[cedric95]

Hi,
I explain my problem :
my car : M5 E39 2002 40kmiles

front rotors are good ( surface checked )
when i replace pads by ATE pad, i had a very big shimmy (10/10 )with a light brake at 50mph
so i bought FERODO pad.
I always have vibration and shimmy ( 1/10 ) but it's less than before and it occured over 70 mph.
I given my car for a total check of the front axle : none deffect
struts are very good
I don't understand
thank you for your help

 

[jclyman]

Check your tires for bubbles or out-of-round condition.

 

[MarkQC]

do a search - many threads on this - - could be thrust arms, uneven buildup of pad material etc

p.s. -you noted the shimmy changed when you changed brake pads - - well, likely related to the material on the rotor then - read this;

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_warped_brakedisk.shtml

 

[stevie sam]

More like control arm bushings or thrust arms as mentioned above...you can just change the bush on the control arms I think saving you a load of money on the complete control arm !!

 

[Mx5]

By recommendation of my dealer just complete replacing front bushings for the same problem- shimmy aroung 50mph ( i could feel the front end "shimmy" right through to the steering wheel "wobble". Searching this site for either word and you'll find quite alot of discussion from other E39 owners) Since my $650+ job my wobble is gone.! In my case, I have to believe the bushing replacement was needed and money well spent. (2001 E39 with 51k miles)

Now on to the still "periodic" vibration under lower speeds. I have read alot about brake pad build up from owners on this site, and most notably from Stoptech, clearly a leader and specialist in brakes. I am well convinced that brake pad deposits could be happening with the vibration. I am not an aggressive driver but have been known to take a few off ramps (each weekend!) at high speeds to remind my self why this car is such a thrill to drive. I do likely sit on the brakes when coming to a stop which leads to build up we read about. Before I return to my dealer again for another $600++ fix it's time to take the beast out for a few hi speed runs to dust off the brakes alittle.

 

[cedric95]

Hi everybody,
i post my result for my problem.
i change the 2 rubber mounting f traction strut
http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E...rowse/front_axle/front_axle_support_wishbone/
item 6
now i have no shimmy :wroom:
if my post can help you ...

 

[Mx5]

thanks for the update and knowing that there is a successful conclusion to the shimmy. Mine also went away after a weekend of hard summer driving. Have not had any shimmy for over 10k miles. Clearly a front end shimmy can come from many things including tires, wheels, rotors, pads, one or all parts of the suspension, steering linkages etc. Glad your was resolved.
For those that have the same issue, before you drop the credit card on the dealers counter (mine was worth $600) drop you foot on the brake pedal from 100mph down to 0 a few times - just might work!

 

[Sulli]

Hi everybody,
i post my result for my problem.
i change the 2 rubber mounting f traction strut
Front axle support/wishbone BMW 5' E39, M5 (S62) ? BMW parts catalog
item 6
now i have no shimmy :wroom:
if my post can help you ...

I need to do the same - have the parts but it seems I need a bearing press - is that right?

 

[jclyman]

thanks for the update and knowing that there is a successful conclusion to the shimmy. Mine also went away after a weekend of hard summer driving. Have not had any shimmy for over 10k miles. Clearly a front end shimmy can come from many things including tires, wheels, rotors, pads, one or all parts of the suspension, steering linkages etc. Glad your was resolved.
For those that have the same issue, before you drop the credit card on the dealers counter (mine was worth $600) drop you foot on the brake pedal from 100mph down to 0 a few times - just might work!

Even going from 70 to 20 (HARD stops) six or eight times usually works.

 

[crds]

I had a similar issue with mine. My trusted, local repair guy said "let me take a few thousandths off your rotors" and see if that fixes it. Sure 'nuf! He recommended the "hard breaking a few times" technique next time I experience it. Cost me $60 for the work and the advice!

-crds