Vibrations when Idling at certain Revs

tnawab · 10-31-2009, 11:23 PM

Hi:

So here is something i noticed today that i haven't noticed before. I started my car, and it was a coldish day (around +5C). The revs started off at 1400 or so initially and then dropped down eventually to 650. However, at 1400 i noticed the car was vibrating slightly and i could feel it in my seat.

Anyway, i waited for the car to warm up and came to a stop. While idling, i revved the engine to 1400 and it started the slight vibration again. I revved it higher and it stopped vibrating, until when i hit 2400 revs, it started vibrating slightly again.

Any ideas why this could be happening? Is there something wrong? Have others seen this too?

For now, it seems it doesn't matter what the temperature of the car is (hot or cold) there is always this slight vibration at 1400 and 2400. I don't know if there is one at 3400, but i didnt want to take it that high while not on load.

Eyeman · 11-01-2009, 09:59 AM

Modified exhaust? Most N54 owners that complain about a similar vibration/droning notice it at normal idle (700rpm) and then between 1500 and 2000 rpm.

Lester · 11-01-2009, 10:44 AM

"I noticed the car was vibrating slightly and I could feel it in my seat"

Beer and Chili can do this.....

tnawab · 11-01-2009, 11:52 AM

No mods... dont know.. i guess ill take it in and have the dealer look at it. its ever so light, but still annoying now that i know its there.

aisthetes · 11-01-2009, 12:18 PM

I had a similar issue one day driving home from work. The car felt like it was running on 5 cylinders, and had the "vibrating" rough feel as the car revved. After I turned the car off to allow it to reset, the problem was gone. Since it didn't trigger the check engine light, the dealer was unable to do anything about it.

I figured it was a fueling issue related to the HPFP. That was around 2K miles. At 6K, the HPFP finally went out and was replaced. The odd thing is I never had that "vibrating" incident beyond the one time.

tnawab · 11-01-2009, 08:20 PM

Ya.. this is now really bothering me. I will be taking into the dealer this week, lets hope they dont say 'its normal'

sub7 · 11-02-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnawab

Ya.. this is now really bothering me. I will be taking into the dealer this week, lets hope they dont say 'its normal'

Sit in the car and repeat the problem with them there. They won't say its "normal" if you do it this way.

JN2009 · 11-02-2009, 11:32 AM

The small vibration is a normal thing for this motor. Specialy if you have
4 cylinder before. With a Mustang V8 you have 5 time this vibration.

SlicktopTTZ · 11-02-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JN2009

The small vibration is a normal thing for this motor. Specialy if you have
4 cylinder before. With a Mustang V8 you have 5 time this vibration.

Technically it shouldn't vibrate with a proper crank dampener and flywheel because I6's are naturally mechanically balanced. If you are getting a slight misfire/weak spark it would cause it to shake like a I5 or exhaust drone vibration at idle would cause some vibration as well. I just test drove a manual 128i on saturday and it was smooth as silk at all RPMs.

tnawab · 11-02-2009, 04:12 PM

Agreed. Mine was smooth as silk when i got it. It started happening after a 8 hour road trip to Boston.

I had a V6 before (honda) and it never vibrated like this.
Have an appointment for Wednesday, lets see what they diagnose. Wounder if it is the HPFP, because it seems to be getting worse day by day.

JN2009 · 11-02-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ

Technically it shouldn't vibrate with a proper crank dampener and flywheel because I6's are naturally mechanically balanced. If you are getting a slight misfire/weak spark it would cause it to shake like a I5 or exhaust drone vibration at idle would cause some vibration as well. I just test drove a manual 128i on saturday and it was smooth as silk at all RPMs.

In this case maybe we don't have the same vibration.In my case the idle needle does't move.But every 10/15 sec I feel something in my seat(vibration).It have this on the demo I try and still have on mine.

atr_hugo · 11-03-2009, 09:11 AM

While I6's are inherently balanced, as has been pointed out, they still vibrate (because they are in motion after all ; -).

