Slight Vibration at 43-48mph then again above ~65, peaks at about 85mph

Altima · 06-29-2017, 08:56 AM

I know there have been other posts on the topic a while back, but I have been unable to find any conclusive answers. Anyway, mine isn't nearly as bad as some other people have posted about (My mirrors are still visible, and the cups in the cupholders don't shake) but I can definitely feel it. The car has brand new dealer installed mounted and balanced tires (CPO).. They are the Conti-SSR Summer Runflats (Yeah, I know, will change them before the winter and will probably go with the Conti- DWS).. So I doubt it's the tires/rims causing the vibration. I don't feel it in the steering. When I press in the clutch at any speed and let the engine go down to idle, there is no change in the vibration. Shift to 4th, 5th, Neutral.. No difference. I will confirm this when the roads calm down a bit more. I have read about someone getting a new driveshaft which solved their issue, but just wondering if anyone else can confirm that this is usually the culprit? The car has until 2020 and 100k with the warranty (About 37k now).

Thanks

Edit: It starts at around 43mph..

otay · 06-29-2017, 09:44 AM

My 2 cents...just because the tires are new and recently balanced, doesn't mean they did it right.

You've got a few choices:
- Swap front to back (if you have a square setup). If the vibration changes, like you can now feel it in the steering, then it's most likely a balance issue.
- Take it back to the same dealer for re-balancing
- Take it to a highly rated independent tire shop for balancing and pay the $$

If it were me, I'd make sure it's not a balance issue, then start chasing other possibilities.

Altima · 06-29-2017, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otay

My 2 cents...just because the tires are new and recently balanced, doesn't mean they did it right.

You've got a few choices:
- Swap front to back (if you have a square setup). If the vibration changes, like you can now feel it in the steering, then it's most likely a balance issue.
- Take it back to the same dealer for re-balancing
- Take it to a highly rated independent tire shop for balancing and pay the $$

If it were me, I'd make sure it's not a balance issue, then start chasing other possibilities.

The same dealer is an hour away unfortunately, and I do my service at one closer to my home.. But thanks for the advice, I will definitely rule out the tires / wheels first. I assumed the dealers had the best balancing machines (Do they use road force?) but I could be wrong. Meanwhile if anyone else had / resolved a similar issue, a reply would be very much appreciated, so I can narrow it down if new / balanced tires don't fix it. I will get new tires probably in Nov or Dec before the bad weather hits. I hate to get rid of new tires, but summer tires are kind of useless in this area (Philadelphia). I tried to get them to change the tires to all seasons, but they wouldn't and just knocked off 500 or so from the price. I also don't feel like spending the time going to and from the dealer if I'm going to go this fall anyway for the service / new tires / inspection, etc. Rather handle as much as possible in as few visits as possible.
Here in Philly, it doesn't get enough snow to justify winter tires, but just enough (And low temps) to not use Summer tires. I don't have or need a second set of wheels.. But mine are staggered. Wider in the rear.

Anyway I'm rambling on.. If anyone knows of this issue, then thanks in advance!

adhrp · 06-29-2017, 01:49 PM

The exact same thing on my car (but the shaking/vibrations started around 50 mph and went to 65 mph or so) was completely fixed by balancing the tires.

ooshnoo · 06-29-2017, 07:28 PM

I've got the exact same thing going on. It doesn't bother me too much and doesn't seem to be getting worse, so am interested to see if you find out anything.

Bimmerius · 06-29-2017, 07:45 PM

I hope not.. but usually its bent rims, car was not new right? CPO with x miles, rims prob have some minor bents (run flats and low profile tires on crappy roads= doesn't take long for bents )
get them checked out at a good shop, have them spin them is if any out of round..
have them spin them first though as they can balance again and again (small bents can still balance w tires but will just vibrate on the road..) I've been through this sooo many times..

