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Vibration felt through whole car

Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 5 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 5 Series (E12, E28, E34, E39, E60 & E61)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=13259
Printed Date: 28-March-2024 at 13:34


Topic: Vibration felt through whole car
Posted By: Alex B
Subject: Vibration felt through whole car
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 11:31

I have a vibration through the whole car which i can feel from 60-90mph.  I've had my wheels balanced 3 times at different places.  replaced front and rear brake discs and pads.  I've even dumped my Fulda Extremo tyres and fitted new OE Conti eco contacts. 225/55/16.  The problem is still the same.  I've had the car checked over by a TCS BMW specialists in High Wycombe and by North Oxford main dealer.  They can't find anything wrong.  The wheels are OE and if swapped front to back the problem is the same.  It is not wheels/tyres/brakes.  The car is very low miles at 44000.  The dealer says all the bushes look good and have never heard of any prop shaft probs on an e39.  I've read plenty of previous posts about similar problems.  Has anyone actually fixed this problem?  I've spent around £700 already and am starting to hate the car i loved for so long.  Please help!!

 

I've read loads of previous posts similar to my problem but haven't got a definite solution



-------------
Mines a 99T 523iASE with 44000 miles. Titan silver, beige leather.Owned from new.



Replies:
Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 11:45

Alex,  I'm in the same boat as you at the moment.  The vibration is small, but very high frequency and I feel it in the seat and up through my right leg from the accelerator pedal.

My local independent thinks it's fine, but he's not driving it every day.

I have 110k miles on mine so I've more wear & tear in the car.

I was thinking first that it might be discs also, but I'm seriously starting to think it might be worn bushes in the suspension arms.  I'm more inclined to start at the back of the car since there is nothing really coming up through the steering.

I've swapped the wheels, balanced them and prodded about at the rear bushes.  I'm not sure how they are to react if you apply a small bit of lateral pressure on them with a flat bladed screwdriver but they did move 4-5 mm.

I'm going to look into how easy it is to replace the back arms/bushes first and see if I can do it myself and save a few euro. 

I found a local motor factors that can get febi parts in which work out a lot cheaper than OEM parts.  www.febi.com



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Alex B
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 11:56
Tom, what you describe is exactly what i have.  Very small vibrations but high frequency felt through my seat and the floor.  Feeling my trousers vibrate against my legs and through the accelerator pedal.  The best place I can feel it is if I put my hand on the side of the passenger head rest.  I agree it is almost certainly at the back of the car cos the steering is fine.  I never mentioned that I replaced the front discs cos i also had steering judder under braking.  The judder is fixed (warped discs).  I'm not sure where to look next.  Let me know how you get on if you go for the bushes.

-------------
Mines a 99T 523iASE with 44000 miles. Titan silver, beige leather.Owned from new.


Posted By: brybusa
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 11:58

If you exhaust is slightly loose it can rattle against the body at certain speeds/frequencies and cause vibration in the car...usaully from the back too.

Worth a look....

B

 

 



Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 12:17

Could it be from a worn engine/transmission mount?

Not sure of the details of any of these but might be worth a look.  As Tom is saying that would give a feel of a vibration other than thru the steering wheel. 

If it is a high frequency it sounds like it's due to something that is moving about quickly hence something moving about in the engine/transmission area?

Andrew



-------------
Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto


Posted By: Alex B
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 12:43

What I haven't mentioned is that I only noticed the problem after having my offside rear ABS sensor replaced at the main dealer.  To do this they had to remove the wheel and drill out the old sensor and its attachment bolt as they had both seized.  I had driven the 800 mile round trip to Scotland only 2 weeks previously and it wasn't there then.  I did the same drive the day after the sensor replacement and there it was.  Is it something they have knocked during the sensor replacement?



-------------
Mines a 99T 523iASE with 44000 miles. Titan silver, beige leather.Owned from new.


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 15:39

Andrew & Brybusa, I had suspected something like what you guys have mentioned and also my independent suggested also it could be coming from something resonating through the car.  My cat is not in great shapes at the moment and could possibly be the cause, but then again its been like that for a while and the problem is only recent.

Also suspected something in the engine bay are like a loose or worn engine mount.

Reasons why I discounted them was if I am driving on a glass like road surface the vibration is almost gone, but as soon as you hit a nice rough surface it's back with a vengeance.