The Bosch Automotive Handbook, 7th edition p 478, describes crankshaft vibration on an I6 with a 1-5-3-6-2-4 firing order and shows vibration peaks at ~ 1600 RPM and 2200 RPM. So, tnawab, I suspect you have a very sensitive feel for vibration.

ronnyek · 11-03-2009, 09:45 AM

I noticed this shortly after buying mine... now I am 20k mi into it, and it still does it. Had it in the dealer a number of times and mentioned this, but always said it was normal.

tnawab · 11-06-2009, 10:12 AM

Update: Went to the dealer, they noticed the vibrations at 1400 and 2200, and said they cant do anything because the car computer isnt complaining. I thought that was a pretty lame answer. They did say they will search tech database to see if this problem has been reported before, but assured me to not worry and if it gets worse to bring it in.

For now, i cant do much but just live with it....

jeremyc74 · 11-06-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnawab

Update: Went to the dealer, they noticed the vibrations at 1400 and 2200, and said they cant do anything because the car computer isnt complaining. I thought that was a pretty lame answer. They did say they will search tech database to see if this problem has been reported before, but assured me to not worry and if it gets worse to bring it in.

For now, i cant do much but just live with it....

The notion that they can't work on the car unless the ECU is throwing a code is just absurd. What the hell has happened to BMW?! Their service departments used to be knowledgeable, and willing to help. These days that seems like the exception rather than the rule.

SPEZNAS92 · 11-06-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnawab

Update: Went to the dealer, they noticed the vibrations at 1400 and 2200, and said they cant do anything because the car computer isnt complaining. I thought that was a pretty lame answer. They did say they will search tech database to see if this problem has been reported before, but assured me to not worry and if it gets worse to bring it in.

For now, i cant do much but just live with it....

I've gotten that response before also..."nothings showing up on my scope...I cant do anything". I would have smacked the guy if the car wasn't going to be a buyback in 3 weeks.

qcodec · 12-30-2011, 11:29 AM

Sudden "rattling" or "vibrating", I'm not sure I have same problem, but I knew it happened several times after local dealer replaced 3 injectors this year. My problem is I can see and hear the engine vibrating and noise even outside. Wasn't last long but that was quite strange.

jeff2.0t · 12-30-2011, 12:12 PM

Could be gear noise, flywheel noise. YOur trany oil could be like molasse. Strange noise on these cold days are normal.

Sleep outside in a sleeping bag, wake up and try to run right way, your bones may also make strange noise for few minutes.

How many milles on your car? You may try syntec gear oil, it may help.

gstopyra · 12-31-2011, 10:02 PM

I occasionally feel my car vibrate / misfire when at a red light. Nothing predictable or recreate-able so haven't taken it to a SA to look at. I personally think it is how the N54s complain about having to sit still....much like my 5 year old girl. Our cars like to move...and get grumpy when at idle. :-)

