pmullen

I have a 535 xi with 84k on it. Never had an issue. A month ago I got 4 new turanzas put on at the local shop. When I reported what felt like an unbalanced tire, they told me my driver side front axle shaft was bad. I said go and install a new one.


After driving it for a day I could tell that the issue hadn't improved. Shop said it was tied to a passenger side front axlesahft that needed to be replaced.


Instead of doing that, I took the car to a BMW shop -- after 4 hours of 'diagnostics' they said it was my transfer case. That the the feeling I was experiencing stated in the rear and moved forward with acceleration To prove theis they unplugged somethink out of the transfer case so it was bypassed. BMW then said the ride was better though not completely.


Before I shell out 4 k for the work - or sell the car on the cheap to someone who likes to tinker -- I'd love it if someone can validate this diagnosis? Please


Patrick

DanL

Nobody can validate a diagnosis over the internet. But if the problem wasn't present before you had the four Bridgestones installed, why would you believe it's anything but a tire or possibly suspension-related? Did you get a road force or standard balance? A road force balance can help identify a bad tire, and yes, even a new tire can be bad from the factory. Did they check for a bent rim? When was your last alignment? Also, at 84K miles you're probably due for upper control arms (or replace the bushings). Aftermarket control arms are pretty cheap and replacing them is a fairly easy DIY. Any indy shop should be able to replace both within an hour. A worn bushing can result in strange vibrations.

turboawd

i avoid tire shops that use those short scissor lifts. if the shop guy is lazy and doesnt set the blocks right, damage will occur. like possibly a bent driveshaft or something. had my floor boards pushed up in my old m3 by discount tire.

other issue could just be the tires. were they road force balanced?