Subject: [bmw] 1988 535i shimmy
Hi all,
My 535i has developed a fairly dramatic shimmy while braking only, from
about 50mph down to about 40mph+.
This is a classic failure on these cars, the 735i I have from 88 does it
too. If I recall correctly the 535 has the same front end. The upper
control arm bushings that mount the upper control arm to the subframe wear
out..it is this part that holds the suspension in place under braking. You
can drop the upper control arms, and get new bushings pressed in, for about
$40 per bushing part price, take the control arms to Napa and get their
machine shop to press them in, be sure to orient them correctly. My
approach is to spend the $70 each on new aftermarket upper control arms,
with ball joints and bushings, and just replace the whole thing. I like
replaceing the ball joint on the other end of the control arm while I'm in
there..I usually replace the lower control arm too . Try www.bavauto.com I
think it was about $300 for the entire uper/lower setup, with the new
bushings, and then you KNOW your front end is tight.
The rotors could be warped a little but these cars front ends are pretty
compliant, and the little problems add up , I found replacing rotors to be
a temporary fix, and they really need the bushings replaced.
Good luck, Dave Leonard
88 735i, 254k miles, on its fourth set of bushings( and a brand new set of
Bilsteins last week on the front!)
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