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2005 BMW 325xi

Question: Car vibrates on uphill grades as if riding on rumble strips.

Question

Jackschrader, Elkridge, MD, December 27, 2010, 07:14
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My problem occurs when I am on long trips, usually an hour or so into the trip. The car will begin shaking/vibrating as if riding on rumble strips when I accelerate on uphill grades. When I let off the gas, the shaking goes away. The shaking also goes away when I reach the peak of the grade and is not present when I am accelerating downhill. Yet, no indicator lights have ever lit. Naturally the problem does not occur when my very trusted mechanic test-drives the car, and his diagnostic machine does not reveal anything either. This has been occurring for over a year. The car drives great around town, but the problem will always come up on longer trips at road speed - 60 - 70 mph, usually after an hour into the trip. Suggestions? Anyone?

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  • Answer #1

    Superbob December 29, 2010, 12:48
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    I think you may have a driveshaft problem. Get the guy to look at it carefully for u-joint problems. Getting him to take the car for a couple days to drive it as his own may be the way to get him to esperience it. Otherwise, I'm at a loss.

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    Jackschrader, December 31, 2010, 05:58
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    Thank you for the response. Actually, my mechanic suggested that he take the car for a few days to see if he could experience the problem, but we were expecting bad weather so he felt uncomfortable taking someone else's car with rough roads. As the weather improves, I think I will consider your idea and suggest to him to drive the car. Thank you again for your time and advice.

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  • Answer #2

    Montydog December 31, 2010, 05:23
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    Sounds similar to my problem. In January 2010, while undeer certified car warranty, BMW replaced my front outer axle boots, because the boots had leaked all grease and axle was running dry. In December, I was getting rumble strip noise, and at lower speeds, car was vibrating. After warranty expired, they stated the rf CV shaft (axle) was damaged due to my driving habits (81,000 miles of easy commuting)probably caused it. I got stuck with the $800 bill for the rf axle replacement. Now I am worried about the left one. Not sure if this could happen on other side. The car runs OK now, but the question mark is still there. I feel BMW shafted me. I plan on reporting this to the appropriate fed agency. I feel ythat the boots are defective, and maybe the axle.

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    Jackschrader, December 31, 2010, 05:59
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    Thank you for the response.

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