming close to 900 miles as jubol described above)

Jakobzara · 07-20-2005, 02:03 PM

They got it back to me in a day, I also had them put on the alluminum pedals while it was there, they look awesome.

itznin · 07-20-2005, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakobzara

They got it back to me in a day, I also had them put on the alluminum pedals while it was there, they look awesome.

Just made appointment with dealer for next Wednesday.

onesixeight · 07-20-2005, 02:28 PM

I had it on my car and I get it fixed last week....

Ask dealer to rebalance all 4 tires...I believe there might be a TSB for the issue. Let me go down and grab my paperwork and I'll post it in a bit....

itznin · 07-20-2005, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesixeight

I had it on my car and I get it fixed last week....

Ask dealer to rebalance all 4 tires...I believe there might be a TSB for the issue. Let me go down and grab my paperwork and I'll post it in a bit....

What is TSB?

I read on the other forums that it may be flat spots in the tires....

onesixeight · 07-20-2005, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itznin

What is TSB?

I read on the other forums that it may be flat spots in the tires....

Hi itznin...

TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. Usually communication between Corporate Techs and Dealer Techs only. Some can be found on NHTSA website.

Here is a copy of my service invoice when they fixed the shimmy and pull to the right.

itznin · 07-20-2005, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesixeight

Hi itznin...

TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. Usually communication between Corporate Techs and Dealer Techs only. Some can be found on NHTSA website.

Here is a copy of my service invoice when they fixed the shimmy and pull to the right.

Thank you sir, I will print this and bring it the day of my service appointment.

Others are still claiming it to be flatspots but you obviously had yours fixed so I'm taking your word. My appointment is next Wed.

stressdoc · 07-20-2005, 02:59 PM

The run-flats are heavy monsters, and the E90 suspension/steering sensitive&precise, so any tire balance/flat spot issues are likely to be amped. Not to dwell on the run flat issue, but I would really like to know what the gear heads in BMW engineering really think about all that unsprung weight. Maybe that is another good Q for E90Fleet to ask: what are the problems with the run flats, and what are the consequences of switching out to lighter tires? We used to work like mad to shave ounces off the unsprung weight, and here the run flats are adding many pounds!!!

onesixeight · 07-20-2005, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itznin

Thank you sir, I will print this and bring it the day of my service appointment.

Others are still claiming it to be flatspots but you obviously had yours fixed so I'm taking your word. My appointment is next Wed.

No problem! Let me know if I can be of any further help.

I'm gonna see my service advisor today about the jerky brakes, so I'll ask them about a TSB number.

Good Luck!

-Chris

nexus66 · 07-20-2005, 03:12 PM

I would say that 99% of the time these problems are due to wheels being out of balance - so should be a relatively simple solution. The little weights are just stuck on the inside of the rim and can easily fall off, knocking the wheel out of balance.

Another potential problem could be that the alloy itself is damaged/warped - although this is less likely unless you've whacked a pothole at some point??

Kinda related to balancing, but did you guys know that the "dot" painted on new tyres is supposed to be mounted in line with the valve - as the tyres are balance checked by the manufacturer and they paint the dot. Tyres mounted this way invariably need less balance weights added. Never seen a new car with tyres correctly mounted this way though - not even my new e90!

Teeman · 07-20-2005, 03:27 PM

Just wanted to add my 2 cents on the steering wheel shimmy, now at 750 miles, I'm experiencing the same thing. I have assumed it is a balancing issue, and hope to get it corrected in a visit in the near future. It is curious that this many have the same problem however.

spydrz · 07-20-2005, 04:22 PM

I wanted them to re-balance the tires, but they "can't duplicate" it...so I'm left with making another appointment (they had it almost a week!) and hopefully persuading one of the techs to ride with me.

PhilS · 07-20-2005, 04:31 PM

I had a similar problem with an E60, re-balancing made no difference. It was eventually fixed by replacing the tyres, my Dunlops were replaced with Bridgestones if I remember correctly.

These symptoms were common in the E60 forum, see the following threads:

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=3992&hl=

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?show...0&hl=vibration

LEDZEP · 07-20-2005, 05:03 PM

I have it too, but not on all road surfaces or speeds. Seems to be more noticable at lower speeds in my car and accentuated on concrete. Seems there are a lot of people experiencing this!

