My 2010 535IX E60 90,000 miles..... has had a shake for the past couple years. The local dealer has looked at it a multiple times. This last time they changed the drive shaft and steering shaft. The car has new tires, been balanced and rotated several times. The problem was the same with the previous worn out tires. Rims run true.

The shake can be felt anywhere in the vehicle. The steering wheel visibly shakes, and moves about 3/16" when doing so. Some days it will do it every-time on the highway. Other days it wont.... it may come and go.....It seems to occur more consistently when accelerating fast onto the highway vs gradual accelerating. Can also get it to occur when at 65 and accelerating fast to over 70. Shake continue if put in neutral.

Getting irritated, and am contemplating selling the vehicle and changing brands. Unfortunately if it occurs during a buyers test drive, they wont be interested....

Has anyone been successful in resolving one of these random harmonic shake issues?

Thanks

 

Has the car been in an accident? Where the calipers/rotors checked? After that I would go on to shafts, tie rods and (sway bars (Highly not the issue))

 

I sounds like it needs another driveshaft. You didn't say it only does it when braking, but if that's the case, obviously it needs pads and rotors. Unless you still have a warranty, quit taking it to the dealer. Find an Indy, they've likely dealt with more high mileage cars than the dealership.

 

The temp sensor washer is a known failure point, can be intermittent. The shop said they did it for free when I got my water pump replaced, no leaks since.

 

I only said rotors /calipers because that can cause vibration while driving it has to do with it put on right. Braking vibration only comes when the brakes hit the rotors balance vibration comes when you have calipers not put on correctly.

 

Still using the dealer since they aren't charging anything (still under CPO warranty). Brakes have been replaced with Akebono pads and Zimmerman rotors. Love the no dust with similar performance to the OEM's.

They could feel the shake when they had it on the rack and running in gear....just have not found the correct part to replace so far.

 

Since you have had the obvious replaced I would take it back to them and let them figure it out. Just drive the rental until they do.

 

I suggest checking the control arm bushings especially and the other front suspension components. Bad bushings could fail to dampen any minor imbalance.

 

My first thought too Eric, until I read it again. vibrations are being felt with the car elevated on a lift, so that pretty much rules out worn suspension bushings.

 

Good point, KyleB, I should read more closely. I was keyed into the steering wheel movement.

In that case I would suggest that maybe the engine mounts or transmission mounts are failing. The vibration must be in the drive train if it occurs on the lift.