Front end shakes often when going over bumps...

[951Dreams]

seems to be often the worst when going over bumps slow, but it happens sometimes at speed as well. There is a sound, but mostly you just feel it. Not really a rattle, more an intense vibration lasting about 1 second.. I've searched google but nothing seems to fit exactly. The front sway being loose might explain it, feels right, but looking for any more input so I can check everything at once. So what ya got?

[Zedbimmer]

Ball joints

[RVAE34]

I would agree, most likely ball joints and/or sway bar end links. If on a budget, try the sway bar end links first as they are cheapest and easiest. The thrust arms are the next most common wear item. I would suggest doing the front upper/lower arms and end links if you want to knock it all out at once. I just did all 8 front/rear arms and spindle ball joints in my wife's E53 X5 4.6is this weekend and the difference is amazing. All ball joints but one were pretty bad and although you couldn't tell with a grab the wheel and shake test in addition to passing inspection, they were all loose with play and very little grease.

[Gilly32]

i just had this in my 97 740il. i changed the control arms. there are 2 per side and it took care of my issue. they have bushings and ball joints on them and once those are toast the e38's weight dont play around.

good news is there are alot of options and this isnt too much of a fix if this is whats wrong.

[RVAE34]

FCP Euro is the best place to order from imo and I use Lemforder parts as they are of good quality with equally good pricing.

[951Dreams]

Thanks for the feedback guys, this is on the list, but not at the top yet. Just fishing for ideas right now. This car has about 10 other issues that need addressed first. So many gremlins, so little time!! I will post back with my findings when the time comes so as to help the next guy.

[acspecialists]

I have been doing my front end systematically. I jacked it up and wiggled the wheel found the tie bar ball joints bad. The PO had just done the tie rod ends. That got rid of the shimmy. Then I had a clunk over speed bumps that got pretty bad. I just replaced the forward control arms. Less noise now but still clunking when I brake. I have been driving it the whole time including going to the track. Take your time replace what you can Identify as bad. It is more of an OCD thing than a real problem. Like painting the Golden gate bridge when you are done you can just start over.