[Sxs1687]

So I did a bunch of searching on this topic and I've read a variety of responses across the 530, 540, but don't think I found much about the m550.

Today is probably the first time I've needed to go on the highway since I've gotten this car. (lot of city driving usually during covid times). Anyway, around 70-80ish mph I noticed a very very slight vibration (not in the steering wheel but in the cabin kind of) which reminded me of a slightly unbalanced wheel(s). Apparently it's a common vibration among the 530s and 540s which only some people even realize because it's so slight? I notice everything so it's slightly bothering me. The car is CPO and the dealer replaced 2 bent wheels and assured that the other two were in perfect condition. Do we think this is normal or maybe I should get the wheels rebalanced?

I've tried all the things I read on the forums: turn off lane keep, turn off blind spot, turn off all assistant features, try in sport mode, use manual mode, try diff roads, windows up/down, etc...everything except rebalancing the wheels or replacing the tires. Maybe it's just because the wheels are big, 20s with low pros?

[SctsOut06]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

So I did a bunch of searching on this topic and I've read a variety of responses across the 530, 540, but don't think I found much about the m550.

Today is probably the first time I've needed to go on the highway since I've gotten this car. (lot of city driving usually during covid times). Anyway, around 70-80ish mph I noticed a very very slight vibration (not in the steering wheel but in the cabin kind of) which reminded me of a slightly unbalanced wheel(s). Apparently it's a common vibration among the 530s and 540s which only some people even realize because it's so slight? I notice everything so it's slightly bothering me. The car is CPO and the dealer replaced 2 bent wheels and assured that the other two were in perfect condition. Do we think this is normal or maybe I should get the wheels rebalanced?

I've tried all the things I read on the forums: turn off lane keep, turn off blind spot, turn off all assistant features, try in sport mode, use manual mode, try diff roads, windows up/down, etc...everything except rebalancing the wheels or replacing the tires. Maybe it's just because the wheels are big, 20s with low pros?

If you find a solution, let me know. I've got a 2018 M550 and get the vibration from about 65-80…also not feedback through the steering wheel. I feel it more in the seat / floorboard.

[CnSky]

Two questions

Do you have Michelin pilot sport 4s tyres installed non star marked?

Does the car have adaptive suspension?

[Sxs1687]

Originally Posted by CnSky

Two questions

Do you have Michelin pilot sport 4s tyres installed non star marked?

Does the car have adaptive suspension?

Yes and yes. Also, I believe the tires are starmarked. The BMW dealer installed them before I purchased it.

[CnSky]

Ok so…

Non star marked (and possibly even star marked) Michelin pilot sport 4s can cause harmonic vibration at motorway speeds in some cars seems totally random. Many people are reporting this on here. The vibration rises and falls as your doing high speed. I found it has a 3 second rise and 3 second fall on smooth roads.

I doubt they are star marked as Michelin only make star marked versions for the M5 so unless the tyre sizes are the same as the M5 they are not available.

As for the Variable dampers I'm convinced that BMW pushed an update recently that caused many VDP modules (this controls the dampers) to fail so current only flows to one damper. That causes unstable ride and vibrations.

Do you have ISTA? You could check the damper current.

Also you can buy an app call NVH for $99 that as you drive it checks for vibrations and it will show you if it's the tyres or maybe from the drive shaft.

I had both issues so check my older posts about being done with my 530e and MPS4S highway vibrations.

I installed a new VDP and rejected my tyres which solved the issue.

The tyres are still at Michelin 1.5 months later being tested. BMW also supplied them so it's their problem not mine if they fitted non BMW approved tyres.

Happy to take PMs also with questions but tried to detail it all in my posts.

[Sxs1687]

I have 245/35/20 for the front and 275/30/20 for the rear. Not sure what the M5s use, I believe they have a few setups.

Unforunately I don't have an ISTA. Maybe I can find someone who has one in MD. I may consider this app if this continues to bother me.

You replaced the VDP control unit? So what do you mean by rejected your tires?

I'll look up your past posts. Thanks!

[Superjackson]

It's always bent wheels

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Superjackson

It's always bent wheels

Or poor balancing/tire install... Too many times dealers just throw the tire on, not taking into account the dot(s) on the tire sidewall.

Low profile and run flat tires should always be balanced using either a road force balancer or a camera based system like Corghi uses on their newer balancers that simulates road force by using lasers and IR cameras.

Look at your tires and if you see more than one weight on the inner or outer plane, then it wasn't balanced correctly. Also, if you see more than 2.5oz (70 grams) on either plane, either the tire wasn't mounted correctly or the tire/wheel is bad. Usually, rotating the tire on wheel, then rebalancing, resolves the excessive weight issue.

[Sxs1687]

Originally Posted by claykin

Or poor balancing/tire install... Too many times dealers just throw the tire on, not taking into account the dot(s) on the tire sidewall.

Low profile and run flat tires should always be balanced using either a road force balancer or a camera based system like Corghi uses on their newer balancers that simulates road force by using lasers and IR cameras.

Look at your tires and if you see more than one weight on the inner or outer plane, then it wasn't balanced correctly. Also, if you see more than 2.5oz (70 grams) on either plane, either the tire wasn't mounted correctly or the tire/wheel is bad. Usually, rotating the tire on wheel, then rebalancing, resolves the excessive weight issue.

I didnt find any crazy weights on any panes. Since I got the car CPO less than a month ago, the dealer I purchased from (on the other side of the country) asked for me to get it checked by a local BMW authorized shop or dealer and let them know what they find. Debating taking it to my local dealer or finding some authorized indi shop. Hopefully the dealer I bought from will pay for whatever is causing this! 🙏🏼

[Joe-BMW33]

Ok, first, the dealer only installs startmarked original equipment unless you tell them you want something different. If they installed the tires prepping for CPO they are certainly star marked. My CPO was delivered with 4 new Michelin Super Sports, all star marked. Star mark is not exclusive to the M5.