I had a look at the rear wishbones today and they look relatively easy to replace....2 bolts each, pop them out and new ones in.  Had a quick look in the Bentley and it confirmed it.  The procedure is 2-3 lines long.  They're no way as difficult as the front ones.

There are 4 bushes on each corner at the rear.  2 are replaceable by themselves (swing arm & subframe mounting) and the other 2 (Upper rear control arm & upper front control arm) have to be replaced with the arm.  The 2 arms are the easy ones to replace.  Other 2 look a but more to them.

Another thing that crossed my mind was the wheel bearings.

Like you said Alex, this can be a cheap or expensive fix.  If u hit the nail on the head first time, you're lucky.

Parts #14 & 18 are the 2 arms I mention above that are straight forward enough to change.

Alex, at least you are in the position that you have it narrowed down to one corner. The drilling they had to do may have done some damage to the bearing or bushes. 



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: NOISUFNOC
Date Posted: 07-January-2005 at 19:37
No sure if anyone has suggested this guys but, i had the same problem with my 525 sport, turned out that when i was getting new tyres fitted they forgot to refit the small plastic centering rings onto the wheels, sometimes they arent obvious because they actually sit in the wheel edge.  just a suggestion.

-------------
528 for now


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 08-January-2005 at 14:27

I took the car out on a long drive today over various road surfaces.  Definate difference between smooth tarmac surface and rough concrete surfaces thro housing estates.

Also, in a stopped position, I revved the car slowly up to 4,500rpm and the vibrations can also be felt up thro the accelerator & clutch pedal.

I'm baffled as to what might be causing it....maybe its a combination of both vibration from the dying cat and worn bushings.

Seeing as my cat has been on my list for a few months I think I'll tackle that first and check all the exhaust mountings while I'm at it.

GSF have one for £195+VAT, so I'll be ordering one first thing Monday.  Might take a week to 10 days before I'm back with a reply, but I'll keep it posted.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: J7 VNK
Date Posted: 08-January-2005 at 18:47

if your car has the virbration when stopped like you say, it's more worrying i would think!!  when you drive it and get the vibration what RPM is the engine doing?  4500 also? or is it speed related and not revs when driving?

I would have thought with the vibration happening when stopped, it's an engine problem!! small end bearings, cam, and unbalanced pulley, could also be an engine mount? hopefully the latter!!  I would have the mounts checked, or just change them as a matter of course!!  i doubt you have any engie probs!!  or i hope you haven't!



-------------

1999 528iA Sport Pack,Aspen Silver,17" MTech's.
1994 525i Sport, Avus Blue,SOLD (BMWCC Member)
1999 323i SE E46, Black, man, Sports Leather. http://www.geocities.com/avusbmw -
My Cars

"BMW's are for life, not just for Christmas"


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 09-January-2005 at 15:22
Originally posted by J7 VNK J7 VNK wrote:

if your car has the virbration when stopped like you say, it's more worrying i would think!!  when you drive it and get the vibration what RPM is the engine doing?  4500 also? or is it speed related and not revs when driving?

I would have thought with the vibration happening when stopped, it's an engine problem!! small end bearings, cam, and unbalanced pulley, could also be an engine mount? hopefully the latter!!  I would have the mounts checked, or just change them as a matter of course!!  i doubt you have any engie probs!!  or i hope you haven't!

It's more speed related....the cat defiantely needs doing but I don't think it is the major cause of the vibration.

Definately the rougher the surface the worse the vibration....no matter what speed.  I exited off the motorway today and the exit ramp started into a sweeping 90 deg left bend and then to a sweeping 90 deg right bend.  Definately the vibration was worse turning right.  This to me suggests more of a problem on the right as more of the weight is placed on the right when turning right.  I hit a large pothole a few weeks back thet did serious damage to my back right alloy...new tyre also.

I'm going to start replacing the bushes and arms in the rear starting with te right side but also at same time get the cat done.  Lets hope the costs stay low.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: J7 VNK
Date Posted: 09-January-2005 at 16:02
Originally posted by Toxic Toxic wrote:

Also, in a stopped position, I revved the car slowly up to 4,500rpm and the vibrations can also be felt up thro the accelerator & clutch pedal.

I'm baffled as to what might be causing it....

replacing the bushings and arms in the rear wont help a vibration if it vibrates when stopped, as you have said above! maybe it is worse when driving, BUT if you do have a vibration when stopped and revving, i would tend to assume these are somehow one in the same thing!!  so i would still start with your engine/gearbox mounts!!

unless, the vibration when sanding still is simply a 'rattle' from a loose cat/exhaust/heat shield etc...



