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I own a 2 door 325ci BMW,35,333 miles. On occasion only, the vehicle vibrates violently at 55-60 mph. I usually slow down or pull off the road when this happens. After I do this, the vibration stops and does not return for the duration of the drive. The feeling is a though I am driving on severely grooved payment. The steering wheel vibrates violently as well. I normally drive this car around town and I am usually only driving at high speeds for 5-6 miles. I have an appointment for service next week and I am afraid they are going to perform unneeded work. I have owned the car for a year and it has happened about a dozen times. It is getting more frequent lately. It just passed inspection. This car is certified, but all repairs are not covered.

Edited by XXXXXXXX on 7/1/2008 at 4:28 PM

Submitted: 509 days and 9 hours ago.

Category: BMW

Value: $20

Status: CLOSED

Optional Information:
2004 BMW 325ci

Already Tried:
replacing rear brakes, alignment and balancing all tires

Posted by Wesley 509 days and 7 hours ago.

Answer

Hello, any chance that the handbrake has been left on? Is the car a manual or automatic..
The causes for your symptom are many, bent rim bad tire bad motor mount, bad transmission mount, bad center bearing, worn suspension bushings. Do you have after market wheels? Let me know. thanks

508 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to Wesley's Post: No,I do not believe that the handbrake has been left on. This has occurred when my husband has been driving my car as well. The transmission is automatic that can be switched over to manual. The wheels are not after market. The condition of this vehicle is excellent. I love the car and have treated it with great care. This vibration is very random, lasting only 10-15 seconds, stopping when I slow down, and not returning for the day. The car is not cold when this happens. It was initially suggested that sand was in the tires(winter). I had the tires and rims cleaned, but it is still happening. I keep this car immaculate. It has been suggested to me that maybe a front caliper is locking up. The problem is that if the local BMW dealer does not experience this vibration, they can not fix it. I am sure, however that they will replace brakes, calipers and whatever to make money on non-warranty items. I have very little faith in them from previous service episodes. I know several mechanics that are quite good that can fix this for me, but I was hoping you could narrow down the possibilities. These mechanics are clients and we do favors for each other.

Accepted Answer

I would have to say you have a worn suspension part. I would look at the lower control arms the pull strut bushings and the Shocks. A through check of these items may reveal something. Thanks let me know of your findings

Accepts:
Expert:	Wesley
Pos. Feedback:	97.8 %
Answered:	7/2/2008

BMW Technician

Servicing and Repairing BMW's exclusively for 20 years. Previous owner of Independent repair shops.

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Optional Information: 2004 BMW 325ciAlready Tried: replacing rear brakes, alignment and balancing all tires