Steering Wheel Vibration when Idling and in Drive

Hi all,

I recently traded a 2007 X3 for a 2009 X5 with 65k km on it. I have noticed a slight vibration of the steering wheel when idling and in drive (e.g. stopped at a traffic light with foot on the brake). The vibration goes away upon moving. Also, there is no vibration when in park. A mechanic associated with the dealership that I bought the X5 from told me this is normal but I have a hard time believing this. Do you guys have any clue as to what might be causing this?

Thank you,

Is the vibration coming from the engine?

Originally Posted by macming

Is the vibration coming from the engine?

The engine sounds normal to me and no vibration is felt when it is in Park with engine running. I hope this answers your question.

When the AC ("Cooling function button") is off, there is no vibration.
Today was a colder day. I turned the AC off and noticed that there was no abnormal steering wheel vibration at all!

Hi there, I am experiencing the same vibration issue with my 2009 twin turbo. I have just put it down to the diesel engines harsher idle, particularly when in drive when there is load on the drivetrain. If anyone has a solution, here's two people that would love to hear of it!

Just discovered that at times, if I turn the AC off and back on, the vibration goes away.

The vibration went away on its own

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Bimmer App

I felt the vibration in the steering wheel when it started and then took for a test drive. after driving for 20 min, i did not see any vibration....Can anybody help why this would happen.
This is was X5 I want to buy and i only tested once. it is still under factory warranty though

Good luck getting 'normal' vibrations fixed under warranty...

Most likely harmonics in the belts/components/engine mounts...as the rpm changes slightly it will either hit or miss the 'harmonic frequency' and you will feel (or not feel) the vibration. Rubber ages, idle speeds move, etc.... or maybe you just get used to it?



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