-------------

1999 528iA Sport Pack,Aspen Silver,17" MTech's.
1994 525i Sport, Avus Blue,SOLD (BMWCC Member)
1999 323i SE E46, Black, man, Sports Leather. http://www.geocities.com/avusbmw -
My Cars

"BMW's are for life, not just for Christmas"


Posted By: Alex B
Date Posted: 10-January-2005 at 10:32

Tom, It sounds like you have 2 problems then.  I don't have any engine vibration at all but your symptoms for the high frequency vibration at 60-90 are identical to mine.  I'm wondering if BMW North Oxford could have 'knocked' something out of alignment or adjustment while working on my abs sensor?  That may be a red herring, but it only appeared after job.  Did your vibration come gradually or suddenly or was it only after you had the pothole incident?  I can see a common factor of rear right hand side here.



-------------
Mines a 99T 523iASE with 44000 miles. Titan silver, beige leather.Owned from new.


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 10-January-2005 at 15:13

Alex,

I have a feeling I have 2 problems.  One vibration coming from revving the engine, whether it be from bad engine/gearbox mounts or exhaust vibration.

2nd is from driving the car.  Reason I say this is I can feel a vibration through the floor pan sitting at idle and gradually raising the revs.  2,000rpm seems to be where it kicks in.  There is no vibration seen on the sun visor or passenger headrest at this time.

However driving at 70-80, the headrest and sunvisor can be seen to vibrate.

I'm going down to my local independent tomorrow and he is going to give me 4 wheels to put on the car and see if they make any difference.  If they do, then the garage that supoosed to have balanced the wheels last for me didn't do it right.

I'll also have a good poke around with thim under the bonnet and try to convince him of the vibration.

My vibration only seemed to happen after I hit that pothole.  I replaced the tyre & wheel and got the wheels balanced and 4 wheel alignment, but no improvement.

I still suspect some suspension bushing wear, so with teh wheels off tomorrow, I'll get his opinion on the bushings and their condition.

Update tomorrow evening.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 11-January-2005 at 03:12

Tom

I don't know if you have taken steps on this before or know its not a factor but not wanting to worry you, could the engine vibration be a result of the dreaded Nikasil issue?  This might explain the vibration when stationary but not the vibration as a result of hitting a pothole.

Hmm.

The only other thing I could think of that might produce a high frequency vibration at speed might be a worn wheel bearing (or damaged one after hitting the pothole) and with a combination of possibly worn suspension bushes allowing metal to metal contact and hence the vibration felt thru the car body.  This effect may be exaggerated immediately after hitting a new pothole and then settle down once the suspension components move about to their 'normal' positions afterwards.

Best of luck at the indy.  Keep us posted

Andrew



-------------
Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 11-January-2005 at 05:17
Originally posted by Andrew Rolland Andrew Rolland wrote:

Tom

I don't know if you have taken steps on this before or know its not a factor but not wanting to worry you, could the engine vibration be a result of the dreaded Nikasil issue?  This might explain the vibration when stationary but not the vibration as a result of hitting a pothole.

Hmm.

The only other thing I could think of that might produce a high frequency vibration at speed might be a worn wheel bearing (or damaged one after hitting the pothole) and with a combination of possibly worn suspension bushes allowing metal to metal contact and hence the vibration felt thru the car body.  This effect may be exaggerated immediately after hitting a new pothole and then settle down once the suspension components move about to their 'normal' positions afterwards.

Best of luck at the indy.  Keep us posted

Andrew

Andrew, I'm thinking along the line that it might be a bearing but I'm told you would be deafened if the bearing was gone....

As far as the Nikasil thing, I'm not losing any oil between serice (8k miles) probably a litre, so I should be ok there? Right?



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: J7 VNK
Date Posted: 11-January-2005 at 05:35

A litre seems quite a bit to me!!  but not sure what the actual consumption figures are!  I know the M5 used to use that in a about 1000 miles!!

As for a bearing, what bearing are you talking about?  an engine bearing?  as I doubt it could be a wheel bearing!!

As for being deafened!  not the case at all, if a big end goes you'll get a low rev (tickover) rumble or a knocking if it's bad!  but not the case in the small end bearings or an ancilliary!

Another thing for the revving vibration could simply be an uneven run!  misfire etc.. but you should be able to tell this and i'm sure a garage would have picked up on! 