Altima · 06-30-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmerius

I hope not.. but usually its bent rims, car was not new right? CPO with x miles, rims prob have some minor bents (run flats and low profile tires on crappy roads= doesn't take long for bents )
get them checked out at a good shop, have them spin them is if any out of round..
have them spin them first though as they can balance again and again (small bents can still balance w tires but will just vibrate on the road..) I've been through this sooo many times..

It's not too terrible so I can wait until my Winter dealer visit.. Will have them check the rims for roundness when I get the all season tires put on.. Thanks

Donald001 · 07-22-2017, 10:47 PM

I wanna know that too.

Altima · 07-25-2017, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donald001

I wanna know that too.

Taking it in in a couple of weeks.. Having them look it over / rebalance, etc. Will keep you posted. I still don't think it's tires but you never know..

COKen · 07-25-2017, 08:17 AM

Have you checked your air pressure? Sometimes the tire people will set the tire pressure higher than recommended. I have found that high air pressure can amplify any abnormally in the tires and create the issues your are seeing. Sometime just setting the pressure back to recommended can fix the issue.

Altima · 07-25-2017, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COKen

Have you checked your air pressure? Sometimes the tire people will set the tire pressure higher than recommended. I have found that high air pressure can amplify any abnormally in the tires and create the issues your are seeing. Sometime just setting the pressure back to recommended can fix the issue.

I actually haven't checked since taking the car.. I will certainly do that and set them to door jamb spec when the car is cold and let you know. Thanks

upsidedownfunnel · 07-25-2017, 01:38 PM

Since they're new tires installed during the CPO process, you should be able to get the tires checked out at your local dealership. No harm in giving them a call and setting up an appointment.

Altima · 07-25-2017, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

Since they're new tires installed during the CPO process, you should be able to get the tires checked out at your local dealership. No harm in giving them a call and setting up an appointment.

Yea, it's scheduled, but at a different dealership.. The one I purchased it from is an hour away unfortunately..

Y0tsuya · 07-25-2017, 04:39 PM

I noticed a similar problem in my M235i after hitting some potholes. Re-balancing all wheels didn't help. Had the shop owner drive the car for a few miles and he thinks the tire(s) developed a wear pattern. Tires are due for replacement anyway so I will wait and see if that's the problem.

Altima · 07-26-2017, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altima

I actually haven't checked since taking the car.. I will certainly do that and set them to door jamb spec when the car is cold and let you know. Thanks

Ok I set them perfectly, 32psi F/R, sitting overnight, on a cool morning with no sun. (Then I reset the TPMS) One was about 3 - 4lbs low.. The others not too bad but a bit low.. Anyway the car handles a hell of alot better now but the vibration is still there... however maybe a little bit less so. It comes in at 45 ish and fades out at the 55 -65 range.. I haven't had it on the highway to test the higher speed issue which was the most annoying.

BEM-S4 · 07-26-2017, 09:33 AM

Did you rule out a small bend on the inside of one of the wheels? They are often difficult to spot unless you remove the wheel from the car.

I'm in Philly as well and the roads are absolute shit. I run 17" rims w DWS06 tires on my m235 versus the stock setup that's brand new and stacked in my basement.

Altima · 07-28-2017, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Did you rule out a small bend on the inside of one of the wheels? They are often difficult to spot unless you remove the wheel from the car.

I'm in Philly as well and the roads are absolute shit. I run 17" rims w DWS06 tires on my m235 versus the stock setup that's brand new and stacked in my basement.

Taking it in next week.. Will keep you posted.

ooshnoo · 08-14-2017, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altima

Taking it in next week.. Will keep you posted.

hey what did you find out?

Altima · 08-14-2017, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooshnoo

hey what did you find out?

Nothing - they said the wheels look in great condition, tires also.. suspension, brakes, etc. They said they couldn't "reproduce the issue", but I noticed it again as soon as I drove it off the lot. They did say they noted it for warranty reasons.. I guess I have to live with it. It's not terrible, but it's there.

