I do see the steering wheel vibrate slightly.

Just checked in with /// Motorcepts, looks like the harmonic balancer

 

Wow, keep us posted on that, man! Strange....

 

yeah, I'm dropping by Motorcepts this Saturday. I wonder whats going on.

 

Hi Guys, I myself have had this issue since i bought my 550i with 133k. Car was well taken care of, garage kept, dealer maintained, corporate owned.

Background : I have ISTA/X systems and have programmed and reprogrammed the heck out of the car using INPA to back out changes, etc. I have done a bit of preventative maintenance on the car including Mechatronic, trans maintenance, valve covers, alternator bracket gasket, ccv's.

Nothing has solved the idle vibration issue. I do not want to increase the idle because that isnt a "fix", its a band aid. I decided to take on some serious testing.

Currently : I am replacing 4 Vanos units to see if there is any change in operation. Also replacing the motor mounts because its much easier disassembled.


Next: In my heart i honestly believe this is Valvetronic related. The wear issues reported. Unfortunately, to replace the eccentric shafts, rockers & intermediate shafts costs around $2500 in parts alone DIY. BMW states it is the only full fix for improper and unmatched cylinder filling. Replacing the intermediate levers alone is only a temporary fix, and symptoms will return. If the first step doesn't solve my issues i will be performing this fix at some point.

 

I started experiencing rough idle too and it got so bad my car would turn off when I came to a stop. I took it to an indy and he said I needed a new intake manifold runner valve and crankcase vent valve.

I replaced the intake manifold valve myself (super easy DIY and it was totally broken!) and I also cleaned the ICV. Now the car doesn't turn off anymore but I still have a rough idle. I've noticed its worse when its cold and smoother after I use chevron fuel system cleaner.

I still need to replace the crankcase vent valve but now I'm thinking about replacing my fuel filter too....

 

I'm in the same boat as you. Mine is '06 550i with 57k miles, so far I have changed plugs, coils, injectors and the 4 VANOS solenoids. Hasn't helped a bit for the rough idle. Mine is not that bad to be honest, but it is annoying me. I also have slight vibrations at around 1,000rpm and 1,500-1,600 rpm, which feel the same as the idle vibrations. I'm pretty sure they're caused by the same thing, whatever it is ...

I have looked at a few other 550 and 750 cars, they all have that problem with the idle and vibration at some rpm range (usually different on most, but below always 3,000rpm).

I would be curious to know if you notice any difference on yours.

 

Cinder, Mine is an annoying vibration in the steering wheel at idle, minor idle fluctuation and stumbling.

I was waiting until i could pull the numbers off the valvetronic parts before i started putting her back together. I finally found where they are so i can start putting her back. Should be 2-3 weeks because i am taking my time and its a big job too.

As soon as i have her back on the road i will know if the 4 new Vanos units made any difference. I pulled apart the intake vanos and it seemed to be in very good condition. But that is on the valveronic side and it doesn't see near the cycling that the exhaust sees since that is always full duration. In other words, i am expecting to see more wear on the exhaust side.

 

I'm just throwing this out there, but Dishoom mentioned this and I found this thread...
Results of Cleaning Mass Airflow Sensor

https://5series.net/forums/e60-discu...nction-106090/
Do you think it's a bad MAF sensor or maybe the sensor is dirty? Just trying to assist...

 

Hi Jim, thanks for your input. All of the standard "consumable" items have been serviced and/or replaced. This is not your typical issue. People are starting to report this a little more, BMW is raising the idle to "fix" it. I want to find out what the actual fix is so I'm going in deep!

I have had this engine torn down to bits and pieces several times learning as i do this as a small side business too. The E60 and like are just starting to come into the indy shop rotation out of warranty now. they all have a cycle.

So...new Vanos units are fitted, just need to find a 30mm wrench and put her back together. Will have some results. If the new Vanos units don't fix the idle vibration, then i will be replacing all of the valvetronic components next round. This vibration is that annoying.

There has to be a clear cause of this, we will see.

 

Go to Lowes. They have a 30mm wrench. But it's about $30. lol. I picked one up around 6 months ago. here it is:
Shop Kobalt 30mm Combination Wrench at Lowes.com