Good luck!



-------------

1999 528iA Sport Pack,Aspen Silver,17" MTech's.
1994 525i Sport, Avus Blue,SOLD (BMWCC Member)
1999 323i SE E46, Black, man, Sports Leather. http://www.geocities.com/avusbmw -
My Cars

"BMW's are for life, not just for Christmas"


Posted By: brybusa
Date Posted: 11-January-2005 at 07:55

Vibration coming thru' the floor pan usaully IS the exhaust coming loose....

Get it up on a ramp and check it before throwing £££££ away...



Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 11-January-2005 at 13:06
Originally posted by J7 VNK J7 VNK wrote:

A litre seems quite a bit to me!!  but not sure what the actual consumption figures are!  I know the M5 used to use that in a about 1000 miles!!

1 litre per 8000miles consumption maximum.

The indy didn't have the wheels for me today so I'm off to another shop tomorrow to get them balanced and aligned.  Last place I got them done has a bit of a vendetta against me over €20 so I think they might have been a bit lax a dazy with the balancing.  While the car is up on the ramp, I'll have a good look under at the exhaust.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: studyolic
Date Posted: 11-January-2005 at 13:46
When I've had a worn wheel bearing it's made a sort of moaning noise
when taking a bend at speed, but only in one direction, ie if it moaned
through a left hander it was one of the right -side bearings.

Thia is probably way off, but I wondered if the difference in vibration on
different surfaces could be due to resonance in a tyre if it was
significantly over/under inflated? Just a guess.


-------------
Richard.

Current; 2000 316i Compact 1.9
previous; 1999 535i V8,    
1995 316i Compact 1.6


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 12-January-2005 at 15:10

Originally posted by studyolic studyolic wrote:

When I've had a worn wheel bearing it's made a sort of moaning noise
when taking a bend at speed, but only in one direction, ie if it moaned
through a left hander it was one of the right -side bearings.

Thia is probably way off, but I wondered if the difference in vibration on
different surfaces could be due to resonance in a tyre if it was
significantly over/under inflated? Just a guess.

I'm gonna try the tyre/wheel test tomorrow with a different set of wheels/tyres.  New cat also going in tomorrow with throttle cable also (un related).

Got wheels balanced again today....no difference.

Got alignemnt done and it was way off when it was supposed to be done recently in another place.

Another thing that popped into my head was I hit a speed ramp at about 35mph around same time or just after pothole. Local council put one in the estate in a badly lit area with no markings and I hit it late at night comeing home from work when it wasn't there when I left.  Could have done in the front shocks.  Ok, so indy gonna replace cat tomorrow, check out my shocks and engine mounts .... if he can't see anyting, it's off to the dealer in the afternoon.

The vibration at low speeds seems to be coming thro the pedals and gets very bad on rough road surfaces.  It can be felt easily at 20mph so its not an imbalance and 45mph in 4th gear about 2,000rpm seems to be the worst.  Right leg about to fall off...its that bad now.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 15-January-2005 at 14:08
 

Car was dropped back to me last night by the indy after the new cat & throttle cable were installed.

What a difference the new cable made…!!!

Took the car for a short drive last night and it appears the vibration has gone down quite a bit and the cat is much quieter.  However, this morning when I started it from cold, it sounded like a tractor and the exhaust was about to fall off.  Checked underneath and everything looked ok, and after about 2 mins and 100yds down the road the noise disappeared.  Whatever it was, it went away when it heated up a little.  Started it up again there earlier and same story again.  Something loose on cold….needs to go back for a quick inspection on the ramp on Monday and a good drive then to see if any improvement has been made in the vibration department.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: brybusa
Date Posted: 20-January-2005 at 11:20
Any more progress Tom?


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 21-January-2005 at 08:14

Originally posted by brybusa brybusa wrote:

Any more progress Tom?

I got a 2nd opinion this morning.  Also thinks I'm over reacting but it's there.  OK, what we found was...my cat is still not centered down the middle of the underneath of the car so it is slightly rubbing off the heat shield.  Until I get this rectified, there is no point looking around for another vibration.  However, we found that the back box when it was shaked, had rattles in it where the baffles are breaking down.  2nd opinion reckons the baffles hopping around in there at about 2,500 rpm could contribute to a vibration from revving.

