Not good news if this is the case. Maybe someone else can chime in with a better experience w/ 2004 models? Surely this isn't specific to the 545i.

 

Could this be the real issue and the cupping is a symptom, which then causes the vibration? In other words is this the real issue including the problems "jochet" mentions as well?

 

I just got a 2006 E60 530i. And I have the same problem between 40-60 mph, there is a vibration on the wheel and you sort of feel it too. My car had only 80 miles on the clock. I am really confused if it should be like this or not....

 

Thought I would give an update on the solution for the small vibration in case it helps someone -

The vibration turned out to be something wrong with my right-front wheel bearing!

I don't doubt a small pulsing vibration like this could be caused by any of the tire/wheel problems mentioned before, but I wanted to make sure anyone with this knows to have their wheel bearings checked in case that is the problem like it was with me.

 

Glad to hear it's fixed! Did you have any trouble getting the dealer to fix it under warranty because of the aftermarket rims and tires?

 

I second all the comments.

Every time you put new tires on the car and get it rebalanced could lead to a problem. The Hunter machine is the only way to go. The Coats machine (used by most Goodyear Tire dealers) just does not do the job well.

These cars are very sensitive to vibration problems. As you go to 19-21" wheels, the problem is magnified. The wheels and tires, if unbalanced just a little, will create the pulsing/vibration you describe. I also did a hubcentric fix, and it worked. I don't think its hubcentric if this has been a few years, and the vibration is new.

Hopefully, the problem will improve. It is sad that there is not more information out there. Without this site, we would all be in trouble. I learned from others here, only to be happy to pass the knowledge on. What a great site!

 

Your problem is common with out of spec wheels and very low-profile tires. It even happens with in spec wheels and low-profile tires. The best you dealer can do is make sure everything is perfectly round, perfectly balanced, and perfectly aligned. I mostly fixed my problem by running 34 front and 32 rear. My vibration was from the rear. The problem can't be fixed in some cases. This is one of the things people don't tell you when one inquires about getting larger wheels and lower profile tires. Everything always is just perfect when telling of their experiences.

 

No problem having the dealer fix the wheel bearing under warranty. However, I was anticipating a possible problem, so I had 2 wheel shops check everything on the wheels and had them rebalanced just so I could tell the dealer that I had exhausted all possibilities related to the wheels.

It took some coaxing, but I was able to get a SA to actually ride with me to feel the vibration and he is the one that came up with the theory that it was a wheel bearing, which turned out to be correct.

Believe it or not, I purchased some 19" BMW EOM 166's because I REALLY like the look, but also to be clear, the car rides PERFECT on the Asanti 20" now that the wheel bearing is fixed. It gives me hope that we actually can run 19" and 20" as long as we keep everything in check and away from potholes, speed bumps, etc.

I have put the 166's on and am thinking once again about selling the Asanti's.

 

Frustrating. Nothing worse than a vibration that you are always listening for.

I would take off the wheels and fit the car with a "known" good set of rims/tires and see if the vibration persists. That way you know for sure whether it's the car or the wheels. You're dealer should have a set that they can mount and test (like off a demonstrator or some lease return vehicle). One test drive and you'll know what your next step is.

Good luck.

 

I have not experience this problem with standard size tread. I would say it's the out of spec tires......