solved F10 520d vibration at 100-120

[Solo Man]

I have this odd vibration at from 100 to about 120kph. Googled it and it seems to be a common problem all over the world.
Any one with a solution or cure. Had all four wheels balanced and that helped about 90% . Vibration is still there but not as bad as before. Would very much like to have a smooth ride, especially on the good roads we have here in the Western Cape. Also noticed the front doughnut on the propshaft was worn so replaced that but still have the same vibration

 

[vjx]

I never had problem on mine since the car new.

 

[General.Massacre]

I never had problem on mine since the car new.

silly comment in all honesty.
I havent been sick in over 10years, doesnt mean other people dont get sick.

@Solo Man the F10 5er and Fxx 6er cars are prone to the Thrust Arm Bushes failing on the front suspension setup.

The above is a Googled image, but thats what you looking to replace, either the whole arm, or get upgrade bushes (Where the orange bush sits above.)

they typically last around 100 000 - 120 000km depending on the quality of roads, and will for sure give you your symptoms.
have them looked at.

 

[vjx]

silly comment in all honesty.
I havent been sick in over 10years, doesnt mean other people dont get sick.

Respecting others is the first thing you have to learn.
From the original post "I have this odd vibration at from 100 to about 120kph. Googled it and it seems to be a common problem all over the world. ", you'd better read first and then comment.

It is good to check the wheel balance and algnment. Then brake parts, suspension, control arm bushing, etc.

 

[General.Massacre]

Respecting others is the first thing you have to learn.
From the original post "I have this odd vibration at from 100 to about 120kph. Googled it and it seems to be a common problem all over the world. ", you'd better read first and then comment.

It is good to check the wheel balance and algnment. Then brake parts, suspension, control arm bushing, etc.

I did read first, and then gave my comment. Learn the respect your side too. #ChangeMyMind
The issue is indeed present worldwide as the OP explained, and the Thrust Arms are, and should be treated as a maintenance item.

 

[Solo Man]

Whilst sitting in traffic on the N1 this morning and going at about 5kph i noticed that the back end of the car would be slowly/slightly doing the duck walk. I plan to fit my F30 18 inch wheels tomorrow on the back and testing to see if the wallow is gone. Hope this is the solution as the tires on the car are from unknown country made by unknown factory. Something like Fortune tires (must be from Japan i presume hence fortune cookies) ( I am only joking as I have great respect for the Japanese) and are fortunately worn to nearly on the limit marker. Will report back.

 

[Solo Man]

Ok, so replaced all four wheels with my F30 wheels and the vibration is still there.

 

[Solo Man]

Have resolved the problem. After swopping over my F30 wheels i put back the original wheels that i bought the car with. I checked the central carrier bearing and rear doughnut but they seemed fine at first. Then noticed the diff carrier bushes were all three shot so replaced them. Whilst doing that i noticed that the rear doughnut is also shot. In the mean time i had some spigot rings made by an engineering shop. Fitted them but the vibration was still noticeable. Then replaced the rear doughnut and noticed the yoke has slight play on it. Problem at this stage was solved about 99%!! Then took the car to TW&T for balancing but this time balancing with a cone as they previously balanced it with the five finger balancer. That solved the last 1% vibration as the wheels were slightly out of balance from what the first balancing showed. Googled the yoke and found it has a big nut that one can tighten. Takes a 50mm open ended spanner so had to buy one as my spanners only go to 36mm. Got a 46mm one at a boot sale for R20!! (If you can find a 50mm spanner they start at about R350 new.) Went home and widened the mouth to 50mm. Tightened the nut ever so slightly (about one full turn) and car is driving fine now. Very thankful and relieved as it is such a nice car otherwise. Prices of parts are going crazy! Doughnut at GW is about R2200 and at BMW about R3300. Must say, the rubber diff mountings were surprisingly "cheap" All three totalled about R1500. Also need some "plastic" covers under the car which are crazy priced new! Also need an owners manual which is also priced crazy new. Would like the paper copy as i like to browse around in it. Had a spare key made for R2800 yesterday by a guy that comes to your house. Impressed with the guy as he seems to know what he is doing. Has all the computers and key cutting machine in his car. Really enjoying the car now!

 

[Solo Man]

Thanks for all the comments and advice. Must say that most of the guys at workshops around here have never heard of the vibration problem on the fives. Mine i believe was caused by the combination of worn/shot doughnuts and diff carrier bushes and then some slight out of balance wheels. Whilst they were balancing the wheels a guy with a year old G01 ?? BMW X3 M/S came in and i noticed his hubs also do not have the taper on the hub that i thought all BMW's have up until i saw mine and now his?? He did not seem to have a problem with vibrations.

 

[Solo Man]

Mods, can you change the post description and add the word "Solved" in brackets please?

 

[vjx]

Glab to hear you solved the problem and let us know the root cause.

 

[Solo Man]

I think it was a combination of broken/torn doughnuts on the driveshaft and the torn diff mounting rubbers. I am not sure if the spigot rings had any contribution after seeing the 2023 X3 without the taper on the hub. I feel better with the spigots fitted though as i know that is how it should be. The tires also played a role here as there was an improvement after i had them balanced the second time. (TWT here at Tyger Valley did not charge me for the second balancing - a great thumbs up to them)