Also, jacked up all 4 corners separately and rotated the tyres by hand.  Noticed 3 out of 4 of them had slight flat spots on them about 1-2mm.  It was suggested to me to replace all 4 of them before taking it any further as he checked out every suspension component and they all were sound.

I think my next step is to get the back box replaced, the cat straightened and centred at the same time and take it from there. 

As for tyres....any recommendations as to what people use?

I bought 2 tyres for the other car yesterday in Northern Ireland while I was up there (205/60/16) for £59 each (€87). Dunlop SP Sport 2000.  Closest price on eiretyres for similar tyre was €115 and then it will cost you an extra €10 to fit.

I'm thinking of next time I am up in Derry (April), I'll get the 4 tyres up there then and save a packet...

Cheapest from Eiretyres for Dunlop SP 9000 is €140 each and SP 2000 is €205 each.

I think I got a quote for SP 8000's at €130 each inc. fitting.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 21-January-2005 at 10:54

Tom you have these wheels don't you?

Well most of the other E39's I have noticed with these rims have Continental Eco Contact CP. I'm not sure of the exact size as I only have the 15" rims.  I prefer the 16" wheels fitted on the other SE

I have Continental Eco Contact CP on the front a pair of different poor quality, unknown manufacturer (to me) non matching tyres on the rear (Garage I bought it from screwed me on the tyres!) but I will put back on 4 no. 225/65 R15 V Continental Eco Contact CP when I can afford to do so.

I believe the OEM tyres for your car and mine are Continental Eco Contact CP .

Hope this helps.

Andrew



-------------
Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 21-January-2005 at 14:54
Andrew, ya I have those wheels.  I believe they are called Style 33.  I thought the OEM tyres were Dunlop SP Sport 2000, maybe thats for the cars with the M setup?  Thanks for the info on the Conti's.  I think I have them on the back, but I have Firestone directionals on the front and they are not in great shapes.

-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 08:09

OK, finally found someone who knew what they were talking about.

Front upper control arms & bushes and front left lower control arm are to be replaced.  Totally shot.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 08:30

Toxic,

I have had the front lower control arms and bushes replaced and it was better. I  have been asking on forums if they had upper ones and I guess you have answered that! How much are you being charged? I will have mine done too ..



-------------
Philip


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 08:39
Originally posted by Phillip Phillip wrote:

Toxic,

I have had the front lower control arms and bushes replaced and it was better. I  have been asking on forums if they had upper ones and I guess you have answered that! How much are you being charged? I will have mine done too ..

Philip,

Part #4 is the upper arm and #5 is the bush.  Cost for these I'm told for febi parts is about €150 for each side. Part #11 is the lower arm.  Comes complete with bush.  I had the front right replaced about 2 months back but it wasn't a new arm but a god one for €45 but I think again they are about €150 each.  Probably looking at about 2 hrs labor per corner.

Tom



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 08:55

Originally posted by Toxic Toxic wrote:

As for tyres....any recommendations as to what people use?

Tom

I replaced mine a few months ago and got Pirelli P7's.  Not overly impressed.  Seems like the consumption has dropped off by about 1.5 mpg and they don't feel quite as communicative.  Having said that, I can't be sure that tracking isn't contributing to the problem a bit.

I had the Conti's before these and they felt better.  Goodyear Eagles seem to be recommended here by many as well.

TJ pointed me to Rathcormac Tyres (025) 36301, near Fermoy and their prices were excellent.  Couldn't beat them with Dave McCann or Eiretyres (the other outfits recommended this side of the pond).

I missed out on some of this thread earlier.  My cat is has been on the way out and last week started to sound like a tin of marbles so I'll need to get that done.  Did you get the bits for that yourself or did your service guy?  What sort of cost did that come to.  I'm hoping its not going to be as eye watering as KBannon's!



-------------
Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 09:06
Originally posted by Dergside Dergside wrote:

Originally posted by Toxic Toxic wrote:

As for tyres....any recommendations as to what people use?

Tom

I replaced mine a few months ago and got Pirelli P7's.  Not overly impressed.  Seems like the consumption has dropped off by about 1.5 mpg and they don't feel quite as communicative.  Having said that, I can't be sure that tracking isn't contributing to the problem a bit.

I had the Conti's before these and they felt better.  Goodyear Eagles seem to be recommended here by many as well.

TJ pointed me to Rathcormac Tyres (025) 36301, near Fermoy and their prices were excellent.  Couldn't beat them with Dave McCann or Eiretyres (the other outfits recommended this side of the pond).

