Front end shimmy.

[booth99]

My '88 535is has a bad shimmy between 45-55 mph. The thrust arms, control arms, tie rods, idler arm, and bushings were all changed right before I purchased the car and only have a few hundred miles on them.. I raised the front end and did an inspection and all the new parts seem to be in great shape. I rotated the tires from front to back and the problem continues. The steering gearbox has a little play but not much. The shocks need to be replaced in the near future. Does anyone have any ideas as to what my be causing this problem. I am able and willing to try anything at this point.

TIA,
Scott

[Josh in BrewCity]

Brakes ... I had almost the exact description you did. My whole front end was new but the car still would shake. I recently upgraded the front brakes to a set from an e34 535i (due to stuck caliper) and it all went away. No more shimmys.

Your front rotors are probably warped. There are multiple sources on the boards for sets of brakes. Good Luck

[booth99]

I'll try some new rotors. I was going to upgrade them anyway, now I have an excuse. Thanks for the info!

[MarkD in NJ]

I agree that this is related to brakes, but before you go replacing parts, it may help to diagnose what caused the problem. My '88 528e did this when I bought it - turned out that one of the front brake dust boots was torn and there was rust inside the caliper. Piston was sticking, causing the rotor to overheat and warp. My point is that a simple rotor replacement would not have solved the problem.

Of course, if you are going to upgrade to the E32/E34 big brakes, you'll clean and rebuild the calipers (if they're used) anyway.

[booth99]

[QUOTE="MarkD in NJ"]I agree that this is related to brakes, but before you go replacing parts, it may help to diagnose what caused the problem. My '88 528e did this when I bought it - turned out that one of the front brake dust boots was torn and there was rust inside the caliper. Piston was sticking, causing the rotor to overheat and warp. My point is that a simple rotor replacement would not have solved the problem.

Of course, if you are going to upgrade to the E32/E34 big brakes, you'll clean and rebuild the calipers (if they're used) anyway.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the tip, I am going to tear things apart this weekend and see what I find. If the calipers are shot I will rebuild or replace them. Will 15" wheels fit over e32/e34 brakes?

Thanks!

[MarkD in NJ]

I have 15" Style 29 wheels and tried a preliminary test fitting - brackets and calipers only - looks like there is good clearance in the front. Rears should not be a problem.

[booth99]

[QUOTE="MarkD in NJ"]I have 15" Style 29 wheels and tried a preliminary test fitting - brackets and calipers only - looks like there is good clearance in the front. Rears should not be a problem.[/QUOTE]
Thanks!

[Velocewest]

[QUOTE="booth99"]My '88 535is has a bad shimmy between 45-55 mph......Does anyone have any ideas as to what my be causing this problem. I am able and willing to try anything at this point. [/QUOTE]

It's an e28. They all do that. Buy an e12. ~0