10-31-2009, 11:23 PM	#1
tnawab Private First Class 11 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 135i Graphite, Coral Red Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (0)	Vibrations when Idling at certain Revs Hi: So here is something i noticed today that i haven't noticed before. I started my car, and it was a coldish day (around +5C). The revs started off at 1400 or so initially and then dropped down eventually to 650. However, at 1400 i noticed the car was vibrating slightly and i could feel it in my seat. Anyway, i waited for the car to warm up and came to a stop. While idling, i revved the engine to 1400 and it started the slight vibration again. I revved it higher and it stopped vibrating, until when i hit 2400 revs, it started vibrating slightly again. Any ideas why this could be happening? Is there something wrong? Have others seen this too? For now, it seems it doesn't matter what the temperature of the car is (hot or cold) there is always this slight vibration at 1400 and 2400. I don't know if there is one at 3400, but i didnt want to take it that high while not on load.
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11-01-2009, 09:59 AM	#2
Eyeman Colonel 122 Rep 2,040 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	Modified exhaust? Most N54 owners that complain about a similar vibration/droning notice it at normal idle (700rpm) and then between 1500 and 2000 rpm. __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
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11-01-2009, 10:44 AM	#3
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	"I noticed the car was vibrating slightly and I could feel it in my seat" Beer and Chili can do this.....
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11-01-2009, 11:52 AM	#4
tnawab Private First Class 11 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 135i Graphite, Coral Red Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (0)	No mods... dont know.. i guess ill take it in and have the dealer look at it. its ever so light, but still annoying now that i know its there.
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11-01-2009, 12:18 PM	#5
aisthetes First Lieutenant 13 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Competition Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	I had a similar issue one day driving home from work. The car felt like it was running on 5 cylinders, and had the "vibrating" rough feel as the car revved. After I turned the car off to allow it to reset, the problem was gone. Since it didn't trigger the check engine light, the dealer was unable to do anything about it. I figured it was a fueling issue related to the HPFP. That was around 2K miles. At 6K, the HPFP finally went out and was replaced. The odd thing is I never had that "vibrating" incident beyond the one time.
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11-01-2009, 08:20 PM	#6
tnawab Private First Class 11 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 135i Graphite, Coral Red Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (0)	Ya.. this is now really bothering me. I will be taking into the dealer this week, lets hope they dont say 'its normal'
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11-02-2009, 11:32 AM	#8
JN2009 Private First Class 4 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mauricie iTrader: (0)	The small vibration is a normal thing for this motor. Specialy if you have 4 cylinder before. With a Mustang V8 you have 5 time this vibration.
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11-02-2009, 04:12 PM	#10
tnawab Private First Class 11 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 135i Graphite, Coral Red Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (0)	Agreed. Mine was smooth as silk when i got it. It started happening after a 8 hour road trip to Boston. I had a V6 before (honda) and it never vibrated like this. Have an appointment for Wednesday, lets see what they diagnose. Wounder if it is the HPFP, because it seems to be getting worse day by day.
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11-03-2009, 09:11 AM	#12
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	While I6's are inherently balanced, as has been pointed out, they still vibrate (because they are in motion after all ; -). The Bosch Automotive Handbook, 7th edition p 478, describes crankshaft vibration on an I6 with a 1-5-3-6-2-4 firing order and shows vibration peaks at ~ 1600 RPM and 2200 RPM. So, tnawab, I suspect you have a very sensitive feel for vibration.
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11-03-2009, 09:45 AM	#13
ronnyek Captain 24 Rep 682 Posts Drives: 2010 Evo MR Touring Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: space iTrader: (1)	I noticed this shortly after buying mine... now I am 20k mi into it, and it still does it. Had it in the dealer a number of times and mentioned this, but always said it was normal.
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11-06-2009, 10:12 AM	#14
tnawab Private First Class 11 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 135i Graphite, Coral Red Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (0)	Update: Went to the dealer, they noticed the vibrations at 1400 and 2200, and said they cant do anything because the car computer isnt complaining. I thought that was a pretty lame answer. They did say they will search tech database to see if this problem has been reported before, but assured me to not worry and if it gets worse to bring it in. For now, i cant do much but just live with it....
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12-30-2011, 11:29 AM	#17
qcodec A driver 13 Rep 77 Posts Drives: This isn't a 964 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: OK -> CA iTrader: (0)	Sudden "rattling" or "vibrating", I'm not sure I have same problem, but I knew it happened several times after local dealer replaced 3 injectors this year. My problem is I can see and hear the engine vibrating and noise even outside. Wasn't last long but that was quite strange.
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12-30-2011, 12:12 PM	#18
jeff2.0t Second Lieutenant 38 Rep 229 Posts Drives: 2018 X3M40i, 2019 M4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Could be gear noise, flywheel noise. YOur trany oil could be like molasse. Strange noise on these cold days are normal. Sleep outside in a sleeping bag, wake up and try to run right way, your bones may also make strange noise for few minutes. How many milles on your car? You may try syntec gear oil, it may help.
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12-31-2011, 10:02 PM	#19
gstopyra Private 9 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 135i coupe Join Date: May 2009 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (0)	I occasionally feel my car vibrate / misfire when at a red light. Nothing predictable or recreate-able so haven't taken it to a SA to look at. I personally think it is how the N54s complain about having to sit still....much like my 5 year old girl. Our cars like to move...and get grumpy when at idle. :-) __________________ GStopyra BMW 135i Space Gray/Coral/Glacier Aluminum MT/M-Sport/ and ALMOST everything else
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