Steering Wheel Vibration

[Dimarc]

I have noticed an intermittent steering wheel “tremor”/vibration that I can see and feel, usually between 50-60 mph, but sometimes higher. I usually notice this on smooth roads. The car tracks fine and no vibration occurs with the brakes. The dealer checked this out, rebalanced the tires twice (the first time they need to make an weight adjustment), and stated that nothing is wrong. They have heard of this concern in the xi version, but they blamed this on the “sensitive steering” and not a problem. Since this is my first BMW, could this be the very sensitive feedback from the road that I am feeling or something else. Thanks, Marc

 

[donmbmw]

I have noticed an intermittent steering wheel “tremor”/vibration that I can see and feel, usually between 50-60 mph, but sometimes higher. I usually notice this on smooth roads. The car tracks fine and no vibration occurs with the brakes. The dealer checked this out, rebalanced the tires twice (the first time they need to make an weight adjustment), and stated that nothing is wrong. They have heard of this concern in the xi version, but they blamed this on the “sensitive steering” and not a problem. Since this is my first BMW, could this be the very sensitive feedback from the road that I am feeling or something else. Thanks, Marc

My first thought is you need a good high speed tire balance, but if you say the dealer checked out the car, I can't imagine that they wouldn't do that. Check under the chasis. Maybe theres an unlucky squirrel or something

 

[bmwrocks]

There should be no tremor/vibration in your wheel, especially on smooth roads. I can tell you mine is solid as a rock at all speeds on all surfaces, something I am VERY happy about.

I feel for you. What a thorn to have all the time when driving a super nice car.

I do not think it is normal or "sensitive steering". If you hadn't said they balanced them twice, I would say balance them again. Maybe try to balance them on the car? This can be done, see what they say about that maybe?

Good Luck.

 

[aNoodle]

I have noticed an intermittent steering wheel “tremor”/vibration that I can see and feel, usually between 50-60 mph, but sometimes higher. I usually notice this on smooth roads. The car tracks fine and no vibration occurs with the brakes. The dealer checked this out, rebalanced the tires twice (the first time they need to make an weight adjustment), and stated that nothing is wrong. They have heard of this concern in the xi version, but they blamed this on the “sensitive steering” and not a problem. Since this is my first BMW, could this be the very sensitive feedback from the road that I am feeling or something else. Thanks, Marc

If this is your first BMW, yes, you may have more steering wheel feed back then you're accustomed to. If it's crazy feedback there may be an imbalanced wheel as bmwrocks suggests.

 

[wingedtiger]

Almost the same problem

I am having almost the same problem but notice it a lot around 40 to 50. Not that I drive that slow but traffic sometimes makes us do stupid things that we don't want to do LOL. Can the Dealer do the high speed balance?

 

[aNoodle]

I am having almost the same problem but notice it a lot around 40 to 50. Not that I drive that slow but traffic sometimes makes us do stupid things that we don't want to do LOL. Can the Dealer do the high speed balance?

I'm not sure how they could balance a tire without spinning it real fast....so i'm confused what a 'high speed' balance is. Most shops that sell tires normally offer free balancing for the life of the tires. The dealership should be able to balance the tires if they are the factory originals.

 

[Dimarc]

[No message]

 

[Dimarc]

How can you tell the difference from the road vibration from a wheel balance problem? Since the shake is like a "fine tremor" and dependent on road conditions, could it just be a characteristic of BMW to transmit the "road feel"?

 

[aNoodle]

Yes, that's probably the best indication. If it's all shake all the time, then it's the car. If it's intermittent depending on the conditions, then it's probably the road. If you've ever driven through Alabama you'd think your entire car is out of balance and the steering wheel is about to fall off (just some friendly kidding...I don't mean to incite a riot with the Alabamians…I know they might repave their highways some decade).