E46 vibrations - any known casues?

[Duke Caboom]

Due to an unexpected change in job location, my e46 330ci convertible has been racking up the miles recently. I didn't really notice it happening, but recently driving other cars have highlighted that the BMW is no longer very refined. There is a vibration that feels similar to an out of balance wheel, but occurs through a wider range of speeds than out of balance wheels normally do. It is road speed related, rather than engine speed. Possibly related: gentle braking causes the steering wheel to oscillate.

I drove my ep3 Type R to work today as I needed a break from the BMW so this isn't a good sign!

Thanks

[kev b]

Propshaft joint most likely.
Dodgy tyre, broken spring, worn engine/ gearbox mountings, exhaust touching body?

[Duke Caboom]

Thanks Kev,

Its a pretty well cared for car, but I'll check and rule out where possible the things you mention. My money was also on something in the prop.

[miniman]

Can’t see how if it was the prop it would be connected to braking.

Search “E39 shimmy” for some clues.

[Duke Caboom]

I'm not convinced that are related. Shimmy was there before the vibration.

[kev b]

Reading the post again it sounds like you could also have a sticking front caliper and or warped disc.

[E63eeeeee...]

kev b said:

Reading the post again it sounds like you could also have a sticking front caliper and or warped disc.

This or a ball joint on its way out were my first thoughts. Does it brake straight or pull to one side?

[d_a_n1979]

See here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Huff]

kev b said:

Reading the post again it sounds like you could also have a sticking front calliper and or warped disc.

Definitely worth checking.

I have an E39 and recently replaced the front calipers (along with discs and pads) and it completely cured the same issues as the OP describes.shes do
Edit for clarity - discs were just worn, but no warp: but both calipers sticky enough that poor, ridged road surfaces gave same sense of unhappiness/sense of very-slight hunting / hint of vibration through the steering that I was convinced worn thrust arm bushes the first place to look. They /are/ a service part, not an issue to me.

I had my *excellent indy go through the lot with an open brief to check it all - and it was the calipers. Hey at 20yrs old, happy to replace with new OEM parts = massive difference, not expensive (and there were no other 'tells', such as soggy brakes/ diminished stopping bite etc)

Just back from 2000miles around NW Scotland in it - remains an utter joy to drive. And I do mean, ... drive. As well as soothing on the long M'way runs there and back.

Edited by Huff on Thursday 6th July 18:16