Hello all,
I've been trying to diagnose the poor ride quality of my 2003 530i Sport. Basically the car seems overly sensitive to imperfections in the road. Even driving on brand new pavement there is always a shakiness to the ride quality I can't seem to get rid of. I've owned two other BMWs (both Sport models) and both were glassy smooth when the road was smooth. I understand the Sport Package will give more feedback, but this is more an annoying than my 330i Sport was. Here's what I've replaced/done:
- New Pirelli PZero M+S tires (balanced 4 times, including road force)
- All suspension parts with bushings or ball joints are either new or I checked them and they are tight (swaybar links, thrust arms, control arms, front and rear, all checked out and replaced).
- New sport shocks with new shock/strut mounts front and rear.

The car takes bigger bumps (expansion joints, potholes, etc) as I would expect, but it's the constant sensation of driving on a rough road even when it's smooth that's the problem.

What I'm looking for are any other E39 (preferably Sport) owners who would be willing to let me take a drive in their car (and drive mine) to compare. Also, perhaps swap wheels so I can rule those out or perhaps look for a new set of tires. I'm sick throwing money at parts trying to chase down this problem and any help would be appreciated. Please contact me by email at: drevilkep at hotmail dot com if you can help out (or just post back here). Thanks everyone!

EDIT: I'm located in Fairfax and I'll be happy to provide beer to anyone who can help me track this one down!

Air pressure?

Air pressure?

Forgot to mention that one. :) Yes, I've experimented with all different settings. The "best" seems to be the factory recommended.

Sounds like tie rods. That caused the exact same scenario on my E36.
~Phil

Sounds like tie rods. That caused the exact same scenario on my E36.
~Phil

Yup, replaced those already. Like I said, I went over the suspension bits with a fine tooth comb and replaced anything that had any play in it (which was most everything).

Oh sorry, if you mentioned that I must have missed it. Hmmmm *perplexed*
~Phil

Bent wheels?

How many miles on the car?
I have a 540 touring and would be glad to help, but its obviously not the same car . . .

I have a 2002 525i sport. It is a bit more responsive than the standard suspension. For me it seems just right.
I didn't see you indicate if you've had an alignment done?
Do you have stock wheels or aftermarket?
Will

I have a 2002 525i sport. It is a bit more responsive than the standard suspension. For me it seems just right.
I didn't see you indicate if you've had an alignment done?
Do you have stock wheels or aftermarket?
Will

Yea, I guess I left some stuff out:
- Had an alignment done after replacing all the suspension parts
- Stock sport wheels (the BBS 17") with Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S tires
- I asked the techs at both BMW of Fairfax and Radial Tire where I bought the Pirellis to check for bent rims. Radial said everything was good but BMW of Fairfax found a bent rim after the 3rd try which I admit sounds odd, but things got a little better after that. This one is really stumping me. If I could swap wheels with someone, that would tell me right away if wheels are the issue or not.

I have an E60 530i and will be receiving my E39 530i this weekend. You are more than welcome to come by and take a ride. I have found that the E60 does 'somewhat' what you are describing to an extent. It sounds like you are 'tramlining', or is this something different?

Is your steering wheel vibrating? Do you experience vibrating when you let off the gas? What about when you are 'on' the gas and accelerating? What about when you apply the brakes -- does the sensation increase/decrease?

If you do not mind, I could ride along with you in your car -- and, we could drive my E39. The E39 that is arriving has coilovers though -- so, it might be different. It is also a 2001 -- so, not sure if any changes besides the thicker steering wheel you have between the sport models.

What you are describing though tells me the 'tire' itself might be the problem and not the rims/balancing. The tire can be balanced; but, it might have some cupped portions -- etc. It might be too early to tell; but, are the tires wearing evenly? Have you run your hand over the tires to see if you can feel any difference?

James

I have an E60 530i and will be receiving my E39 530i this weekend. You are more than welcome to come by and take a ride. I have found that the E60 does 'somewhat' what you are describing to an extent. It sounds like you are 'tramlining', or is this something different?

Is your steering wheel vibrating? Do you experience vibrating when you let off the gas? What about when you are 'on' the gas and accelerating? What about when you apply the brakes -- does the sensation increase/decrease?

If you do not mind, I could ride along with you in your car -- and, we could drive my E39. The E39 that is arriving has coilovers though -- so, it might be different. It is also a 2001 -- so, not sure if any changes besides the thicker steering wheel you have between the sport models.

What you are describing though tells me the 'tire' itself might be the problem and not the rims/balancing. The tire can be balanced; but, it might have some cupped portions -- etc. It might be too early to tell; but, are the tires wearing evenly? Have you run your hand over the tires to see if you can feel any difference?

James

Thanks for the offer! I'll be out of town this weekend, but perhaps we can set something up for next week? You can PM me with your location if you want. To answer some of those questions:
- The steering wheel doesn't shake back and forth if that's what you're talking about. It vibrates, but only because the rest of the car is vibrating too!
- No more or less vibration when I'm on or off the gas
- No more or less vibration when I'm braking. The vibration increases or decreases with speed.
- Tramlining is the tendency of the tires to follow the ruts in the road. It does that too, but I expect that on a car with low profile tires
It's a vibration, but it really feels like the car is just picking it up from the road. Like it's overly transmitting the road surface to the car. Road feedback is great, it's why I bought a BMW, but this seems like way too much, especially for a 5-series. My 330i Sport was not like this at all. :(

Beer !?

It could be the choice of tire. I had Sumitomos ( directional) on my car and they would make a loud growling noise whenever I slowed down to stop. It drove me nuts. It would drown out the radio!!!
I'm currently running Kuhmos and they're quieter.

It could be the choice of tire. I had Sumitomos ( directional) on my car and they would make a loud growling noise whenever I slowed down to stop. It drove me nuts. It would drown out the radio!!!
I'm currently running Kuhmos and they're quieter.

Yea, I'm starting to think that might be it. I chose them because they were great when I had them on my 330i, but this is a different car of course. That's why I'd like to swap wheels with someone who is happy with their setup. Then I'll just get whatever they have. :)

I don't know if you get up to Bel Air often but you're welcome to drive mine to get the feel for the current setup/tires.

I had similar problems after replacing all struts, bushings and suspension arms in my 95 E34. Way too much sensitivity to road imperfections. I then replaced the springs with M Technic springs from the Euro version of this car and the ride improved tremendously. These springs are actually supposed to be firmer than the stock springs. The only explanation that makes sense is that the original springs were shot after 150K miles.

You don't mention the mileage on your E39 but if it has over 100K, maybe you are having a similar problem.

Mark