07-20-2005, 01:14 PM	#1
Jakobzara Enlisted Member 5 Rep 31 Posts Drives: BMW 2006 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (0)	Front end shimmy I have 300 miles on my E90, I am getting a slight shake in my steering wheel, I do have SP, any comments. titanium silver, sp, premium, coldweather, 6 speed manual, sirius radio,black leather with aluminum.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-20-2005, 01:20 PM	#2
spydrz Captain 33 Rep 671 Posts Drives: '15 M4, '15 i3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: RVA iTrader: (2) Garage List 06 330i [7.00] 2002 X5 3.0i [0.00] 2001 525i [0.00]	Me too. They "can't duplicate" it. Very annoying...my 525i did it, and I swapped out a front wheel with the spare. Took care of it. Too bad we can't do that. __________________ 2002 X5 3.0i/man.* 2006 330i/man./Arktis/Grau* 2001 525i/step./Schiefergrün/Sandbeige* 2013 X1 xDrive35i Alpinweiß/Schwarz/M Sport/Dinan Stage 2 *retired
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 01:21 PM	#3
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Is it speed specific, e.g., at 50, 60, and 80? Is it road specific, e.g., highway but not residential street? Are your wheels absolutely clean? Did your car sit without being moved for more than a week? Any chance one of your tires has been repaired? Check with your dealer!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 01:28 PM	#4
viperssd Private First Class 17 Rep 184 Posts Drives: 2023 AW X7 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio, USA iTrader: (2)	if a spare fixed it maybe the tire balancing was not done correctly
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 01:51 PM	#6
jubol Private 0 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dover, De, USA iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem at 900 miles +, occurs at about 50 MPH on all types of road surfaces!! It is in the shop now, will pick it up tomorrow AM. Hope it is corrected!!!! Fred
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 01:55 PM	#7
Jakobzara Enlisted Member 5 Rep 31 Posts Drives: BMW 2006 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (0)	Steering wheel shake I brought it to the dealer, they said the couldn't duplicate it, they took my word and checked the balance, they said there was an extra weight that was not needed on the wheel. It did not fix the problem. It is a constant shake. Help, how do I get the dealer to fix it. titanium silver, sp, premium, coldweather, 6 speed manual, sirius radio,black leather with aluminum.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 02:02 PM	#9
itznin Captain 26 Rep 679 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North NJ iTrader: (2)	Oh this is stomach turning! Mine just started happening last night (I'm coming close to 900 miles as jubol described above)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 02:03 PM	#10
Jakobzara Enlisted Member 5 Rep 31 Posts Drives: BMW 2006 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (0)	They got it back to me in a day, I also had them put on the alluminum pedals while it was there, they look awesome.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 02:28 PM	#12
onesixeight Captain 102 Rep 614 Posts Drives: F82 M4/i8 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3)	I had it on my car and I get it fixed last week.... Ask dealer to rebalance all 4 tires...I believe there might be a TSB for the issue. Let me go down and grab my paperwork and I'll post it in a bit....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 02:59 PM	#16
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	The run-flats are heavy monsters, and the E90 suspension/steering sensitive&precise, so any tire balance/flat spot issues are likely to be amped. Not to dwell on the run flat issue, but I would really like to know what the gear heads in BMW engineering really think about all that unsprung weight. Maybe that is another good Q for E90Fleet to ask: what are the problems with the run flats, and what are the consequences of switching out to lighter tires? We used to work like mad to shave ounces off the unsprung weight, and here the run flats are adding many pounds!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 03:12 PM	#18
nexus66 Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 239 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I would say that 99% of the time these problems are due to wheels being out of balance - so should be a relatively simple solution. The little weights are just stuck on the inside of the rim and can easily fall off, knocking the wheel out of balance. Another potential problem could be that the alloy itself is damaged/warped - although this is less likely unless you've whacked a pothole at some point?? Kinda related to balancing, but did you guys know that the "dot" painted on new tyres is supposed to be mounted in line with the valve - as the tyres are balance checked by the manufacturer and they paint the dot. Tyres mounted this way invariably need less balance weights added. Never seen a new car with tyres correctly mounted this way though - not even my new e90!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 03:27 PM	#19
Teeman New Member 3 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2006 Arctic 330I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Just wanted to add my 2 cents on the steering wheel shimmy, now at 750 miles, I'm experiencing the same thing. I have assumed it is a balancing issue, and hope to get it corrected in a visit in the near future. It is curious that this many have the same problem however.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 04:22 PM	#20
spydrz Captain 33 Rep 671 Posts Drives: '15 M4, '15 i3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: RVA iTrader: (2) Garage List 06 330i [7.00] 2002 X5 3.0i [0.00] 2001 525i [0.00]	I wanted them to re-balance the tires, but they "can't duplicate" it...so I'm left with making another appointment (they had it almost a week!) and hopefully persuading one of the techs to ride with me. __________________ 2002 X5 3.0i/man.* 2006 330i/man./Arktis/Grau* 2001 525i/step./Schiefergrün/Sandbeige* 2013 X1 xDrive35i Alpinweiß/Schwarz/M Sport/Dinan Stage 2 *retired
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 04:31 PM	#21
PhilS Private 4 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 330i SE Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: N.Ireland iTrader: (0)	I had a similar problem with an E60, re-balancing made no difference. It was eventually fixed by replacing the tyres, my Dunlops were replaced with Bridgestones if I remember correctly. These symptoms were common in the E60 forum, see the following threads: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=3992&hl= http://forums.e60.net/index.php?show...0&hl=vibration __________________ ____________________________________ 330i SE Ti silver, sports steering wheel, heated sports seats, black dakota, lumbar support, adaptive headlights, 162 wheels, bluetooth phone prep, Hi-Fi stereo, folding mirrors.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2005, 05:03 PM	#22
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]	I have it too, but not on all road surfaces or speeds. Seems to be more noticable at lower speeds in my car and accentuated on concrete. Seems there are a lot of people experiencing this!
	Appreciate 0 Quote