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Thread: [2000 323Ci] Car and steering wheel strongly vibrating while driving

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    2000 BMW 323Ci

    [2000 323Ci] Car and steering wheel strongly vibrating while driving

    I'm not sure what the cause of the issue is. I've checked the tie rods and they were in really bad condition so I replaced them, but the vibrating is still happening. It's very random and I'm unable to replicate it whenever I want to, but it usually happens after a hard brake. Not sure if that's a coincidence or not.

    It's driving me insane so hopefully somebody is able to provide some input.

    Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

  2. #2
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    EXOTICS
    Refresh with all the front suspension pieces included in this kit, minus the tie rods:https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e46cakitl#desc

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Check your control arm bushings...

    When does this happen? All the time? Only after sitting for some time?


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  4. #4
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    If the alignment is good, I always swap my FCABs if there's a vibration. A set of good FCABs will last 40k miles before vibes return.

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    If the vibration occurs after hard braking, it could be a sticking brake caliper. I would get an IR thermometer and measure the rotor temp right after it starts vibrating. If its a large difference in temp when you compare the readings from drivers side to passenger side, you'll know its a caliper issue. From that point its on you to determine if its the caliper itself or the hose.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
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    2000 BMW 323Ci
    Quote Originally Posted by charter21p5 View Post
    Check your control arm bushings...

    When does this happen? All the time? Only after sitting for some time?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    It's honestly very random, so I can't say when it happens or what I can do to replicate it.

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by mdfiasco View Post
    If the alignment is good, I always swap my FCABs if there's a vibration. A set of good FCABs will last 40k miles before vibes return.
    Seems this is the way to go. I just got this car so I'm honestly not sure how long it's been since the control arms themselves have been replaced, if ever. Would you suggest changing everything?

  8. #8
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    05 330i ZHP, 14 4Runner
    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    Refresh with all the front suspension pieces included in this kit, minus the tie rods:https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e46cakitl#desc
    Change everything. Seriously easy on an E46. Save a bunch of $$$$ and do it yourself.
    2005 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan 6spd, 176k.
    2014 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium, 62k.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    '00 328Ci, '18 330xi
    Quote Originally Posted by dhurley34 View Post
    If the vibration occurs after hard braking, it could be a sticking brake caliper. I would get an IR thermometer and measure the rotor temp right after it starts vibrating. If its a large difference in temp when you compare the readings from drivers side to passenger side, you'll know its a caliper issue. From that point its on you to determine if its the caliper itself or the hose.

    THIS is very good advice. I didn't even think about it so good catch.

    Go for a spin and then feel your wheels with your hand. They may be warm, but a sticking caliper will really heat up the wheel and you should notice if it's too hot. A sticky caliper can absolutely cause vibration.

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