I’ve just bought a like new 2012 528I with 7K mileage but this car does not ride smoothly. When I go over a bump even small like those reflectors on the middle of the road, the entire car shakes and I feel like I am riding a truck, car has been several time inspected by dealer but they are saying they can’t find any issues. When my co-workers ride with me on lunch, they will tell me how uncomfortable it is when you go over just a small speeding bump or small pots on the rood, it does not mater slow fast, I have had several 528I model previously but they all ride smoothly. I tried turning the radio on all the way up but it is hard to not noticed the car shaking over the small pots specially in the area I leave.
Car rides very well on straight HWY with no pot holes and car has been balanced and aligned by BMW
I don’t mind if I take the car to some other professional places for inspection to really prove to BMW dealer it is an issue with this car but I am not sure what that could be? Suspension, shocks,
Any expert or personal experienced?

The tires are looks brand new

 

Is your 5 Series equipped with run-flat tires? If so that is the source of your harsh ride. The side walls are very stiff & this type of tire has a low profile, so you can drive on the tire when you get a puncture. My Corvette has a harsh ride & I am equipped with run-flat tires. I have lower the air pressure 2 to 4 PSI & this helps a bit.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have a RFT, I will try to lower the air pressure and see if I get any better result.

 

I tried your suggestion, but could not see any different. We have another 5 series identical, except, that one is 2013 model with RFT tires with no issues. I am trying to find some places beside BMW and pay for the professional inspection and take the result to BMW. I believe this car has some issues as I have drove many loaner cars from BMW in the past few months with RFT with no issues

 

Hello? Did you ever have the issue sorted out? I also have the same car 2012 f10 and seems to ride jus as badly. I doubt its the RFT's because i swapped with my pals car and the ride was just as uncomfy. It feels the the car is gonna fall apart; and yeah, the radio volume this doesn't work. My pals notice that alot.
Please share if you got any solution

 

RFT's will not cause that significant difference in ride quality to where passengers would complain.

If it's only on bumps/rough roads, it's either struts/shocks, springs, or a loose/failed bushing, ball joint, bolt, etc. Probably in the front suspension.

I would definitely take it to another shop for a second opinion (or really a first opinion, since BMW can't find anything )


EDIT: another thought - failed motor or trans mounts can also cause some harshness on bumps.

 

I drove a 2012 535i for 3 years and never had any problems with bumps/rough roads. I sold it at 105,000 miles so it was well used so front suspension/ etc. might not be an issue. Wheels not bent? Road force balance? 7,000 miles is too little for things to be wearing out and I would have assumed the previous owner would have had it resolved during warranty.

 

I have exactly the same problem, does anyone know what the solution could be?

I have a 2013 BMW 535i.

Thanks