Bumpy Ride (Car problem)

[ash t]

Hi All,

I have a problem with my car. Its a BMW E46 Coupe.

When driving 30mph or under, it feels like im driving with mis-shapen wheels on the back. Thats the best way to describe it anyway.

Any ideas what the problem could be?

Im assuming that any speeds over 30mph means the bumps are harder to notice.

Its 4 years old so I can imagine theres a problem with the shock absorbers. The wheels appear okay in shape, except there is a slight knock on the rear left rim (Its very very slight and I dont think can cause such bumping).

Any other ideas??

Ash
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[Alexio]

Your problem appears to be that it is not a bike.

I'm not sure why I'm replying as I don't know much about cars but I imagine the only things to check is the suspension / shock absorbers as you mentioned, equal tire pressure (although I assume the car isn't steering off center?), a healthy differential / rear axle and wheels that are properly balanced. Maybe your lug nuts are loose and your wheel is about to literally fall off, who knows
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[Walloper]

Doubts on it being a wear factor problem. Shockers should be good for much more than four years.

A lumpy tyre may be the cause.
You say there is a 'knock' on a wheel. How did it get that?
Chances are the tyre was gubbed when it got the 'knock'.
It may not have been noticeable at the time of the incident as the tyre had more meat on it. As the tyre wears the protection/structural integrity is now not enough to prevent a bulge forming.

Quick check is to put the Knocked wheel on the front and see if you get a massive wobble.

If no then do the same with the other side.
That should eliminated wheels from the equation and it cost you nothing.

Or you are now 'already' noticing the effects of a Conservative Government's hopeless attitude to road maintenance.
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[ajbsmirnoff]

Start with the cheapest fixes first.

See if the wheels need balancing, then look for worn suspension parts.

Don't know what the e46 is like, but my e34 and e39 (both much heavier cars) gobbled up suspension parts for breakfast - in 80 to 100,000 miles. In particular the bushes, ball joints, thrust/control arms, the anti-rollbar links, dampers, and springs. Go to a good independant (www.bmwland.co.uk for friendly advice) or the stealer if its under warranty.

[kingsmith]

fit the spare then you wil know if its that wheel...
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[Robby]

Any funny noises?

Check your wheel nuts and tyre pressures first. Actually check them before replying to the thread, don't just assume they're fine and move on to the next bit of fault finding.

[jimspeed]

+1 check your nuts first (wheel nuts that is)
then jack up each wheel in turn and slowly rotate them and check for the tyre running out of true, check for even tread depth across them too as it does sound like the symptoms of a tyre bulge, if nothing stands out as wrong take it to a tyre or small garage place and ask their advice to be safe
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