[e90n52b30]

Hey guys so I have a May '06 build 330xi with about 74k miles on it. My passenger seat shakes when I drive around. It's most noticeable at highway speeds, but it happens at low speeds as well. More specifically, I see the headrest shaking.

My alignment is fine. Wheels are in balance. The only thing I have not checked is the suspension. Bushings are my first guess.

I'll be replacing the shocks and springs this Spring with a set of bilsteins and eibach lowering springs.

But how can I check for worn bushings?

Also any other possible causes? I had some work done to the rear subframe, which was rewelding the passenger side trailing arm mount. But I can't remember if I had this issue before or after.

I don't get any shake in the steering wheel. But when I have a cup full of liquid in the cup holders, they shake like crazy.

[Arben72]

Check for a tire bubble. That could be your issue.

[e90n52b30]

Originally Posted by Arben72

Check for a tire bubble. That could be your issue.

Nope. This happens on 2 sets of wheels. And I have never curbed my tires

Gotta be a suspension/chassis issue. But what?! lol

[Arben72]

My second guess would be the ball joint.

[e90n52b30]

Originally Posted by Arben72

My second guess would be the ball joint.

In tie rods? I replaced the passenger side because it was seized up and I couldn't adjust my toe. But my driver's side is still original.

Replaced both the inner and outer.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by e90n52b30

Hey guys so I have a May '06 build 330xi with about 74k miles on it. My passenger seat shakes when I drive around. It's most noticeable at highway speeds, but it happens at low speeds as well. More specifically, I see the headrest shaking.

My alignment is fine. Wheels are in balance. The only thing I have not checked is the suspension. Bushings are my first guess.

I'll be replacing the shocks and springs this Spring with a set of bilsteins and eibach lowering springs.

But how can I check for worn bushings?

Also any other possible causes? I had some work done to the rear subframe, which was rewelding the passenger side trailing arm mount. But I can't remember if I had this issue before or after.


I don't get any shake in the steering wheel. But when I have a cup full of liquid in the cup holders, they shake like crazy.

I also have this issue now. I remember that when i replaced my front tires this issue went away. How are old are your front tires? I know i need new ones. Hopefully thats it. Let ke know if you find a solution. Thanks

[RaceBlood]

If its not a wheel out of balance, its the run flats, dump those terrible riding shitty things and get a smooth ride with a regular tire.

but with 74K, could be suspension related..

[mike3000fl]

Originally Posted by Arben72

Check for a tire bubble. That could be your issue.

do this, don't assume you don't have one, check.

[Legion5]

I have this same issue. I think it's partly poor design of the seat and headrest and partly maintenance.

[328i M-Sport]

Check if the seat moves in relation to the rails. It could be worn plastic sliders.

[2kaccordocoupe]

I had a strange vibration on the passenger side of my car as well, ended up being a transmission mount bushing. Have a read at my experience, may or may not be relevant...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434049

[e90n52b30]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

I also have this issue now. I remember that when i replaced my front tires this issue went away. How are old are your front tires? I know i need new ones. Hopefully thats it. Let ke know if you find a solution. Thanks

They are the original RFTs right now. But this happens on a 2 year old set of BF Goodrich TDW T/A tires as well.

Will let you guys know if I find any solutions

Originally Posted by RaceBlood

If its not a wheel out of balance, its the run flats, dump those terrible riding shitty things and get a smooth ride with a regular tire.

but with 74K, could be suspension related..

I get this on my non-RFTs as well though.

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

do this, don't assume you don't have one, check.

I just swapped to my winter setup and they did not have bubbles. Nor did my summers.

Originally Posted by Legion5

I have this same issue. I think it's partly poor design of the seat and headrest and partly maintenance.

Maybe, but it annoys the heck out of me.

Originally Posted by 328i M-Sport

Check if the seat moves in relation to the rails. It could be worn plastic sliders.

Nope. They are solid.



Thanks for the responses guys. Much appreciated. I'm glad I'm not the only one with this issue.

I'm convinced it's a suspension issue though. I don't think it's the shocks/springs but that will be eliminated this Spring when I swap them out.

I'm leaning heavily towards bushings. But I have no idea on how to test them.

[e90n52b30]

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

I had a strange vibration on the passenger side of my car as well, ended up being a transmission mount bushing. Have a read at my experience, may or may not be relevant...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434049

This definitely happens when just rolling, in D or N. So it doesn't sound like your issue but thanks for posting.

[GoRomeo]

Yes i will keep u posted as well. I will buy new tires soon. If anyone found tye solution to this issue please advice us on what to so. Thx

[maf330xi]

I have the same issue, slight vibrations that can be seen on passengers headrest...

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by maf330xi

I have the same issue, slight vibrations that can be seen on passengers headrest...

Do you have RFTs, if so how old are they? Like i mentioned before, when replaced mine with better thread (RFT tires) this issue went away.

[anerbe]

Even if your wheels/tires balance, you could have some sort of issue with your wheels/tires that would cause vibrations.

Check your wheels to make sure they are 100% true. Any bend, even after balancing, can excite frequencies. I had a set of wheels I bought used, and would always have a vibration when going over 80 (shh.....). Wheels/tires were rebalanced 3 times (each time was given the ok).

Finally, I saw the wheel while it was on the hunter - the inner barrel had a very slight bend. Got them fixed, and car is smooth all the way up the speed range.

One test would be to swap wheels/tires with someone who does not have the problem, and see if you notice the vibrations.

I do have to say that the passenger seats in these cars are VERY sensitive to vibration. You'll see it before you feel it.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by anerbe

Even if your wheels/tires balance, you could have some sort of issue with your wheels/tires that would cause vibrations.

Check your wheels to make sure they are 100% true. Any bend, even after balancing, can excite frequencies. I had a set of wheels I bought used, and would always have a vibration when going over 80 (shh.....). Wheels/tires were rebalanced 3 times (each time was given the ok).

Finally, I saw the wheel while it was on the hunter - the inner barrel had a very slight bend. Got them fixed, and car is smooth all the way up the speed range.

One test would be to swap wheels/tires with someone who does not have the problem, and see if you notice the vibrations.

I do have to say that the passenger seats in these cars are VERY sensitive to vibration. You'll see it before you feel it.

Thanks for your advise. I need new tires anyway. If problem still occur after I change tires, I will look into the wheels.

[axis]

My car has always done that since I bought it. Even with brand new tires after a mount / balance. I always just figured it was the nature of the car with sport suspension, considering roads aren't ever perfectly smooth.

[Dozhdbog]

Ever since I got the BMW performance suspension and stage 2 ppk installed, I get a rattle from the passenger side when I go over roughish roads. Wondering if it's just because I need someone sitting in the passenger seat to offset my 245 pound physique...

[e90n52b30]

Originally Posted by anerbe

Even if your wheels/tires balance, you could have some sort of issue with your wheels/tires that would cause vibrations.

Check your wheels to make sure they are 100% true. Any bend, even after balancing, can excite frequencies. I had a set of wheels I bought used, and would always have a vibration when going over 80 (shh.....). Wheels/tires were rebalanced 3 times (each time was given the ok).

Finally, I saw the wheel while it was on the hunter - the inner barrel had a very slight bend. Got them fixed, and car is smooth all the way up the speed range.

One test would be to swap wheels/tires with someone who does not have the problem, and see if you notice the vibrations.

I do have to say that the passenger seats in these cars are VERY sensitive to vibration. You'll see it before you feel it.

Hmm that's true. I will have to look into that. I'm getting new wheels maybe this summer so we will see. Thanks!

[Dozhdbog]

Found the problem. Crumpled water bottle in the pocket underneath my gloves.