HELP! violent vibration from front end while slowing down

[firemedic8047]

Hey guys and gals. I have a 2008 535xi sport wagon, 101K on the odometer. Today, with 30 miles left on a 140 mile round trip to the zoo with the family, I noticed that the front end would shake when I let off the gas. I'm not talking about a small vibration, I mean the whole front end and steering wheel shakes like the wheels are going to fall off. At first I thought rotors/brake, but I noticed that it would do it when braking, or just lifting off the gas. Hit the gas and accelerate and the vibration goes away. Pulled over to the side of the road thinking one of the lug nuts cam loose, all were tight. Just through her on the jack and everything seemed tight, thrust, sway, camber, everything. Also checked the wheels and tires, did not seem bent and tires found to warps or signs of separation. Any ideas? Am I missing something? Thanks in advance.

[bmwdirtracer]

Replace the upper control arm bushings.

Actually, it's best to take the car to a good BMW specialist tech, and ask him to put the car in the air, and pry on everything. No point in replacing just the UCABs if the balljoints on the same thrust arms are also bad.

If you want to never have to worry about those bushings again, replace them with polyurethane ones. Powerflex make excellent ones, which are sold by Bimmerworld, and I think maybe ECS too.

[firemedic8047]

Thanks a bunch. This is my first BMW and first import. I have found a local shop with great reviews. Plan on getting it there ASAP. Will keep everyone posted.