Odd vibrations

[3series]

Hello all! New to the 318ti scene, and 4 cylinders for that matter. I've previously owned an e36 coupe and currently own an e46 coupe as well. I can't seem to operate the search button, so point me in the right direction if these questions have been answered. I'm fairly long winded, so bare with me. In first and second gear of my 5 speed manual I can feel a vibration that seems to come from right rear wheel or differential. I've experienced this same problem in my e46 but have never found a reasonable explanation. The ferocity of the vibration is dependent on how hard I am accelerating but only appears in the 2-3 thousand rpm range. It does seem to be worse on hard right hand turns. It feels as if my wheel may vibrate off. My first thought was cv axles but it just didn't make sense as to why it only happens in 1st and 2nd gear from 2-3 thousand rpms. I plan on installing coilovers and lowering springs but don't want to before fixing this problem. Second vibration comes from the engine compartment shortly after cold starts. The vacuum pump comes on then the engine rpms fall and a weird sound and vibration comes from the engine. Sounds as if a pulley is about to rattle off. After 5 seconds to 1 minute there is small squeak/errp and the sound and vibration vanishes. Only to appear at the next cold start up. The vibration/sound will stop if the car goes over about 2000 rpms. I figure this a pulley or tensioner failing. Thanks in advance for the assistance guys.

[BlackBMWs]

Perhaps a little more information.

What year, stock wheels/condition of tires, mileage of vehicle.

Possibilities:

• Rear wheel bearing
• Bad half shaft
• Loose/missing lug nuts
• bent wheel
• flat spotted tires
• low fluid in Diff
• Bad diff
• wierd defect in the rear rotor.

that of course if the vibration is in the rear wheel area.

[3series]

It's a 1998 with 195k miles, not stick ti wheels but they are stock 15" e36 wheels from a 328is. Tires are almost brand new. Rode fine on my previous car and this is the 2nd set of wheels and it still vibrates. Looking at it closer from behind today, it seems to have more camber than the other side. I'll be able to take the wheel off Monday hopefully and have a closer look.

[3series]

Ok, took longer than expected but it looks like it's the driveshaft that's the problem. Waiting for my jeep to get out of the shop and I'll tear it all down and see. Anybody know if these driveshaft are all the same for 3 series two doors? I'm picking up a 325is in a few weeks and if it's the same, I'll just swap them out.

[BlackBMWs]

I suspect different. Check part #s on RealOEM


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[teen ti]

The driveshafts are NOT the same from the ti to the other E36s. Check out driveshaft specialist in Texas.

[3series]

I did end up buying a driveshaft from them today. I believe the problem to be the bearing support and the bearing on the front of the driveshaft that slides on the trans is all broke. I was just going to replace the bearing support which is a $25 part but, I can't get my driveshaft to separate so perhaps there is more wrong with. Should be able to get the new driveshaft in next week and I'll see how it drives.

[BlackBMWs]

I assume you totally loosened the center nut that holds the shafts together. I know at times those can be hard to spin. I use a pipe wrench to get it to spin.


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[3series]

Finally installed the driveshaft. Had to cut the exhaust out. One o2 sensor is still unhooked. Car now turns over but won't start. Charged the battery and still no luck. The only thing different is the exhaust is gone past the trans and car has been lowered in the rear. Any ideas?

[3series]

Car is finally fixed! Thanks for all the help guys. FYI car just wasn't starting due to being on the Jack stands and I guess the fuel drained from the lines.

[teen ti]

Glad to hear everything worked out for you!