If you are feeling it in the cabin and not the steering wheels, it is definitely something from the rear. As mentioned, the first thing to do is have the dealer inspect the wheels for bends and the balance.

Question, do you feel it when accelerating at that speed and coasting or just when you are on the gas? If just on the gas, a common issue are cracks in the guibo, which is part of the drivetrain. The dealer replaced mine, but I honestly did not feel any abnormalities. They noticed it when in for something else.

[Sxs1687]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Ok, first, the dealer only installs startmarked original equipment unless you tell them you want something different. If they installed the tires prepping for CPO they are certainly star marked. My CPO was delivered with 4 new Michelin Super Sports, all star marked. Star mark is not exclusive to the M5.

If you are feeling it in the cabin and not the steering wheels, it is definitely something from the rear. As mentioned, the first thing to do is have the dealer inspect the wheels for bends and the balance.

Question, do you feel it when accelerating at that speed and coasting or just when you are on the gas? If just on the gas, a common issue are cracks in the guibo, which is part of the drivetrain. The dealer replaced mine, but I honestly did not feel any abnormalities. They noticed it when in for something else.

I know they replaced two of the wheels, and assured the other two were good. However, I'm going to take it to another dealer and have them inspect as well. As for feeling it, I need to get back on the highway but I want to say it's during coasting...not so much accelerating. I have a guibo issue in my F10 that they replaced, maybe it's that although you said this is usually when accelerating. I'll mention it anyway so they can take a look at that as well. Thanks!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

I know they replaced two of the wheels, and assured the other two were good. However, I'm going to take it to another dealer and have them inspect as well. As for feeling it, I need to get back on the highway but I want to say it's during coasting...not so much accelerating. I have a guibo issue in my F10 that they replaced, maybe it's that although you said this is usually when accelerating. I'll mention it anyway so they can take a look at that as well. Thanks!

Coasting only is usually a good indication of a bent or unbalanced wheel. Since it is ever so slight, even if it's a bent rim, it can be balanced out. You may have done it yourself on a pothole. I assume you have 668M's, they are the sexiest wheels for an M550, but they also bend the easiest. Did you get wheel and tire insurance?

[CnSky]

Joe what I'm saying is star marked Michelin pilot sport 4s only exists for the M5 sizes no other sizes.

They cause harmonic vibrations at motorway speed if not star marked, many people reporting this.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by CnSky

Joe what I'm saying is star marked Michelin pilot sport 4s only exists for the M5 sizes no other sizes.

They cause harmonic vibrations at motorway speed if not star marked, many people reporting this.

Ah, got it friend, so pretty much 20" staggered summer set-ups. I misunderstood your M5 statement.

Yeah, I guess there really is something to the star. They claim they pass a higher standard of quality control.

[CnSky]

Search online there's a few video up there showing how they are actually designed differently steel bands are in different location etc.

[CnSky]

Really interesting video

[Sxs1687]

Originally Posted by CnSky

Really interesting video

Very interesting video. So I guess not quality control really, but more of a personalized (if you will) engineering for the car itself. Based on the video, I'd probably go for the tires I currently have (without knowing about any potential vibrations) just for a little bit of a softer more comfy ride and marginal loss in handling/braking/etc.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by CnSky

Really interesting video

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. Looks like I will be getting star marked PS4S's next time around. Although it's going to take a while for my PSS's to wear out. I do like them a lot for daily driving, I'm not a track kind of guy.

[CnSky]

Unless your looking for 285 35 20 rear and 275 35 20 front like an M5 they can't be found in star marked. (Or 285 I believe if square setup on X drive)

This is why in my opinion so many people are having vibrations with them at high speed in normal g30 models.

Seems Michelin aren't supplying them with star marks for anything other than the M5 which is a pity.

I still haven't heard back from Michelin and the BMW garage that supplied mine since I rejected the set 2 months ago and demanding a refund or change to PSS start marked.

Good news state side is Michelin have a 60 day money back guarantee but of course not the same in UK and Ireland they have to be sent for testing.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by CnSky

Unless your looking for 295 30 20 rear and 265 35 20 front like an M5 they can't be found in star marked. (Or 285 I believe if square setup on X drive)

This is why in my opinion so many people are having vibrations with them at high speed in normal g30 models.

Seems Michelin aren't supplying them with star marks for anything other than the M5 which is a pity.

I still haven't heard back from Michelin and the BMW garage that supplied mine since I rejected the set 2 months ago and demanding a refund or change to PSS start marked.

Good news state side is Michelin have a 60 day money back guarantee but of course not the same in UK and Ireland they have to be sent for testing.

Thanks, we come full circle on star marked ps4s and the M5. I didn't realize the M5 ran a wider tire than the M550.

[CnSky]

Yep unfortunately they do at 285 25 front and 275 35 rear.

Think the 550 runs the same as all M sports with 20s they are 245 35 20 front and 275 30 20 rear according to online sources.

For those of us without an M5 best star marked NRF option is the PSS but I believe they are not making them any more so they are becoming rare.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by CnSky

Yep unfortunately they do at 285 25 front and 275 35 rear.

Think the 550 runs the same as all M sports with 20s they are 245 35 20 front and 275 30 20 rear according to online sources.

For those of us without an M5 best star marked NRF option is the PSS but I believe they are not making them any more so they are becoming rare.

I've heard the same, but my star marked PSS were put on by the dealer six months ago and I believe they are still obtainable on Tire Rack but haven't looked in a while.