Looking to buy a 325e but weird vibration, need advice...

[dandingo]

So I'm getting a pretty good deal on an '85 325e. It needs a little bit of work but it's a good price so I think I'm gonna go for it.

The one thing I noticed is that at around 50-55mph there was a weird vibration for about 3-5 seconds. It feels like you're going over grates on a really rough road. I'm thinking either wheel bearing(s) or tie rod(s).

Has anyone experienced this before? I'm not worried if it's either of the above but I just want to know that it's nothing serious. BTW, she just had a brand new clutch put in.

Thanks in advance :up:

[JTapper]

Sounds like a driveshaft issue. Does the vibration come mostly through the steering wheel, or the chassis of the car?

[dandingo]

I thought that as well. It comes through both. Like I said, it just feels like I'm driving over rough road for about 5 seconds or so...

[Red88]

Ball Joints and/or tie rods. Basically the lower front suspension. My car did that for a bit and a refreshed front suspension fixed it right up.

[leland21]

Im guessing if your getting it for cheap it probably dosent have brand new tires on it, check the wear on them, not a dead give away of anything wrong but if its lopsided you'll know where its at. Also check the CSB on the drive shaft, you'll have to lower the heat sheild but it will take one socket and about two minutes to take a quick peek.

[ubernasty]

my 85 325e has done that since i bought it. Needs tie rods, ball joints etc. everything already mentioned.