New to the forum, quick question about steering.

[SkyWalker]

Hey all I just bought a 95 525i. It was my first car ever, and Im more then happy its a bimmer. Enjoyed the car alot so far, the only problem is when I hit about 60mph, the steering wheel and the whole car starts to shake. Personally I thought it was the balancing or the alignment, how ever if it were anyone of those, you'd think it would shake even more at higher speeds. But oddly enough, if I go over 65, everything works just fine and no shaking at all. Any idea's anyone?

[jplacson]

That should be the infamous thrust arm (upper control arm) bushings. My car is in the shop for the same reason. Go to www.bmwe34.net for the procedure, and parts

[Rory]

Hey all I just bought a 95 525i. It was my first car ever, and Im more then happy its a bimmer. Enjoyed the car alot so far, the only problem is when I hit about 60mph, the steering wheel and the whole car starts to shake. Personally I thought it was the balancing or the alignment, how ever if it were anyone of those, you'd think it would shake even more at higher speeds. But oddly enough, if I go over 65, everything works just fine and no shaking at all. Any idea's anyone?

Welcome and congrats on the new car. As was mentioned above the Thrust Arms are a possibility. But, if it happens while cruising I would check elsewhere first. You can visually inspect the thrust arms for wear and replace if necessary. But I would guess based on your symptoms that you either have a bent wheel or one or more tires are out of balance. I would have the balance checked/redone first if the thrust arms look OK.

Good Luck,
Rory

[jplacson]

Oh, supposedly another way to check if it is the thrust arms, is under moderate braking... the car will shimmy as well under braking.

[SkyWalker]

Hey thanks alot guys. Really appreciate the help. At least now Ive got somewhere to start with out having to spend a couple hundred to just get a starting point. And I know it was a big jump going from not ever having a car to having a bimmer, but it was "damn worth it"
And being totally noob and clueless about cars, I think I've found alot of useful information by just spending some time and looking at the site, and reading through the forums. Thanks again!