At 01:11 PM 12/25/03 +0000, you wrote:
Subject: [bmw] 1988 535i shimmy
Hi all,
My 535i has developed a fairly dramatic shimmy while braking only, from
about 50mph down to about 40mph+.
This is a classic failure on these cars, the 735i I have from 88 does
it too. If I recall correctly the 535 has the same front end. The
upper control arm bushings that mount the upper control arm to the
subframe wear out..it is this part that holds the suspension in place
under braking. You can drop the upper control arms, and get new
bushings pressed in, for about $40 per bushing part price, take the
control arms to Napa and get their machine shop to press them in, be
sure to orient them correctly. My approach is to spend the $70 each
on new aftermarket upper control arms, with ball joints and bushings,
and just replace the whole thing. I like replaceing the ball joint on
the other end of the control arm while I'm in there..I usually replace
the lower control arm too . Try www.bavauto.com I think it was about
$300 for the entire uper/lower setup, with the new bushings, and then
you KNOW your front end is tight.
The rotors could be warped a little but these cars front ends are
pretty compliant, and the little problems add up , I found replacing
rotors to be a temporary fix, and they really need the bushings replaced.
Good luck, Dave Leonard
88 735i, 254k miles, on its fourth set of bushings( and a brand new
set of Bilsteins last week on the front!)
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