New member , not sure how this works

[Mob420]

Hi,

My names Megan I own a 1998 318ti, and I've found quite a few useful threads/ ideas on here so I figured id sign up to navigate the forum better. Lol I don't know how to post a thread In the proper category I guess but I do currently have an issue with my car and was seeking advice. Car recently has had a vibration coming from the rear end... I'm an apprentice mechanic but I've never owned a bmw before .. First 5 speed. I love the thing , I've down a few modifications to it and would consider it a project car although it is my daily driver so it has to stay running and intact hah. Was thinking possibly drive shaft or differential issue.. Or at least that's what I've been told. Rear wheels seem to hop when the car vibrates too.. Haven't been driving the car since it's gotten worse. Welcoming any advice or ideas!

[1996 328ti]

Welcome.
I'd look at your rear subframe mounts. You can see them with just using a flashlight.
They may be crumbling.
You might also need other suspension bushings.

[Mob420]

I've pretty much overhauled half the suspension , Coilovers sway bar links, and control arm bushings.. Everything was worn out when I bought the car. The car road better than ever after I did all that.. Handles awesome too. I'm almost positive it's not a suspension related issue and it seems to get worse the more aggressively I drive the car, there's also been time where the car seems to make a metal on metal squealing noise? My steering wheel will shake sporadically too , brakes are all good on the car balanced new wheels and tires and the car does not need an alignment ..

[BlackBMWs]

Welcome Megan!

Perhaps there is at least two problems..

Rear: Worn center driveshaft bearing? Torn Guibo? Both easy to change. +1 on subframe bushings

Front: Warped rotors? Worn ball joints? Check upper strut mounts.

Post pics when you get a chance.

Cheers

[zoner]

Whenever undercarriage vibrations are involved, it's almost always the giubo or driveshaft (or both).

As far as the steering wheel vibration, my experience is that it's often a toe-in/alignment issue. Since you stated that the alignment is fine, I would look at things like wheel bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints.

As far as rear wheel hop, check to see that the rear shock mount bushings haven't punched through (very common- especially on high mileage/maintenance neglected cars), otherwise I would look at coil springs (does it have rear coilovers also?).

Good luck and welcome to the .org!

[Mob420]

Well I've made a pretty good list of things to look at on the car now, thank you guys. Coilovers in the rear? Yes lol car is lowered all the way around. I tried to upload a picture hopefully it worked , let me know what you think

[BlackBMWs]

Originally Posted by Mob420

Well I've made a pretty good list of things to look at on the car now, thank you guys. Coilovers in the rear? Yes lol car is lowered all the way around. I tried to upload a picture hopefully it worked , let me know what you think

Megan, nice car! Did you get the issues sorted out?

[Mob420]

Unfortunately, yes. Car needs a drive shaft and a guibo / flex disc ... Transmissions also leaking, guess It needs seals. it is a manual transmission with 220k on it ... If I wanted to dump and fill it what do you guys usually put in?

[BlackBMWs]

Originally Posted by Mob420

Unfortunately, yes. Car needs a drive shaft and a guibo / flex disc ... Transmissions also leaking, guess It needs seals. it is a manual transmission with 220k on it ... If I wanted to dump and fill it what do you guys usually put in?

Redline MTL. Works great for multiple models I've had.

Someone on the forum might have a driveshaft you can purchase from a part out.

[Mob420]

Also I have 7series wheels on my car.. And my steering wheel shakes because I need hub center rings or something? Anybody know the science behind figuring out what I need to do with that?

[BlackBMWs]

You may need hub rings as the center of the 7 series wheels are larger than the 3 series. Perhaps someone else can comment. I had to do that for my early 5 series with later series wheels


1997 318ti Sport schwartz