Steering wheel Vibrates..

[bindas]

This has happened to me a few times, when driving the steering wheel starts vibrating it gets really bad at times like my whole hand is shaking on it..even my wife can see the wheel shaking, then for some reason it goes away....

I called BMW since if have CPV Warranty on it, they said they can't tell until they see it happening, so I'm gonna have to leave the vehicle with them to diagnose the problem....

Any thoughts on why this is happening?

[H8Rain]

Sounds like a control arm issue. There are a couple of "multi-link" arms that make up the front suspension. These "arms" have ball-joints and/or bushings in them. When these parts start to show wear/age you can develop the very common "shimmy". Take it to the dealer and have them check them inspect the front suspension. My guess is they will find a worn bushing or ball-joint.

It may also be something as simple as the front tires being out of balance.

Posting your current mileage would also be helpfull to those reading your post.

[bindas]

Originally Posted by H8Rain

Sounds like a control arm issue. There are a couple of "multi-link" arms that make up the front suspension. These "arms" have ball-joints and/or bushings in them. When these parts start to show wear/age you can develop the very common "shimmy". Take it to the dealer and have them check them inspect the front suspension. My guess is they will find a worn bushing or ball-joint.

It may also be something as simple as the front tires being out of balance.

Posting your current mileage would also be helpfull to those reading your post.

Thanks, I've should have posted the KM and Year; 2004 with 89 K.

My brother said it was the alignment which could have got out, but with the symptoms coming and going..could it still be Aignment or Balancing?

[Big "J"]

I'm starting to notice the same thing.... it's very little movement right now. It straightens out or stops shaking when I push the brakes to slow down. My tires seem fine, I had them balanced about 2 months ago and haven't hit deep pot holes recently. I have a 2003 with 70K on it and am thinking the control arm bushing are starting to go.

[bindas]

Originally Posted by Big "J"

I'm starting to notice the same thing.... it's very little movement right now. It straightens out or stops shaking when I push the brakes to slow down. My tires seem fine, I had them balanced about 2 months ago and haven't hit deep pot holes recently. I have a 2003 with 70K on it and am thinking the control arm bushing are starting to go.

Just had the Stealer call back about the repair, its under Certified Warranty, they said the front passenger side Caliper was gone, so it would lock onto the rotor, not really hard that it would damage the rotor just enough, so when you stop or break it would let go again. So they changed my caliper.

[Big "J"]

Good info..... I changed my rotors and pads last Feb. and have started seeing this issue gradually get worse. I may try a wheel balance first and see what happens then go for the calipers.