Suspension Issue, X5 wobbly at times

[markmdr]

Hi guys! Sorry I am not very well versed nor knowledgeable about anything under the hood or the whole vehicle for that matter. I have a 2011 E70 X5 M Sport with about 75k mileage. I've expressed my issue with 2 different service garages which specialize on BMWs, but they have found nothing to address what I was experiencing. They said that everything looked good, and nothing needed to be replaced. Although, one has said that my unit did not have the sport suspension which typically M Sport units seem to come with.

Driving my E70 isn't bad at all by any means, however, I do feel some sort of wobbling and bouncy at turns and speed bumps. I would describe it as loose, and not tight, how a newer BMW would normally feel. Newer models feel tight and intact. I guess I am looking for recommendation or suggestions on how to get my X5 to feel and drive like new... "Suspension-wise". I hope you guys understood my explanation, and could help me out. Thanks!

[kaleb]

For issues feeling bouncy/loose during turns and speed bumps I would address the following parts in order of ease/price:

Front sway bar end-links
Front tension struts
Front struts and upper strut mounts

I could provide a parts list if needed, but check out FCPEuro.com

[markmdr]

Originally Posted by kaleb

For issues feeling bouncy/loose during turns and speed bumps I would address the following parts in order of ease/price:

Front sway bar end-links
Front tension struts
Front struts and upper strut mounts

I could provide a parts list if needed, but check out FCPEuro.com

Thank you so much for this.... its definitely a step to the right direction. Please do send me anything you feel would be helpful.

[mitch808]

A common issue on higher mileage cars is the front lower suspension arm. One end is a ball joint at the suspension hub. The other end, is a large rubber bushing. This bushing does fail over time. Causing poor tire alignment, and toe-out conditions; thus tire wear.

You can buy the bushing alone from BMW, or a urethane replacement from I think superpro? Or buy an entire replacement arm.

In my car, on tight parking turns or u-turns, I could feel a little skip while turning. This was with the worn bushing.

[ayaxe60]

Also..worn REAR control arms will cause the rear toe to essentially move around on its own causing instability as the rear tires essentially move a few degrees left and right.. Have had it happen on my other BMW, not yet on the X5.

It depends on if you can feel which end of the car is "floating".. you could raise the car and try to "steer" the rear wheel with your arms, if there is play you will notice it if its severe enough.



Parts 16 and 21 as shown on the diagram.

[john_eun]

sorry to hijack, but if i needed to replace essentially the shocks and struts because i have an E70 2007 with 120K miles with all original shocks/struts, is it a job that you think needs to be done by a BMW specialist or a general shop could do correctly? i can feel every bump and bounce on the ride...

[mitch808]

Any shop could do this. A good indy BMW shop might be ideal.

[RSmokos]

ayaxe60 where did you get that assembly illustration? Do you have one for the front suspension (2013 X5m)? Thanks...

[ayaxe60]

http://bmwfans.info is where I got the diagram from.