[AnimatedDriver]

I can't figure out why my steering wheel continues to tremble ever so slightly. I have...

• had my wheels rebalanced 4 times
• inspected rims for damage
• checked tire pressure (32/36 psi)
• aligned wheels (at dealership; alignment was fine/not necessary)
• Rotated wheels
• Checked wheel bearings / suspension / brake calipers

Only other thing I can think of to do is either have my brake rotors checked to see if they're out of round, which I haven't done because the tremble is speed based; roughly between 40 to 60 mph. My understanding is if the wheel isn't shaking persistently then more serious parts like steering rack, wheel bearings, brake rotors are not to blame; but I'm not a mechanic so I could be horribly wrong.

The ride itself is smooth. No persistent vibration or otherwise odd feeling rolling down the road. I only visually notice the steering wheel slightly rock left/right when I hold the wheel loosely. Holding the steering wheel a bit firmer stops the shake but then vibration is felt in hand. I can lock my wheels left and right with no issue. I am led to believe since I only notice this issue at a certain speed that it's just a matter of imbalanced wheels. But I have had them rebalanced multiple times by different techs — surely they can't all be doing it wrong??

'17 F30 Sedan // 57k mi // 18" Double-spoke wheels, style 397 // no runflats

[BMWILUVU]

Originally Posted by AnimatedDriver

I can't figure out why my steering wheel continues to tremble ever so slightly. I have...

• had my wheels rebalanced 4 times
• inspected rims for damage
• checked tire pressure (32/36 psi)
• aligned wheels (at dealership; alignment was fine/not necessary)
• Rotated wheels
• Checked wheel bearings / suspension / brake calipers

Only other thing I can think of to do is either have my brake rotors checked to see if they're out of round, which I haven't done because the tremble is speed based; roughly between 40 to 60 mph. My understanding is if the wheel isn't shaking persistently then more serious parts like steering rack, wheel bearings, brake rotors are not to blame; but I'm not a mechanic so I could be horribly wrong.

The ride itself is smooth. No persistent vibration or otherwise odd feeling rolling down the road. I only visually notice the steering wheel slightly rock left/right when I hold the wheel loosely. Holding the steering wheel a bit firmer stops the shake but then vibration is felt in hand. I can lock my wheels left and right with no issue. I am led to believe since I only notice this issue at a certain speed that it's just a matter of imbalanced wheels. But I have had them rebalanced multiple times by different techs — surely they can't all be doing it wrong??

'17 F30 Sedan // 57k mi // 18" Double-spoke wheels, style 397 // no runflats

Do you have a front splitter or other aero mods?

[AnimatedDriver]

Originally Posted by BMWILUVU

Do you have a front splitter or other aero mods?

No, stock body trim.

[SuperLomi]

Having ruled out everything else:

Check the condition of the bushings/ball joints for abnormal wear/play/damage. My first suspicion might be the big fluid filled bushing on the thrust arm has leaked - which may or may not be easily seen visually.

[AnimatedDriver]

Originally Posted by SuperLomi

Having ruled out everything else:

Check the condition of the bushings/ball joints for abnormal wear/play/damage. My first suspicion might be the big fluid filled bushing on the thrust arm has leaked - which may or may not be easily seen visually.

To be clear, you are referring to the front struts right?

[SuperLomi]

Originally Posted by AnimatedDriver

To be clear, you are referring to the front struts right?

No, the thrust arm, also sometimes referred to as the upper control arm.

[alohasurftoad]

Have you checked for warped rotors or runout out of spec?

[AnimatedDriver]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

Have you checked for warped rotors or runout out of spec?

Negative. I have that as well as the upper thrust arms to check when I see my car next.

[AnimatedDriver]

If anyone should stumble upon this thread, here's the conclusion:
I ended up replacing the control arms and upgrading the suspension at the same time. Haven't had the issue since!!

Many thanks to SuperLomi and alohasurftoad for the tips!