I missed out on some of this thread earlier.  My cat is has been on the way out and last week started to sound like a tin of marbles so I'll need to get that done.  Did you get the bits for that yourself or did your service guy?  What sort of cost did that come to.  I'm hoping its not going to be as eye watering as KBannon's!

I got a price up North last time for about €130 each inc. fitting for Dunlop Sport 8000's.  I'm not sure if that can be beaten down here.  I know the place in Rathcormac, I pass by every time going to Cork.

I'm going to Cork in April and also the North so I'll compare the 2 prices.

I got the cat from GSF with the sleeve and gaskets at just under €400.  Got a local mechanic to fit it but it wasn't fitted 100% straight and needs a minor adjustment.  Just make sure it's the cat before you go shelling out the yoyo's.  My back box is a bit 'marbly' also...grab the tail pipe and give it a shake and see if the marbles can be heard in there.  It could be that and would save you €200.



-------------
Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 10:02

Thanks Tom.  Its almost certainly the cat.  I had John Roche check it out for me after it started to rattle when he did some track control arms for me a few months ago, hoping it might just be the regular exhaust.  But no such luck.  In the last week or so its suddenly gotten worse.  It gets a little better when the car warms up.  You mentioned in a post about something happening at 2k revs.  Since I got this one at exactly 2k revs on the clock I got a very slight roughness that disappeared at about 2100 rev.  Now, there is a great rattle at the exact same point, so I'm guessing the two are linked.  In the beginning I was paranoid that it might be nikasil related!

€130 a pop, fitted and balanced, was what I paid for the P7's.



-------------
Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.


Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 10:06

I am now booked in on Tuesday for upper control arm bushes. £151.26 inc VAT. Don't know whether this is expensive but hey, already wasted about 1k on changing things that don't need it so who cares.

Will let you know on tuesday.

Phillip



-------------
Philip


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 10:33
Originally posted by Phillip Phillip wrote:

I am now booked in on Tuesday for upper control arm bushes. £151.26 inc VAT. Don't know whether this is expensive but hey, already wasted about 1k on changing things that don't need it so who cares.

Will let you know on tuesday.

Phillip

Philip, is that price just for the bushes or bushes & labor?

I got a price from OTTO in Ranelagh this afternoon for the Upper arms & bushes only at €103.57+VAT.  I'm going to replace the arm as well as the bushes, since the arm has to come out anyway and the ball joint on the arm has to be popped out at the hub carrier.  This could cause the ball joint to weaken prematurely and you could be back down the same road in 6mths time.

Originally posted by Dergside Dergside wrote:

Thanks Tom.  Its almost certainly the cat.  I had John Roche check it out for me after it started to rattle when he did some track control arms for me a few months ago, hoping it might just be the regular exhaust.  But no such luck.  In the last week or so its suddenly gotten worse.  It gets a little better when the car warms up.  You mentioned in a post about something happening at 2k revs.  Since I got this one at exactly 2k revs on the clock I got a very slight roughness that disappeared at about 2100 rev.  Now, there is a great rattle at the exact same point, so I'm guessing the two are linked.  In the beginning I was paranoid that it might be nikasil related!

Paranoia is rife with me also.   Most places I've brought the car said it was all in my head......."I've driven worse than this..." and "it's only a very small vibration...you wouldn't even notice it".

I'm not really too bothered whether they've driven worse, fact is, my car has driven better and I want it back that way.  I'd say the roughness you talk about could be the cat, replacing mine made it better, but since the back box is also goosed, it's not completely gone.



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Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 10:40
"Quote"  Paranoia is rife with me also.   Most places I've brought the car said it was all in my head......."I've driven worse than this..." and "it's only a very small vibration...you wouldn't even notice it".

I'm not really too bothered whether they've driven worse, fact is, my car has driven better and I want it back that way. "Quote"

Toxic the cost was for the whole job, inc. labour. And you rae completely right. I don't care if there are worse about..I want my car back the way it was too.

Phillip



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Philip


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 10:43
Originally posted by Phillip Phillip wrote:

"Quote"  Paranoia is rife with me also.   Most places I've brought the car said it was all in my head......."I've driven worse than this..." and "it's only a very small vibration...you wouldn't even notice it".

I'm not really too bothered whether they've driven worse, fact is, my car has driven better and I want it back that way. "Quote"

Toxic the cost was for the whole job, inc. labour. And you rae completely right. I don't care if there are worse about..I want my car back the way it was too.

