e39 Steering "Shimmy" at 80-120km/h

[affan66]

was told could be steering rack. The gearing could be slightly loose but not traceable when wobbling the wheel while on jack/hoist.

 

[dominic]

Folks,

I have this problem. Steering shimmy or wobbly at 80-120km/h. Yes. This is the famous E39 problem and I have had this for a few months already.

Searched on the Net and here and had done the following:

1. Changed brake discs (front and back) and pads
2. Off/On-wheel balancing and alignment (Batu Caves, Manji, Loke Yew shop) both front and rear tires
3. Change rims!!!!!
4. Check for hub space - a few already said no need to put hubcentric cone
5. Bearing - no problem
6. Change front lower arm bush
7. Adjust tyres around rim (positioning)

Did not change tyres because they are new and don't have any bulges. I am using CSC3s.

Based on research, there could be one more thing I need to do which is to change the thrust arms. These are still quite new (less than 2 years old) and show no signs of leaks or worn bushings.

Any suggestions from the sifus here?

Just change the power sterling pulley like UUC,
solve yr problem

 

[champion]

Looks like few items will solve the 'shimmer'. From what i gathered, it could be the stabilizer rod and the power steering pulley.

 

[Mad3]

bro champion.. could you elaborate how does the pulley affect the wobbling ? seems like cheap item to replace, can consider:top:

 

[bmw7833]

..and how much for the pulley cost?

 

[champion]

I didnt change those items yet, i just summarized the thread information, thought it would be beneficial for all.
However i spoke to my mechanice and he mentioned power steering pulley doesnt really help. Perhaps dominic can elaborate further since he has changed it.
Btw, pulley cost = RM145

 

[Mad3]

could it be the longshaft coupling ? i heard some "ting ting" sound when engaging reverse and forward gear. but according to my regular mechanic, he's not confident in fixing this and his reason was the balancing will not be as 100% good, and its not easy to change. I really have NO idea what he is talking about or anybody here can recommend a workshop that is able to change this.

 

[bimmerholic]

could it be the longshaft coupling ? i heard some "ting ting" sound when engaging reverse and forward gear. but according to my regular mechanic, he's not confident in fixing this and his reason was the balancing will not be as 100% good, and its not easy to change. I really have NO idea what he is talking about or anybody here can recommend a workshop that is able to change this.

Before longshaft coupling removal is done, your mech need to mark the position of the current coupling platform on the base of the car. Then when re refits the new coupling, it will be close (~99% perhaps) to exact position before removal. If he simply removes before marking, chances of you having vibration during take-offs whether on flat road or uphill is very much likely to happen.

 

[Mtigo]

if the problem from long shaf rubber coupling you can feel vibration come from rear...why not you change your trust arm bushing coz i have this problem before...the trust arm bush look from normal eye its look ok but not good enough....and my millage is only 74k so i just change it from normal bush and custom to ball joint...the result is very good...and get better handling and fast respon

this is normal trust arm bush

this is my new custom trust arm

 

[bmw7833]

Where u custom made the trust arm and how much they cost?

 

[Mtigo]

it's custom made by titan shock at pandan mewah. price rm300 with installation