steering wheel vibration

derric · 12-22-2010, 04:24 PM

When I hit about 80 in my car my steering wheel begins to vibrate a little I have not checked if the vibration increases as yo get faster but I assume it does. Is this normal or do I need to probably check alignment/tire balance?

Prince_of_Persia · 12-22-2010, 04:38 PM

Seems like tire alignment IMO

kaykay · 12-22-2010, 04:44 PM

Or a bent rim

derric · 12-22-2010, 04:54 PM

are alignments/rotations included in the warranty free service?

GOLFFRR · 12-22-2010, 05:15 PM

are you riding on aftermarket springs? aftermarket wheels? most likely its alignment but the items i listed could also be a big factor.

motosan · 12-23-2010, 07:43 AM

Had the same with my gf's 325. After alignment everything went back normal =)

saeedg48 · 12-23-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derric

are alignments/rotations included in the warranty free service?

Answer please

Mavrick151 · 12-23-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derric

are alignments/rotations included in the warranty free service?

The simple answer is no. But if you have a good relationship with your SA it can be taken care of.

kenwelch · 12-23-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derric

When I hit about 80 in my car my steering wheel begins to vibrate a little I have not checked if the vibration increases as yo get faster but I assume it does. Is this normal or do I need to probably check alignment/tire balance?

It's tire balance or wheel run-out (not alignment).
There are several videos on this link at the bottom of the page "About Balancing"
http://www.hunter.com/videos/index.cfm?cat=3

Watch the three videos it will be worth your time. Find a local tire or suspension shop and have them balance you wheels. Because you feel the vibration in the steering wheel the problem is most likely in the front wheels.

As shown in the thrid video you could also jack up each front wheel and inspect for wheel or tire damage and run-out. Small amounts (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) of out-of-balance will cause vibration.

tha_good_life · 12-23-2010, 08:26 PM

Sounds like a tire balance issue. If you take your hands off your steering wheel and your car moves to the left or right, then it's a alignment issue. I would take it back to the dealer if you didn't mod your suspension and let them know.

Ctm309 · 12-23-2010, 10:14 PM

I must agree it is in the balance or "run out" of one or more front wheels. Had a problem with a front that had a slight runout about .040. The oem allows for about .020 lateral (side to side movement) we RoadForce balanced
them and on the machine they where in spec. but still had the shimmy. try and remember did you hit a pot hole or a curb hard?

Not until I relpaced the wheel did it go away.

These cars are tuned so finely that it takes only that much to feel it.

tailgate1234 · 12-23-2010, 10:26 PM

it's not alignment or balance. i've had this problem on my 2008 e90 m3 since it was new. no amount of alignment, balance, tire pressure, new tires or new wheels solved the problem. my dealer has been less than helpful (they at least recognized the problem but said steering wheel vibration was "normal"). others on this forum have had the same problem, do a search and you will see. i think there is an issue with the m3 suspension.

derric · 01-03-2011, 02:27 AM

Yea it seems to happen on a lot of freeways around the bay but not all so I was thinking it may just be the norm or the 19" OEM rims? It does pull slightly left when on freeway but then that could also be because I assume the highways are tilted slightly for water run off? I have a service appt in a month so I can ask them to take a look and see what they say.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailgate1234

it's not alignment or balance. i've had this problem on my 2008 e90 m3 since it was new. no amount of alignment, balance, tire pressure, new tires or new wheels solved the problem. my dealer has been less than helpful (they at least recognized the problem but said steering wheel vibration was "normal"). others on this forum have had the same problem, do a search and you will see. i think there is an issue with the m3 suspension.

JCtx · 01-03-2011, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailgate1234

i think there is an issue with the m3 suspension.

Quote:

Originally Posted by derric

I was thinking it may just be the norm or the 19" OEM rims?

I think the 19s are the culprit. I found out after powdercoating my wheels one of the front ones has more runout than normal, but obviously can't make a claim anymore. The good news is after the 3rd attempt at balancing (just like it was from the factory), steering wheel only shakes when letting go of it, which I never do. And only sometimes, and always above 75 mph. Hardly an issue for me. I bet if you check you wheels' runout, at least one will be off. If still stock, ask for documentation and make a claim.

If steering still shakes, it's a steering problem. My GS400 had this, and took Lexus 2 years to find the culprit, which was a bushing with a too tight tolerance. And yes, it was annoying as hell. Fortunately, it's much milder on my M3, and I'm sure a good wheel would completely eliminate it. Good luck.

ep99 · 01-03-2011, 11:37 AM

Hi, should check wheel balancing.

