VIBRATION at low speed in 2003 4.6L!!! Help!
 

I got same problem on 2001 X5 4.4. it happends only after 15 minutes drive.
Does anyone know the answer?

I think there might be a tranny software update from the dealership you might want to look into.

might be a seized caliper. after driving for a while it will appear.

Sondek
 

I've just bought a 4.6is 2003 end of March, and I've got the same vibration happening at anything from 20-60mph, the dealer has done a software re-boot but problem still exists, it's in again tomorrow, I'll post how they get on. Also got an issue with occasional very lumpy running (feels like engine is missing badly) this happens at low speed and when engine comes under load, eg. going up hill, it may happen for a split second (which feels like you've gone over a bump) or can continue for several seconds in which case car almost kangeroo's. Again they will look at this again but if anyone has any ideas, it would be good to point them in the right direction.
Thanks.:confused:

For what it's worth, BMW NA actually called me a couple weeks ago because of my posting about this vibration issue (from another BMW board). I was quite surprised! At any rate, they seemed VERY interested in my situation and are monitoring my X5's progress. I see this as a GOOD thing and hope that it will put a little exclamation point after my name at my local BMW dealership when I take it in this week. I'll keep you and everyone else posted as to what is found...or not! :confused:

what board is this? PM me if you dont want to call it out.

I don't care! It's roadfly.com (or what used to be bimmer.org), on the E53 page. The NA rep also made a comment on that page. When he called me on the phone he told me that BMW NA has a whole team of people who read various web pages looking for issues. Hopefully they do more homework than that and are taking notes on what the real customers want and need. I've seen NA make some comments on the board before, but very infrequently.

How many miles do you have on your X? Are your front tires wearing unevenly?
It could be a worn tie rod or bearing. That happened to me once, worn tie rod which resulted in vibration in the steering when accelerating.

I only have about 37k miles on my X, and I bought it with ~35k. The only problem (if you can call it a "problem!!") is that it came with brand new rubber when I bought it. Therefore, I can't answer the uneven wear issue, which is a great point though!

I take the X in on Friday, so we'll see what they come up with. I have a laundry list a mile long and they are NOT going to be happy whenever they see an Estoril Blau X5 roll up the drive from now on! :rofl:

Mine only had 32K on it when I bought it, and it had brand new rubber on the front and pretty new on the back, I don't think it is the tyres the noise isn't right. I'm convinced the problem is something electrical as when the vibration happens it coicides with a very small dip in rpm, indicating that power is being drawn from the alternator.
I've mentioned this to the dealer but as usual they aren't really interested, as "they will get their technicians to check it out". I also mentioned that BMW NA were aware of the problem whigh they seemed more interested in. Anyway it was in yesterday and at 3.00pm they called to say they wanted to keep it in. Maybe they think it will talk in it's sleep:rolleyes: . I'll post again when I get it back.

NEWS, dealer has just contacted me and they think they have found the problem, they have spoken to BMW and there seems to have been previous cases of the misfire/lumpy running that I reported in my first post, and they think that this and the vibration are lionked to a faulty torque converter. Now they have ordered a new one to replace which is a pretty big job and I'm hoping that they wouldn't do this costly work if they weren't sure that it was the problem. Hopefully I'll get the car back tomorrow and when I do I'll let you know how it drives.:thumbup: :cheer:

prepare for dissapointment

Any news yet? Did you get your X back? I just took mine in this morning, so we'll see what they come up with! :popcorn: :drinking: :popcorn:

Well....
 

The BMW Store (Cincinnati) called me today with the news that I will be getting a rebuilt transmission!! Yep, he said that I had multiple fault codes and that the torque converter was listed in there. They won't know exactly what the issue ever is since the old transmission gets sent back to BMW - probably to be autopsied. Good news is that there is a 2-year warranty on the transmission and labor (especially good since I will be out of the original BMW vehicle warranty in 2 months!).

Since the new transmission is being sent in, I won't have my X5 back for a few days yet. I'll report back if my strange vibrations and noises have ceased at that time.

:popcorn:

sorry guys i have a 2001 x5 with 108k miles and don't have any of those problem the engine sound like when it's new and rides like new
now i want to install anavigation retrofit but still looking for a boardmonitor radio with navigation

Mine is still in the garage, as when they removed the gearbox to replace the torque convertor they discovered that the bottom block was leaking oil into the gearbox, which they think might be contributing to the problem. They gave me a new 530dMsport to play in until mine is ready, I must say it's pretty quick but nowhere near as much fun as the X5. They had to order the new block from Germany so it's not due in until tomorrow, I might get the beast back for the weekend. Will post again when it's back.

It's back and it's purring like a kitten, they finally finished after a re-build to the engine and replaceing the torque convertor. The vibration and lumpy running have gone. Very hapy to get it back, now all I have to do is persuade my wife to trade in her 5251 Msport tourer for a 530d Msport, it was nearlly as much fun as the X but with great consumption even when hammered.:thumbup: :thumbup: