[Heliguy]

New to the forum, Just bought a 2011 328XI 6MT E90 with 94K miles.

I'm getting a vibration in the 60-70 mph range for about 10 minutes when I first start driving it. Feels like its coming from the rear of the car. I commute 90 miles oneway to work. once things warmup it goes away. 40 degree mornings currently. I went through it right when I got it to do some preventive maintenance. new tires, front and rear diff fluid change, transfer case fluid change, transmission fluid change. water pump and thermostat, and new belt and tensioner. I picked the car up out of Phoenix and was pretty warm so the problem did not present it self when purchasing.

Wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if they tracked it down to a specific source. Don't want to shot gun the problem by throwing unnecessary parts at it. I don't think its a tire issue as the vibration rate is too high and they are new. Its not howling like wheel bearings. Was thinking driveshaft carrier bearing or maybe rubber flex coupling at either end of the drive shaft? No CEL present and the engine runs smooth. Are the gear boxes sensitive to certain oils? I didn't go to fancy on oil brands. Mobil 1 LS 75-90 in the diffs. The Shell spec in the TC that FCP Euro sells and Valvoline MTF synchromesh in the transmission.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[bimmerguy1210]

Did you get an alignment after changing tires?

[Heliguy]

I did not as the car tracks strait. But might be worth having it done.

[bimmerguy1210]

Originally Posted by Heliguy

I did not as the car tracks strait. But might be worth having it done.

If it goes straight then it's probably in alignment but it would be good to rule out, although hopefully that's all it is! Contact the shop you had the tires done at, they may even do a free check.

Edit: Just saw it was only first 10 min of driving, this certainly wouldn't be tire related

[Schmitz]

I have the same exact issue, same exact speeds. No idea what it is. Also 2011 328xi.

[Heliguy]

Sorry to hear that you have the same problem.

Out of curiosity have you replaced any components in the driveline or changed fluids in gear boxes? i.e flex couplings, driveshaft carrier bearing or engine/transmission mounts.

[Schmitz]

Originally Posted by Heliguy

Sorry to hear that you have the same problem.

Out of curiosity have you replaced any components in the driveline or changed fluids in gear boxes? i.e flex couplings, driveshaft carrier bearing or engine/transmission mounts.

Well, not sure how much of a problem it is, could be a feature...lol. I have not replaced any of the fluids (diff, transmission). I know bmw recommends not going above 3000 rpm until engine has warmed up, so this might have something to do with that?

[tlow98]

My mother’s XI acted similar but it was in the front. It ended up being that the rotor vanes were extremely rusty and were throwing off the balance. Do a visual check on your rotors.

[tlow98]

Also what tires are you guys using?

Possible flat spotting going on?

[Heliguy]

Interesting, I’ll inspect the rotors. It’s a commuter car for me so I’m running all season pirelli cinturato strada. 70k mile tire. Tires are brand new. Maybe they flat spot in the cold weather then soften up when they get some heat in them. Possible I guess.

[Heliguy]

I don’t think it’s a tire issue though as it’s a high frequency vibration where tires typically tend to be lower frequency unless your hauling.

[NFiftyWon]

Maybe try to put it in a different gear at that speed. Could be transmission related

[Antetokounmpo]

What are your tire sizes?

[Schmitz]

Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo

What are your tire sizes?

I'm 225/45r17

[macheff03]

What's odd about this is that it doesn't always do it- just in the beginning for a moment.

This rules out I would think, tires and maybe the rotors as well?

Fluid related is a good guess
Transmission?

[Schmitz]

Honestly, mine only does it when cold, so I have to assume the engine just doesn't care for anything resembling hard driving until it is good and warm.

[Heliguy]

im Running 225/45/17 as well. Good idea on running a different gear at that speed. I’ll try that out. Thinking I’m going to drain the Valvoline ATF and try something different. Have not been impressed. Harder to put into gear now. Synchros don’t seem to like it. Any suggestions? Looked at the redline site and they recommended the ATF D4 in the standard which I thought was odd.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Heliguy

im Running 225/45/17 as well. Good idea on running a different gear at that speed. I’ll try that out. Thinking I’m going to drain the Valvoline ATF and try something different. Have not been impressed. Harder to put into gear now. Synchros don’t seem to like it. Any suggestions? Looked at the redline site and they recommended the ATF D4 in the standard which I thought was odd.

Try OE fluid to rule our variables.