Phillip

Phillip, sorry didn't realise you were across the pond and the price was in £.

I take it you're going to a dealer?

 

OTTO also told me that the original parts are made by LEMFORDER.  I thought and so did joe318is think it was Febi.  Need to jack up and check was stamped on teh arms before I buy.



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Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 28-January-2005 at 10:51

Its an independant. Two hours labour at £30 per hour and the rest the parts. Hope I am not being ripped off but he is a good guy and been doing german cars for 20 years.If I had a FBMWSH i would go to BM but I don't.And  I am about as handy with spanners myself as a fish.

 

 



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Philip


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 29-January-2005 at 14:59
Originally posted by Phillip Phillip wrote:

Its an independant. Two hours labour at £30 per hour and the rest the parts. Hope I am not being ripped off but he is a good guy and been doing german cars for 20 years.If I had a FBMWSH i would go to BM but I don't.And  I am about as handy with spanners myself as a fish.

 

 

The bushes should only cost about £40 for a pair unless he is getting them from the main dealer, but if you can find a febi agent motor factors, try and pick them up yourself.  The febi part number for the pair of bushes is 09005, assuming you have a 6 cylinder.



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Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 01-February-2005 at 03:47

Hi Toxic,

Just dropped my car off and asked for a proper breakdown of the quote...£19.50 each side for the bushes and £45 per side labour. I got confused as I thought he was chrging me £30 per side labour...but he is £30 an hour and he said the job takes 1.5hrs ish. He has only done one before on an e39 and thats how long it took but he will charge less if it is quicker. So not too bad I think...like i said if it fixes it I don't really care how much.I will let you know tonight.. 



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Philip


Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 02-February-2005 at 14:47

Well I have the car back and its a little better but its all still there

So I went to see a new one today and just called them back to say I am taking it!!! Provided no-one else buys it between now and 7.30 tomorrow night (the first time I can get there) I will be collecting a 1999 silver 528 SEA with leather and car kit, front lip spoiler, brand new 18 inch wheels and brand new tyres with a full history, just had an inspection 2 at Synters. Lets hope I get from work tomorrow in time. Its all subject to a test drive..didnt have time today. So how different will it be from a 520???



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Philip


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 02-February-2005 at 14:59

a bit extreme Phil....I suppose if you're not happy then you go with it..

 

I'm getting my exhaust finally sorted tomorrow and the arms/bushes done Tuesday, so I'm hoping Wed I'll be driving mine and it will feel like a 2003 car????



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Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 02-February-2005 at 15:49

I know its a bit extreme really, but I have spent upwards of £600 and its still not fixed, its done 129k miles...how much do I spend?? It needs 4 new tyres at about £400 so I just had enough. Surely better to put money into something else? It woudnt bother me  but I do a 120 mile round trip every day and of course the vibration is at its worst between 70 and 90...so I either do 60 (too slow) OR 100..which is great but risky

So thats it..528 here I come. And from what I read the consumption will be no worse and some say better. We will see. I will keep my fingers crossed for you Toxic...



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Philip


Posted By: jamie (e39)528i
Date Posted: 02-February-2005 at 16:36

Hi phillip sorry to hear about your problems with your 520i .I own a e39 528ise best car ive ever had ! smooth torquey straight six,comftable capable cruiser ENJOY!



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Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 04-February-2005 at 05:15
Well I brought it home with me last night...12 monts MOT and 30, yes 30 months platinum warranty (probably crap but well) and 6 months tax. When I drove it it had terrible brake judder sad.gif which he said he would fix. Now call me cynical but a) the garage is 70 miles away and did't want to return and  would rather get it done myself. So he gave me £200 in cash. Last time I had them done on my old car they were £180 so I am happy with that. And having driven it to work this morning what a beast hey...overtook someone who was going 30 and the ASC light came on biggrin.gif , now in the 520 that never happened. I love it and it feels so much "newer". Happy me and I must thank all you guys for your advice and help...

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Philip


Posted By: jamie (e39)528i
Date Posted: 04-February-2005 at 06:17

Hi phllip glad you are enjoying your car!.You will find that if you drive quite enthusiasticly the asc will come on easily! Only time i find it annoying is when at a roundabout when its wet and you need to pull away quickly it cuts the power for a few seconds,mind you beats sitting ther with both wheels spinning !. Maybe you can post some pic's when you have some .ENJOY.



