Increasing vibration over the last two weeks

[Mangostene]

Car has always been buttery smooth rolling down the road but the last two weeks, I've felt some increasing roughness and vibration during freeway commutes. Vibration increases as speeds pick up. There are instances where the vibration is pronounced enough to make things in the inside of the car shake, like coins in the ash tray.

Just wanted to get the thoughts and experiences from all the good folks here as to what the likely culprit might be so I don't end up blowing the budget on the wrong component that's not the source of the issue.

The control arms have recently been replaced a couple of years ago. The car is an '02 540i with 105,000 miles.

Is it:

1. Struts? Still OEM in there
2. Alignment?
3. Tires?
4. Engine mounts?



Thanks everyone,
MANGO

[edjack]

You need to get it up on a lift and examine the suspension components.

The simple approach is to rotate the wheels/tires front-to-rear, and see if this has any effect. Don't worry if you're wheels are staggered; this is just a test.

[DetroitDIY]

Motor mounts/bent wheel if it's constant

[larrym3711]

Mango,

Could be lots of things. THe recommendation to swap the front/rear as a simple start is a good one. If that does NOT (!) change anything, then we are indeed focused on something OTHER THAN tires or wheels. I understand you have replaced the thrust arm and perhaps other parts. That's good...as far as it goes. You know there are OTHER things too...ball joints, steering links ends, and others that contribute to "looseness" of the front end. You may be dealing with something as simple as broken motor/transmission mounts...but I kinda doubt it. If vibration is "speed related" then you are dealing with a "balance problem" somewhere. It might include the drive train, guibo, CSB, or other fitting...in other words...it may NOT be the front end causing the problem at all. You need to get it up in the air and check for "looseness" somewhere...various fittings...front to rear. Look for connections that show a release of fluid or otherwise are "running dry" somehow. I do not expece any diagnostic tool to be of much help. Visual and physical inspection (including various tools to "test" the fittings and joints) seems to be in order.

larry3711
2001 540iA Sport