640d with any annoying vibration

[T16OLE]

I've had my 640d for 12 months now

I was an approved used car bought from BMW.

The dealership has been very good throughout.

However, pretty much since day 1 it's had an annoying vibration from about 60mph to 80mph, its settles down after that

I've had the wheels balanced numerous times, changed all tyres (there is a slight buckle but its within tolerance and not enough to make a vibration.

Trouble is, BMW don't agree that there's a problem and say it's a "characteristic of the car". They let me drive another one and whilst there's a very slight virbation (mainly due to the stupid 20" wheels) I don't think its as bad as mine.

The problem is about 6 months ago, I said that I'll just leave it.

However, its due to go back for its MoT and some warranty work and I really want them
To find out what's causing the problem and want to slap a list in front of them or potential areas to check off, whilst this may be condescending to their mechanic I think it's my only option.

To make matters worse, the last tyre they fitted (approx 2 months ago) the locking nut was fitted
Too tight and both of my local dealers can't get it off.

Anyway, I'm thinking asking them to check, any comments welcome

Discs (they also vibrate slightly under light braking and were replaced due to warping under warranty
Wheel bearings
Wishbone bushes
Bent wheels
Propshaft balance

[T16OLE]

Its a blue coupe!

Bugger not really what I wanted to hear, although not totally unexpected

[T16OLE]

CubanPete said:

Steering arm bushes, seem to be a consumable on the 3series

Also wheel alignment could be worth checking

I'll as it to the list, I had it properly aligned, it has the adaptive drive, so believe it has the rear steering ability and thought I'd get the dealer to make sure it was correct, tyre wear is all even though

[T16OLE]

phib said:

Well one positive is it's not my old car as in the end the wheel vibration was the leat of the problems !!

Phib

Ha! Phew! Its under warranty thank god!

[T16OLE]

I'd happily pay (although not if I don't have to) for it to be sorted, but don't want to go on a crazy swapping random parts open
wallet surgery.

Is there such thing as a rolling road for suspension / drive train issues? Or have I got my
Head in the clouds?

The warranty covers wear & tear inc bushes etc too which is a bonus

Edited by T16OLE on Wednesday 29th March 21:43

[T16OLE]

It's driving me insane.

I feel like anything tricky that's not got an obvious solution just get some left and excuses made.

I had the previous model too, that was fine and made a nice noise.

[T16OLE]

rdj001 said:

Hi,

friend has this exact problem on his 640d and it became a bit of a saga. Had all the obvious bits checked (balanced wheels, changed alloys, brakes replaced etc). Turns out it was something called the 'guibo' on his prop shaft.

cheers
Rod

This is why I love PH.

Thanks

[T16OLE]

Its got to be a starting point like you say.

My fear is denial of the issue

[T16OLE]

No, nothing I've done makes any difference.

Had all new tyres twice in my ownership

[T16OLE]

Just crawled underneath.

The one side of the diff box is oily, the otherside clean.

Also, one of the driveshafts I has definitely been replaced (on the clean side)





Not sure if its relevant, but it obviously been messed about with

[T16OLE]

ericmcn said:

This is why I drive a Subaru, it might not be as flash as a German car but its reliable and I have confidence in driving this around the word (and back) without any major mishaps.

Japanese cars just cant be beaten for reliability but the majority of the UK seem to have something against them and instead think buying German marques make more sense, I think not.

What gets me is that the dealers deny the issue

[T16OLE]

rayyan171 said:

I'm going to say it's the guibo. Does it still happen if you're going 60-80mph in a lower gear?

Yes.

Though isn't the prop related to road speed only?

Edited by T16OLE on Friday 31st March 08:20

[T16OLE]

BMW have come back and said they recommend having the wheels balanced (after they remove the locking wheel they put on too tight and now won't come off)

Also, any issues on the F12 are NOT related to the F10 (I'd imagine the drive train is identical)

Typical, as its gone out of warranty this week

[T16OLE]

I've had them balanced at numerous places & on a hunter machine.

BMW also swapped a set of wheels and noticed not change (whilst also funnily enough not admitting that there's a vibration)

But, you're right until I get this wheel off, I'll not know about that wheel, however, the vibration been present, I've done 20k in my 1 year ownership, current mileage is 61k.

I'll just have to wait to see what they say, I just get feeling that they don't want to be bothered and just recommend that it has the wheels dynamically balanced which isn't a service they offer

[T16OLE]

ADEuk said:

If you brake very gently whilst it's vibrating do you feel a pulsing through the pedal?

There's a slight wobble, In fairness they've already replaced the front discs under warranty

[T16OLE]

turbobloke said:

Chances are the joobo or gweebo ( taKe your pick ) is ready for replacement anyway, it's a useful first base job to get done.

I'll ask them to do it, no doubt that somehow they'll not be responsible for the cost.

Fingers crossed, anyway thanks PH

[T16OLE]

Blue Oval84 said:

If you've got a buckle, no matter how slight, that's where I'd be looking.

I'm incredibly sensitive to wheel vibrations after having had an E39 which did it and even a relatively slight buckle is something I can feel.

Sorry if I missed this but what's the mileage on yours? The one repair that has previously made a massive difference to my previous cars was new track rod ends. Both times, it felt like driving a new car afterwards!

Are most wheels repairable if so? I'd imagine a new 20" wheel would be incredibly expensive

[T16OLE]

SebringMan said:

Given the age of the car I doubt it's the Guibo.

If I were a betting I'd say it's something bent or out of balance. Out of curiousity (seeing as you have got underneath the car) how much play is in your diff output shafts? Some BMWs do develop play here, which is said to "normal" by BMW ; the E46 M3 for example has this issue.

There is a place who can chase down vibrations for you and generally they have a very high sucess rate. Vibration Free are based in Bicester. I understand they are not the cheapest however.

http://vibrationfree.co.uk/

Thank you so much, I spoke to Henrick to get it booked in, he seemed very knowledgeable and suggest balancing the prop & wheels in-situ.

Thanks again.

[T16OLE]

rayyan171 said:

I'm not sure if it is related to road speed. I believe the propshaft comes out of the transmission and drives the rear differential and the driveshafts from the differential go to the rear wheels which in turn is what causes the wheels to move. AFAIK the driveshafts are always moving and the propshaft moves when the engine is turning and the transmission is in gear. Try doing 60 to 80mph it in 6th or 5th gear or even just do it in DS mode.

The issue doesn't seem relate to revs or Gear selected.

I though that the propshaft was related to road speed only.

Edited by T16OLE on Monday 3rd April 21:41

[T16OLE]

To provide an update. The car's been at BMW this week in attempt to solve the vibration.

Whilst they put their best endeavours to solving the issue they believe it's because I fitted 4 x Falken non OEM tyres (all brand new).

They informed me that they swapped the wheels and tyres with another 6, they believe there's no vibration, however, all wheels are fine, as are the tyres and all are balanced to their spec's.

The upshot is I've booked it in with Vibration Free so a specialist can have a look (at my cost) as they unfortunately don't have the kit.

The problem from their point of view is that whilst they agree that there's definitely a vibration they cannot necessary find anything mechanically wrong.

They did however state that if Vibration Free find any parts they have failed they will take a view on relpacing under warranty.