After my winter tires changed...i always take it out on the highway to test for vibration...usually happened after 120 km/h.

I actually found the metal weights in my garage one time...they just fell off the wheels.
The metal weights are glue/stick on for wheel balancing...it's not like the old day where they have to be clipped on to the wheel well.

Check that out...

han405 · 01-03-2011, 01:16 PM

Did that happen after you replaced the tires?
Simply wheel balance won't do, you might need a road force balance.

I bought tires from tireracks twice, both times they sent me defective tires only detectable with road force balance test.

and yes, I had steering wheel vibrations at around 80 mph after new tires installation, that's why I got road force balance done at my dealership...

persian54 · 01-03-2011, 01:32 PM

If you're local to me, I can have the tire shop I go to check it out

I had a similar experience in my 335

Took it to them and they re-balanced my wheels, did a 4 wheel alignment, and then I was good to go.

saeedg48 · 01-03-2011, 02:21 PM

Have the same problem it's normal

esqu1re · 01-03-2011, 04:12 PM

Check wheel balance--otherwise, you may have a bent rim. I had this problem and I had a bent rim. It could also be a certain stretch of road...try this on a different road and see if you get the same results.

geneatals · 01-03-2011, 04:23 PM

try a hunter force balance and/or checking the wheels for bends, if thats not it try an alignment..also, what's your tire tread look like?

RevFreak14 · 01-03-2011, 04:33 PM

It's either an alignment or tires wearing unevenly issue. More than likely your front tires have worn unevenly for whatever reason. Its funny you say at around 80 mph because that was my same experience. I sprung for a new pair of PS2's for the front and the problem is gone.

J08M3 · 01-03-2011, 04:44 PM

I'm having the exact same problem with my car. I haven't checked the tire balance yet cause I noticed it first in November just before I switched from my OEM 19s with summer tires on them to my OEM 18s with winter tires. I figured once I made the switch to my winters the vibration would go away and I could deal with it in spring. But it's still there, leading me to believe it's a suspension issue. My dealer sucks though and they know I lowered my car on Eibach springs so I'm almost positive they will not investigate problem unless I go back to OEM springs. However it's not possible to be spring related so it's bullshit. But it happens exactly as I cross 80 MPH

