Slight highway vibration??

Robs335iproblems · 11-04-2024, 11:21 AM

I know this is an old thread, however, if anyone happens across this thread, the solution seems to be the rear differential, rear bushing. If you search BMW F10 rear differential bushing, you'll find countless posts related to this bushing. When it goes bad, there is a slight wobble felt in the seat at highway speeds, from roughly 70mph up. It's an inexpensive part, but a pain to replace, but will fix the highway speed wobble, assuming that the tires have been appropriately balanced on a hunter elite balancer. That will find any out of round wheels, tires, bent rims, etc. Assuming that the balance has been done, and the vehicle doesn't have pad deposits on the rotors, and the only issue is wobble at highway speeds, then the rear differential bushing is the issue. When bad, the supports have probably cracked, not properly holding the differential, which allows vibrations in the cabin. When replaced, it's recommended to look/replace the rear flex disc as this one tends to go bad much more quickly when compared to the front.

Pre 2012 BMWs were best · 07-23-2025, 03:11 AM

I recently bought a 2016 530d msport 69k miles and it has this same problem.. I can always notice a slight vibration but it really comes alive between 70-80mph when I can see the passenger seat shaking!

I can feel the wheel slightly vibrate.

I put on 4 new Michelin PS5s non run flat last week, wheels balanced and checked for buckled wheels.

The vibration has improved about 50% but its still there so wheels don't seem to be the issue - although I still think the alloy wheels (19 inch) could be less than 100% as UK roads are shite and the tyre tech guys could have missed it.

Last month during its service at BMW Stevenage they spotted the rear diff mount bushes and driveshaft doughnut/coupler have started to crack so I am getting these replaced next month (not at BMW because they quoted £1,809 inc. VAT!)

Hoping this will fix the issue but I have read it could be a number of other things like thrust arm bushes, disc brakes (which were fitted new 2 months ago at BMW), engine mounts....

Is there anything else I should look to change when replacing the rear diff bushes and propshaft coupler?

I had a manual E82 2009 120d msport - I took it from 36k miles to +210k miles and the only parts I had to change were the shocks at 100k. The clutch, brake calipers, driveshaft etc were all original and no vibrations right till the end! Best car ever.

They don't make them like they used to.

11-04-2024, 11:21 AM	#67
Robs335iproblems Enlisted Member 28 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2018 F30 340xi M-Sport Join Date: May 2015 Location: Coopersburg, PA iTrader: (0)	I know this is an old thread, however, if anyone happens across this thread, the solution seems to be the rear differential, rear bushing. If you search BMW F10 rear differential bushing, you'll find countless posts related to this bushing. When it goes bad, there is a slight wobble felt in the seat at highway speeds, from roughly 70mph up. It's an inexpensive part, but a pain to replace, but will fix the highway speed wobble, assuming that the tires have been appropriately balanced on a hunter elite balancer. That will find any out of round wheels, tires, bent rims, etc. Assuming that the balance has been done, and the vehicle doesn't have pad deposits on the rotors, and the only issue is wobble at highway speeds, then the rear differential bushing is the issue. When bad, the supports have probably cracked, not properly holding the differential, which allows vibrations in the cabin. When replaced, it's recommended to look/replace the rear flex disc as this one tends to go bad much more quickly when compared to the front. Attached Images
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07-23-2025, 03:11 AM	#68
Pre 2012 BMWs were best Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: E82 BMW 120d MSport Join Date: Jul 2025 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I recently bought a 2016 530d msport 69k miles and it has this same problem.. I can always notice a slight vibration but it really comes alive between 70-80mph when I can see the passenger seat shaking! I can feel the wheel slightly vibrate. I put on 4 new Michelin PS5s non run flat last week, wheels balanced and checked for buckled wheels. The vibration has improved about 50% but its still there so wheels don't seem to be the issue - although I still think the alloy wheels (19 inch) could be less than 100% as UK roads are shite and the tyre tech guys could have missed it. Last month during its service at BMW Stevenage they spotted the rear diff mount bushes and driveshaft doughnut/coupler have started to crack so I am getting these replaced next month (not at BMW because they quoted £1,809 inc. VAT!) Hoping this will fix the issue but I have read it could be a number of other things like thrust arm bushes, disc brakes (which were fitted new 2 months ago at BMW), engine mounts.... Is there anything else I should look to change when replacing the rear diff bushes and propshaft coupler? I had a manual E82 2009 120d msport - I took it from 36k miles to +210k miles and the only parts I had to change were the shocks at 100k. The clutch, brake calipers, driveshaft etc were all original and no vibrations right till the end! Best car ever. They don't make them like they used to.
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