Was cool beating up a 440i (Xdrive) for the weekend though =) It feels much heavier than mine, but it was fast as hell.

shawntech · 08-14-2017, 01:53 PM

was driveshaft in my e90 and driveshaft in many other vehicles i've owned that did this when it definitely wasn't wheels/tires

Altima · 08-14-2017, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls3c6

was driveshaft in my e90 and driveshaft in many other vehicles i've owned that did this when it definitely wasn't wheels/tires

Yea, that seems like the most likely culprit.

Setright · 11-16-2017, 10:22 AM

I have the same issue of low frequency, low amplitude and sometimes resonating vibrations.

My initial suggestion at the dealer was propshaft, since the vibration starts at 90kph and is present from their upwards. Periodically, it will get worse, but it is ALWAYS present in the background.

My annual mileage is 55.000km, so I spend a lot of time on the road and this vibration is driving me crazy.

Dealer started logically enough by balancing my summer wheels, but it didn't help. I swapped to winter wheels myself, making sure everything was clean and properly torqued...EXACT same vibes.

So wheels are ruled out.

I keep suggesting "Propshaft" to the dealer, but they have dragged me through brake replacements, days of "we cannot reproduce the problem"...and so on.

Now I am online looking for a TSB or Recall notice on the Propshaft that I can use to convince the dealer.

They claim never to have seen a defect in the propshaft or its assemby !!!

