View Full Version : Perfect Balance - Still a Vibration ('03 M3)
edmondM3Meister
05-29-2005, 07:10 AM
Ok - I'm at a loss. My NEW tires are perfectly balanced and STILL a vibration exists, although, it's not terrible. One of the tire installers mentioned that he "got a memo on those cars (M3)" about some vibration being normal! No way in h*#% is a vibration normal on a $55K automobile with a $200 tires all around and only 18K miles on the clicker.
Could it be something besides tires? Loose suspension? Is it easily ($$) fixed? The car's well under warranty, this seems like something the dealership should handle.
BTW - This is my second M3 - my first one, a '99, was solid as a rock. Of course, I got that one with 2 miles on it, and this one had 17K when I got it.
RChoudry
05-29-2005, 08:13 AM
control arm bushings
check the runout of your brake rotors, if they're warped, they will vibrate
edmondM3Meister
05-29-2005, 03:55 PM
Wouldn't it vibrate all the time? This only vibrates at speeds over 60. It's more pronounced when I let go of the wheel (probably obvious).
edmondM3Meister
05-29-2005, 03:56 PM
That's a warranty item, correct? Any thoughts on how to *sell* that to the dealership?
Prov431
05-29-2005, 04:32 PM
I've got the same exact issue.......see other thread "I give up..."
Haven't resolved it yet...but I will !!!!
Artslinger
05-30-2005, 06:11 AM
Did you take a look at the Tire Rack flow chart (PDF) to help diagnose a vibration problem that I posted in the other thread?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=49
Artslinger
05-30-2005, 06:18 AM
I would guess it is a combination of slightly bent rims and worn control arm bushings. While a tech is checking those things you might want to check for "warped" rotors.
Just guessing, will it be rear aligment?
Artslinger
05-31-2005, 06:27 PM
From my experience rear wheel vibration you feel through the seat and front vibration from the stearing wheel.
edmondM3Meister
06-02-2005, 04:45 AM
Keep trying. I had my tires balanaced AGAIN last night and 3 of the four were out enough to cause a vibration.
The drive home was sweet - everything's good (FINALLY).
If balancing again doesn't work, take the proof that you balanced it to the dealership as proof you've tried that route alread and it's now time to investigate something more serious (control arm, etc...). Good luck!
Artslinger
06-02-2005, 05:57 AM
Keep trying. I had my tires balanaced AGAIN last night and 3 of the four were out enough to cause a vibration.
The drive home was sweet - everything's good (FINALLY).
If balancing again doesn't work, take the proof that you balanced it to the dealership as proof you've tried that route alread and it's now time to investigate something more serious (control arm, etc...). Good luck!
That is good news.
Balancing tires for a car as sensitive as a BMW can be tricky, as you found out the shop doing the tire change needs to give a crap about doing the job right, and equipment needs to be up to standard.
I have yet have any installer tighten my wheel bolts to the right torque. :tsk:
LDV330i
06-02-2005, 06:19 AM
Keep trying. I had my tires balanaced AGAIN last night and 3 of the four were out enough to cause a vibration.
The drive home was sweet - everything's good (FINALLY).
If balancing again doesn't work, take the proof that you balanced it to the dealership as proof you've tried that route alread and it's now time to investigate something more serious (control arm, etc...). Good luck! The dealership may probably claim that you did not get them balanced properly and will probably tell you that they need to balance them before exploring any other options. If you want to pursue a warranty claim you may have no choice but to pay their outrageous balancing charge. :(
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