[k9490]

Hi All-

I'm hoping for some help with an issue I am having with my 2016 X3 since installing new tires. I had quite the trouble with the installer I chose (lesson learned). I originally had Continental PureContact LS tires installed but there was a serious vibration, likely a bad tire. I called BMW and a local indy shop and neither recommended the Conti's so I had the installer swap out for Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 tires which have been highly rated and recommended on the BMW.

Since having those installed, and balanced again, I still have the vibration. I brought the car to the independent shop mentioned above to have them road force balance the wheels. They said the wheels needed weight so they stripped all the old weights and did the balance again. They said they took it out and it was all set...it's not.

From what I have seen around the forums, some thought it could be a bad tire or bent wheel. I felt it more on the right side so I rotated the right two wheels (didn't have time to do the left side) but I felt nothing different so I doubt that's it. Other than that, I've read everything from transfer case to wheel bearings to driveshaft. Any insight to help narrow it down before I start giving BMW my money would be great, thanks in advance!

To summarize the issue:
- 2016 M-Sport 35i w/19" wheels, not staggered
- vibration felt in the seat of the vehicle, not the steering wheel
- vibration feels like a wobble/float
- vibration most noticeable 30-50mph and 75+mph
- tires are supposedly balanced...

EDIT:
- there was no vibration prior to new tires being installed, was running the OEM Goodyear Eagle run flats - smooth as could be at all speeds

[383vett]

If it started when the tires were installed, it is nothing else other than the tires or balance. The shops balancer could be off or the guy doing the work.

[e30lover318i]

Either what 383vett said or you possibly had a bent rim that was in the back and it got rotated to the front.

[k9490]

Thank you for the replies, I'll bring it back and have it looked at again.

A road force balance should be able to detect a bent rim correct?

[e30lover318i]

Absolutely, the tech will visually check to see if the rim is “wobbling” on the machine. If he finds a bent one have the rim moved to the passenger rear you won’t notice it as much. If you have a bent rim it’s usually around $100-150 to have them straightened by a rim repair shop.

[thenew3]

If you feel it on the right side, then swap the left/right wheels and see if it moves to the left. If it does then you know it's one of the tire/wheels that just got moved to the left side.