e32 suspension issue

[davestlouis]

I just bought a 1988 735iL that has a weird front end problem...it has a shimmy that starts at 40 or so MPH, and becomes almost uncoltrollable at 55MPH, except under braking, which seems to tame it somewhat. I'm puzzled about what is causing it, it's not a tire problem. I had a Honda Civic 20 years ago that did something similar, it has a bad front suspension strut that was leaking. Any thoughts?

 

[Big Daddy]

Ball joints or control arm bushings would be my guess.

 

[davestlouis]

Let's hope it's nothing horrible...I spent almost $1600 getting the front end redone on my Mercedes 420SEL less than 90 days ago, I could do without a repeat of that fiasco. I'll get it on a lift at work on Monday and take another look.

 

[davestlouis]

Would you believe, I drove it home tonight and it went away...must have been SEVERELY flat-spotted tires. The tires are pretty well-worn and I plan to replace them ASAP anyway, but I'm glad it appears to be something simple.