12-22-2010, 04:24 PM	#1
derric Private First Class 20 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	steering wheel vibration When I hit about 80 in my car my steering wheel begins to vibrate a little I have not checked if the vibration increases as yo get faster but I assume it does. Is this normal or do I need to probably check alignment/tire balance?
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12-22-2010, 04:38 PM	#2
Prince_of_Persia Colonel 248 Rep 2,513 Posts Drives: 6MT E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	Seems like tire alignment IMO
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12-22-2010, 04:44 PM	#3
kaykay Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,769 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E93 328i Conve ... [9.50] 2011 E92 M3 ZCP [8.66] 2008 550i Sport [10.00]	Or a bent rim __________________ '12 CLS550 Palladium Silver - loaded '11 E92 M3 ZCP - SG/B-EXT/CF, M-DCT, loaded '11 E93 328i, BSM over Saddle Brown, sport, loaded '08 550i M-Sport, Carbon Black (Gone but not forgotten), '06 W211 E55 AMG (Gone, miss this animal),'01 E39 540i Sport
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12-22-2010, 04:54 PM	#4
derric Private First Class 20 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	are alignments/rotations included in the warranty free service?
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12-22-2010, 05:15 PM	#5
GOLFFRR 10849 Rep 27,626 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	are you riding on aftermarket springs? aftermarket wheels? most likely its alignment but the items i listed could also be a big factor. __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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12-23-2010, 07:43 AM	#6
motosan Private First Class 25 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 ZCP M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	Had the same with my gf's 325. After alignment everything went back normal =)
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12-23-2010, 08:26 PM	#10
tha_good_life Brigadier General 376 Rep 4,092 Posts Drives: 21 X6MC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (22) Garage List 2021 BMW X6MC [10.00] 2010 BMW M3 [8.68]	Sounds like a tire balance issue. If you take your hands off your steering wheel and your car moves to the left or right, then it's a alignment issue. I would take it back to the dealer if you didn't mod your suspension and let them know.
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12-23-2010, 10:14 PM	#11
Ctm309 First Lieutenant 15 Rep 361 Posts Drives: '09 M3 AW Carbon roof DCT '11 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Norwalk, Ct./Port Washington, N.Y. iTrader: (7)	I must agree it is in the balance or "run out" of one or more front wheels. Had a problem with a front that had a slight runout about .040. The oem allows for about .020 lateral (side to side movement) we RoadForce balanced them and on the machine they where in spec. but still had the shimmy. try and remember did you hit a pot hole or a curb hard? Not until I relpaced the wheel did it go away. These cars are tuned so finely that it takes only that much to feel it.
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12-23-2010, 10:26 PM	#12
tailgate1234 Private First Class 15 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Sedan Silverstone II Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	it's not alignment or balance. i've had this problem on my 2008 e90 m3 since it was new. no amount of alignment, balance, tire pressure, new tires or new wheels solved the problem. my dealer has been less than helpful (they at least recognized the problem but said steering wheel vibration was "normal"). others on this forum have had the same problem, do a search and you will see. i think there is an issue with the m3 suspension.
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01-03-2011, 11:37 AM	#15
ep99 Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Hi, should check wheel balancing. After my winter tires changed...i always take it out on the highway to test for vibration...usually happened after 120 km/h. I actually found the metal weights in my garage one time...they just fell off the wheels. The metal weights are glue/stick on for wheel balancing...it's not like the old day where they have to be clipped on to the wheel well. Check that out...
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01-03-2011, 01:16 PM	#16
han405 Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 203 Posts Drives: E46 M3, E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Did that happen after you replaced the tires? Simply wheel balance won't do, you might need a road force balance. I bought tires from tireracks twice, both times they sent me defective tires only detectable with road force balance test. and yes, I had steering wheel vibrations at around 80 mph after new tires installation, that's why I got road force balance done at my dealership...
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01-03-2011, 01:32 PM	#17
persian54 Lieutenant General 928 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: M760/G83M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal iTrader: (298)	If you're local to me, I can have the tire shop I go to check it out I had a similar experience in my 335 Took it to them and they re-balanced my wheels, did a 4 wheel alignment, and then I was good to go. __________________ From E93 335i to E89 Z4 to E93 M3/E89 Z4 to E350/SL550
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01-03-2011, 02:21 PM	#18
saeedg48 Brigadier General 345 Rep 3,574 Posts Drives: Porsche 991.1 GT3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newport Beach, CA iTrader: (1)	Have the same problem it's normal __________________ 2015 Porsche 991.1 GT3 2015 F80 M3 -- Individual; Space Grey
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01-03-2011, 04:12 PM	#19
esqu1re Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,855 Posts Drives: M Coupe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	Check wheel balance--otherwise, you may have a bent rim. I had this problem and I had a bent rim. It could also be a certain stretch of road...try this on a different road and see if you get the same results. __________________ ///M Coupe: RPI Scoop, OE Strut, CDV, Volk RE30, SS Brake Lines, Stromung Exhaust
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01-03-2011, 04:23 PM	#20
geneatals Ninja 390 Rep 4,014 Posts Drives: 2019 530e Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: So Cal (SFV) iTrader: (3)	try a hunter force balance and/or checking the wheels for bends, if thats not it try an alignment..also, what's your tire tread look like? __________________ 2019 AW G30 530e l ZPP l ZMP l ZDH Retired: 2016 F80 M3, 2012 E90 M3, 2008 535i
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01-03-2011, 04:33 PM	#21
RevFreak14 First Lieutenant 14 Rep 397 Posts Drives: 09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	It's either an alignment or tires wearing unevenly issue. More than likely your front tires have worn unevenly for whatever reason. Its funny you say at around 80 mph because that was my same experience. I sprung for a new pair of PS2's for the front and the problem is gone. __________________ 09 E92 M3, Space Grey, Fox Red, DCT - Current 05 E46 M3 - Gone 02 330ci - Gone 99 Lexus GS400 - Gone
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01-03-2011, 04:44 PM	#22
J08M3 Major General 287 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	I'm having the exact same problem with my car. I haven't checked the tire balance yet cause I noticed it first in November just before I switched from my OEM 19s with summer tires on them to my OEM 18s with winter tires. I figured once I made the switch to my winters the vibration would go away and I could deal with it in spring. But it's still there, leading me to believe it's a suspension issue. My dealer sucks though and they know I lowered my car on Eibach springs so I'm almost positive they will not investigate problem unless I go back to OEM springs. However it's not possible to be spring related so it's bullshit. But it happens exactly as I cross 80 MPH __________________
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