06-29-2017, 08:56 AM	#1
Altima Private 31 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2014 328i M Sport 6MT (RWD) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (0)	Slight Vibration at 43-48mph then again above ~65, peaks at about 85mph I know there have been other posts on the topic a while back, but I have been unable to find any conclusive answers. Anyway, mine isn't nearly as bad as some other people have posted about (My mirrors are still visible, and the cups in the cupholders don't shake) but I can definitely feel it. The car has brand new dealer installed mounted and balanced tires (CPO).. They are the Conti-SSR Summer Runflats (Yeah, I know, will change them before the winter and will probably go with the Conti- DWS).. So I doubt it's the tires/rims causing the vibration. I don't feel it in the steering. When I press in the clutch at any speed and let the engine go down to idle, there is no change in the vibration. Shift to 4th, 5th, Neutral.. No difference. I will confirm this when the roads calm down a bit more. I have read about someone getting a new driveshaft which solved their issue, but just wondering if anyone else can confirm that this is usually the culprit? The car has until 2020 and 100k with the warranty (About 37k now). Thanks Edit: It starts at around 43mph.. Last edited by Altima; 07-01-2017 at 10:38 AM..
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06-29-2017, 09:44 AM	#2
otay Major 826 Rep 1,342 Posts Drives: 2015 335i Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	My 2 cents...just because the tires are new and recently balanced, doesn't mean they did it right. You've got a few choices: - Swap front to back (if you have a square setup). If the vibration changes, like you can now feel it in the steering, then it's most likely a balance issue. - Take it back to the same dealer for re-balancing - Take it to a highly rated independent tire shop for balancing and pay the $$ If it were me, I'd make sure it's not a balance issue, then start chasing other possibilities.
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06-29-2017, 01:49 PM	#4
adhrp Lieutenant Colonel 1293 Rep 1,610 Posts Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02) Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	The exact same thing on my car (but the shaking/vibrations started around 50 mph and went to 65 mph or so) was completely fixed by balancing the tires. __________________ 2020 M550i (G30) \| Carbon Black/Black Nappa \| DHP \| DAP \| Executive \| Luxury Seating \| Park Asst \| Ceramic Controls \| Front/Rear Heated Seats \| 20" 668M wheels 2021 X3 (G02) \| Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac \| Premium \| DAP \| Front/Rear Heated Seats Sold/Retired: 2012 328i (F30)
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06-29-2017, 07:28 PM	#5
ooshnoo Lieutenant Colonel 878 Rep 1,686 Posts Drives: 2014 428i and 2018 X5 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Buford, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X5 [0.00] 2014 BMW 428i [10.00]	I've got the exact same thing going on. It doesn't bother me too much and doesn't seem to be getting worse, so am interested to see if you find out anything. __________________ ___________________ 2014 F32 428i M-Sport 2018 F15 M-Sport
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06-29-2017, 07:45 PM	#6
Bimmerius Private 34 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2016 F30 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I hope not.. but usually its bent rims, car was not new right? CPO with x miles, rims prob have some minor bents (run flats and low profile tires on crappy roads= doesn't take long for bents ) get them checked out at a good shop, have them spin them is if any out of round.. have them spin them first though as they can balance again and again (small bents can still balance w tires but will just vibrate on the road..) I've been through this sooo many times..
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07-22-2017, 10:47 PM	#8
Donald001 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMWX4 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: China iTrader: (0)	I wanna know that too. Last edited by Donald001; 09-26-2017 at 10:35 PM..
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07-25-2017, 08:17 AM	#10
COKen Lieutenant Colonel 981 Rep 1,560 Posts Drives: M Rster / Z4 M40i / X5 M50i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Have you checked your air pressure? Sometimes the tire people will set the tire pressure higher than recommended. I have found that high air pressure can amplify any abnormally in the tires and create the issues your are seeing. Sometime just setting the pressure back to recommended can fix the issue. __________________ 2002 M Roadster, Steel Gray Metailic, Gray Nappa Leather, HT, TC Kline DA Shocks & Camber Plates, w/H&R Springs, Stromung Exhaust, SSR Type C. Looking for new home. 2022 Z4 M40i, Misano Blue Metallic, Driver Asst Pkg, Prem Pkg 2023 X5 M50i, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merion Leather, Driving Asst Pro Pkg, Park Asst Pkg, Exec Pkg, Climate Comfort Pkg.
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07-25-2017, 01:38 PM	#12
upsidedownfunnel Colonel 1996 Rep 2,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SoCal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	Since they're new tires installed during the CPO process, you should be able to get the tires checked out at your local dealership. No harm in giving them a call and setting up an appointment.
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07-25-2017, 04:39 PM	#14
Y0tsuya Second Lieutenant 77 Rep 261 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i 6MT, 2016 340i 8AT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I noticed a similar problem in my M235i after hitting some potholes. Re-balancing all wheels didn't help. Had the shop owner drive the car for a few miles and he thinks the tire(s) developed a wear pattern. Tires are due for replacement anyway so I will wait and see if that's the problem.
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07-26-2017, 09:33 AM	#16
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	Did you rule out a small bend on the inside of one of the wheels? They are often difficult to spot unless you remove the wheel from the car. I'm in Philly as well and the roads are absolute shit. I run 17" rims w DWS06 tires on my m235 versus the stock setup that's brand new and stacked in my basement. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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08-14-2017, 01:53 PM	#20
shawntech The Wolf 247 Rep 987 Posts Drives: stuff Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] 2019 BMW M850i conv ... [0.00]	was driveshaft in my e90 and driveshaft in many other vehicles i've owned that did this when it definitely wasn't wheels/tires __________________ -2019 BMW m850i convertible -2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye Widebody
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11-16-2017, 10:22 AM	#22
Setright Car Enthusiast 20 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 120i M-Sport 2022 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0)	I have the same issue of low frequency, low amplitude and sometimes resonating vibrations. My initial suggestion at the dealer was propshaft, since the vibration starts at 90kph and is present from their upwards. Periodically, it will get worse, but it is ALWAYS present in the background. My annual mileage is 55.000km, so I spend a lot of time on the road and this vibration is driving me crazy. Dealer started logically enough by balancing my summer wheels, but it didn't help. I swapped to winter wheels myself, making sure everything was clean and properly torqued...EXACT same vibes. So wheels are ruled out. I keep suggesting "Propshaft" to the dealer, but they have dragged me through brake replacements, days of "we cannot reproduce the problem"...and so on. Now I am online looking for a TSB or Recall notice on the Propshaft that I can use to convince the dealer. They claim never to have seen a defect in the propshaft or its assemby !!!
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