2 problems with new car..

[Waynester]

Hi,

1st prob i suspect may be tyres. It exhibts vibration at 70+, the passenger seat looks like that scene from Contact! The car has not been used for a little while, do you think possibly flat/misshaped tyres? They are Pirelli P6000. Plenty of tread too i might add so would be annoying if it's that.

2nd problem is when kicking down at 65ish, the car kicks down a gear, then if you push the peddle to the bottom it kicks down again - all good so far, except it won't change back up?? I have to use the triptronic to get back to higher gear.

Any help appreciated.

Other than that it drives superb, almost like new.

Oh it's a 97 523i SE.

[DSM2]

Can't help with the gearbox issue but I would suggest that the vibration is coming from your rear tyres and could just be out of balance but could also be, as you suggest, flat spots.

Good tyres take some time to flat spot through standing but, if they do, the flat area gets badly worn once running again, so even if the casing recovers from the compression spot, by that time there is a worn spot which will give the same symptom.

Not an uncommon issue. Have you visually inspected for a flat spot? They are often quite clear.

[phelix]

On the tyres run your hands over the tread over the entire circumference and look for uneven patches or a gentle wave pattern. What's the date code on the tyres?

BMW auto boxes aren't known for their longevity. Try a gearbox oil change and the filter as well if poss.

[Waynester]

Haven't inspected the tyres, only noticed this for sure driving home yesterday afternoon.

The gearbox in all other respects shifts seamlessly, and very quiet.

I'll look into getting the oil/filter changed.

Thx for the advice.