1990 525i e34 vibration / shaking at around 80km/h (50mph)

[stonedewok]

Hi there everyone,


First of all, I'd just like to say i'm a newbie to this forum and to the BMW community, so go easy on me please!

And yes I have checked numerous posts/forums regarding "shakes shimmeys and vibrations"...


Recently I just purchased a new set of wheels/rims (225/60R15) off a new 5 series (e39 i think?). I had them put on my 1990 525i e34 WITH hubcentric rings to account for the e46/e34 diameter difference.

I also had a wheel balance and alignment done.


While driving it on the highway I find the steering wheel and generally the body of the car shakes VERY BADLY at around 80km/h (50mph). At first i just accelerated and hit 100km (65mph) and it wasn't that bad....but later after braking a few times...I just couldn't get past 80km/h again. It literally felt like the wheels would fly off.

Strangely enough, when i drive any speed under 70km/h (around 40mph) the car drives smooth as silk.



Now for a bit of history, I bought the 525i (with 100K miles - 169K kilometres) about 2 weeks ago with stock wheels (205/60R15), the tyres were unevenly worn (hence the alignment) and thread low. Even with these tyres I could do around 65mph with a little vibration in the steering column. THis new shake / vibration is terrible.



Because of this I doubt it is the suspension ( a friend of mine who knows BMWs and has driven my car says the suspension is fine), driveshaft, brake pads and rotors (checked by a mechanic not too long ago), or upper thrust arms...all commonly attributed to shaking on highway conditions. I also doubt it is the guibo...


So right now I am completely stuck.

I have a brand new set of wheels all fitted to go, but I can't figure out this shaking problem.


Can anyone help me with this problem at all? Any feedback is appreciated.


Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Big Daddy]

If the vibration/shake was not present prior to the install of new wheels and tires as well as an alignment something related to the "new" stuff is the problem. What brand of wheels are we talking about? I have never used "hubcentric" rings with any wheel that I purchased as they were all made for BMW's and it is my understanding that wheels made to fit BMW hubcentric design do not require the rings. I would look at the new wheels and tires first. What brand of tire are we talking about?

 

[Rocking-M]

It sounds more like a balancing problem to me. The 5 series mounts the wheels the same as the 3 series I am assuming. With tapered wheel bolts? If so hub centric is not really necessary.
It is redundant. THe tapers on the wheel bolts center the wheel to the hub.

The current method of balancing tires is not the best in my opinion.
The off the car method is what I refer to. Years ago there was a spin
balancer that did it on the car but that was deemed unsafe.
And was replaced with the current "computer balance" method.
However, there are strobes out there now that will balance on the car.
And that is the best way to do it. If you can find someone who does it.
I'm in the country, way out that is, and have never seen one
Anyway, it sure sounds like a balancing problem.
(Perhaps an out of round tire too, which is rare now-a-days)