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Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 09-February-2005 at 04:12

Update on my exhaust....it appears the new cat I got fitted has failed already....it is buzzing away underneath and is making a rattling sound where the 2 pipes merge into one.  I got a replacement one from the supplier so it's going in Thursday night.

Just got car back last night after both front thrust arms and bushes replaced and left control arm replaced.  Front end now a lot more solid and tighter and car feels a lot sharper over bumps & uneven surfaces.  The rolling vibration has definately almost completely gone.  When the credit card has had time to recover, I think a new set of boots should make it even better.



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Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: Alex B
Date Posted: 09-February-2005 at 10:52

Tom,

As you know i had all 4 tyres replaced in my quest to cure the vibration.  I went back to the original tyres which are Conti Eco Contacts.  I had my car from new so I know for sure they are the original equipment.  My wheels although a different style to yours are exactly the same size.  The tyre size is 225/55/16.  My original set lasted 33000 miles. I decided to fit Fulda extremos (directional aquatread type) as replacements on advice from a mate.  Right from the start it was a bad decision.  They were terrible for tramlining and my fuel consumption went through the roof.  i.e on the 800 mile round trip from Oxfordshire to Scotland which i do around 5 times per year I'd get approx 34mpg at around 90mph depending on wind direction and wet roads.  With the Fuldas I was only getting 29 mpg on the same journey.  I saved £40 on the set of tyres but calculated that over 33000 miles they'd cost me about £1000 more in fuel.  Now I have new Contis back on, the difference is amazing.  The steering and directional stability is so much better and the economy has improved already.  The ride is smoother and so much quieter it is unbelieveable.  So my advice is get the Contis.  You won't be dissapointed.  They are what the car was meant to have and it really shows.  I didn't think tyres could make such a difference.  Now I know better.

Hope this helps

Alex



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Mines a 99T 523iASE with 44000 miles. Titan silver, beige leather.Owned from new.


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 25-February-2005 at 15:02

Finally got the car back today with a 2nd cat fitted to it...

Much improvement.  The vibration from revving is all but eliminated, but the cat reverberates a little...probably due to the fact I was too scabby to buy an OE one.  STill the car is feeling a lot more pleasurable to drive and made me realise why I bough the car in teh first place.

Now to bring me back the first cat to the supplier and try and get me money back.

This was also in the same day I was offered a '01 520i (2.2l), black with tan leather interiror and M-pack with lower than avg mileage for €26k.  I thought about it for an hour but resisted.  If it wasn't for a house purchase going through in the next month, I'd have had it next week.  SO if anybody is interested, let me know.  I've just seen the car a couple times, never drove it but is immaculate with FSH.  It'll be going to a BMW dealer soon to get traded in for a newer model.



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Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________


Posted By: M3wannabe
Date Posted: 27-February-2005 at 21:39

Hi guys, just a quick one. Working in a wheel and tyre centre i come across this problem all the time.

When the vibration is felt through the entire vehicle then the problem is most definately at the rear.

If you have had your wheels balanced then do this and let me know

look to see if you have bang on weights on the inside and outside of the rim?

If not, do you have stick on weights on the inside of the rim but on the inner and outer edges?

If not are the weights just being put in one strip in the centre of the rim?

Check all four wheels

Any damaged wheel needs to removed from the vehicle immediately. you will be very surprised how bad a vibration can be caused from even minor flat spots on a rim.

Has anybody tried getting up to speed where the vibration can be felt and then slipped into neutral, if the vibration goes away then it's more likely to be engine or prop related, but this would also be felt under acceleration.

If it doesnt go away then the only thing can be is the wheels or tyres.

I once had a coil pack go down. That gave a misfire at about 4500 rpm and could easily be mistaken for a vibration. The only test for this is to buy a new coil and test each coil in between test drives. Everyone i know who has had a fault with coil packs and had diagnostic tests done have had the reports come back with no faults.

I'd be interseted to hear how you get on



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E36 318is coupe with M3 transplant,20" rims, 'featured PBMW (19" rims) Jan issue & REDLINE (20" rims) APR '05 issue


Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 01-March-2005 at 05:00

http://www.icarumba.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch04/4fig15.html - http://www.icarumba.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/ency clopedia/ch04/4fig15.html

VIBRATION CHECKLIST



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Tom
E39 1997 523i
Oxford Green (Sold)
___________________________



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