Re: front end shimmy (archive)

I need some better opinions than my local garage has to offer. When I apply the brakes (medium intensity) at a speed of about 55 mph the front end of the 88 m5 starts to shake. The wheels have been balanced, the rotors refaced 2 times and then finally replaced. And I still have this reoccuring problem about every few months, after the rotors have been refaced the problem immediately ceases, and the m5 becomes a great car to drive. This is not a track car and it does not get driven hard. Help me find a permanent fix. thanks

I suggest you replace the upper control arm bushings with the modified E-32 750 bushings($65 each).
Go To:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/tech-new.html

When the upper control arm bushing fail concetrating on the rotor will seem to resolve the problem of front end shimmy, however the repairs will not last.
Also, I suggest that you only purchase new OE 300x30mm ///M rotors when it is determined they are out of spec. My experience is most shops that resurface rotors do not restore them to spec and the loss of rotor mass will cause them more suseptable to warping.
Have you upgraded the rear brakes to the bolt on E-34, M5/540 300x20mm rear rotor, caliper and pads?
Go to:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/bbbmw.html
Miscellaneous BMW "Factory Brake Upgrades
You can purchase the calipers and caliper carriers parts from a auto salvage yard. An auto parts store may have rebuilt calipers at a fairly low price, however you need to make sure they come with the carrier. I suggest new rotors and pads.
This upgrade will better balance the front and rear brake bias and will seriously upgrade the brake feel and performance even for street driving
Regards,
Rod...

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Re: front end shimmy Paul Gray 16:50 8/17/2001 (0)

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