I have a 1987 535i, and when I go over 50 mph on the freeway, the front end shakes. I hear this is a common problem for this year and model. Particularly if I break at that speed exiting on the offramp, it shakes violently. I took it to my mechanic, who I do trust, and he made no bones about the fact that I need all of these:
1. Idle Control Arm
2. Both Lower Control Arms
3. New Tie Rods
4. New Rotors
5. Maybe new Struts

I went ahead and ordered the Lower Control Arms myself. They're coming in the mail. I tried searching for an Idle Control Arm for my model and year, and could not find it. Is it called something different? A different name? Any clue what this would be for my car, and a good website to find it cheaper?

Thanks.

Tom B.

if your talking about just suspension here then i think you mean upper control arms. could also mean idle control valve, icv.

+1 to your mechanic.

I just replaced the tie rods, drag link, sway bar, stabilizer bar, hub assemblies, and wheel bearings on my e28. After a good wheel allignment, no more front end shakes! It will cost you (I put $2,000 in the front end) but your car will glide freely.

-Dan

It is idler arm rather. # 32211136450 at www.autohausaz.com

or i have it for 32...who is autohaus anyway ? ;) other prices are similar

Tom,
As suggested, major piece of the problem is most likely the upper control arm bushings are shot. Take a look at "Maintenance Tips Pg. 4" on my web site, which is my write up about the front end, which can have a number of issues contributing to the overal problem.
HTH,
-Rod

Tom,
As suggested, major piece of the problem is most likely the upper control arm bushings are shot. Take a look at "Maintenance Tips Pg. 4" on my web site, which is my write up about the front end, which can have a number of issues contributing to the overal problem.
HTH,
-Rod

I second that and although its probably too late, make sure you use good stuff like lemforder, no meyle crap or moog or whatever

if your talking about just suspension here then i think you mean upper control arms. could also mean idle control valve, icv.

He said the bushings on the upper control arms were fine, but that the ball joints on the lower control arms needed replacing. I purchased brand new lower control arms right and left.

It is idler arm rather. # 32211136450 at www.autohausaz.com (http://www.autohausaz.com)

Thanks! My mechanic brother finally set me straight on that one.

Tom,
As suggested, major piece of the problem is most likely the upper control arm bushings are shot. Take a look at "Maintenance Tips Pg. 4" on my web site, which is my write up about the front end, which can have a number of issues contributing to the overal problem.
HTH,
-Rod

That is one awesome website you have set up there. I wish you could work on mine! Thanks again.

Tom

This guy, Rod Paine obviously knows what he is talking about. He has the most detailed DIY fix-it website for these cars anyone could ever hope for. But I'd like to clarify one thing. I purchased the lower control arms. My mobile BMW mechanic, who is pretty damn good, says that my car has no upper control arms, only lower. How can I replace the upper control arm bushings, if there are none? I would certainly replace them if they were there. Could someone please rectify this for me? Does a 1987 535i E28 3/5 liter have upper control arms? I'd really like to finally get rid of this front end shimmy once and for all. I just don't know that much about the car.

Thanks.

Tom B.



Tom,
As suggested, major piece of the problem is most likely the upper control arm bushings are shot. Take a look at "Maintenance Tips Pg. 4" on my web site, which is my write up about the front end, which can have a number of issues contributing to the overal problem.
HTH,
-Rod

A rose by any other name...
Sometimes they're called a thrust rod, or a thrust arm. There are three things that bolt to the strut, out by the wheel. One of them is the tie rod for the steering. The other two have rubber bushings where they attach to the frame. Replace them both.
Good luck

agree, it has a pair of upper control arms aka thrust arms aka support arms. They would be more difficult to see and replace by a mobile tech for sure. Coming from someone who has wrenched professionaly for over 20 years and sold parts for over 20 years and numerous upper control arms on all e28 cars
cheers

Thanks both of you.
Great answers, and extremely helpful.
Clarified once and for all.
One last thing. Once I get the new Lower Control Arms with new bushings on, new rotors, new brake pads, and new thrust arms with new bushings, someone also mentioned getting a new idler arm. Is this a sound suggestion for that E28 front end shake? Someone else said that wasn't my biggest priority for this problem. I suppose it couldn't hurt. I'm not a wealthy guy who can just throw a ton of money at this car.

Thanks.

Tom B.


agree, it has a pair of upper control arms aka thrust arms aka support arms. They would be more difficult to see and replace by a mobile tech for sure. Coming from someone who has wrenched professionaly for over 20 years and sold parts for over 20 years and numerous upper control arms on all e28 cars
cheers

Thanks both of you.
Great answers, and extremely helpful.
Clarified once and for all.
One last thing. Once I get the new Lower Control Arms with new bushings on, new rotors, new brake pads, and new thrust arms with new bushings, someone also mentioned getting a new idler arm. Is this a sound suggestion for that E28 front end shake? Someone else said that wasn't my biggest priority for this problem. I suppose it couldn't hurt. I'm not a wealthy guy who can just throw a ton of money at this car.

Thanks.

Tom B.

seend me your number and a good time to call andI'll call and answer any questions, might even have some of what you need here (new) ;)

It's been some time since I last posted on this thread, but here is the final word on the front end shake problem. Thanks to numerous persons from this forum, I was able to deduce exactly what I need to replace to rectify this annoying problem once and for all. I replaced both lower control arms, both thrust arms (or upper control arms), new rotors just in case, and new brake pads. Problem solved! No more front end shimmy or shake over 50 mph. No more violent front end and steering wheel shake when braking at that speed. The front suspension feels like new now. It really didn't cost me a fortune. I ordered all the parts myself online, and found an EXCEPTIONAL mechanic in my neighborhood (in LA) who doesn't charge a fortune for labor. In fact, since I had already purchased all the parts, he only charged me a little over $150.00 total to install of the above mentioned parts! I know. Unbelievable. They did a top notch job, and I couldn't be happier with the resuilts. They also included balancing the front two tires. I immediately went somewhere else and got an alignment. Mission accomplished.
In the end I decided not to replace the tie rods, or the idler arm. It was suggested to me to hold off on those because they were not a huge factor in the shake problem. I since had a mechanic confirm that the tie rods are still in pretty good shape. Maybe down the road sometime.
Thanks for all your help. I really learned alot.

Tom B.