What Causes Engine Vibration in BMW?
2 Answers
BMW engine vibration can be caused by: 1. Weak spring tension of the contact points; 2. Cracks in the distributor cap; 3. Excessive spark plug gap. Under normal circumstances, a car engine's vibration should be very smooth and regular. If you can clearly feel that the car's vibration has recently increased or persists continuously, it should be inspected and repaired promptly. BMW uses the N20 engine, and the N20B20 has three different power calibrations: the high-power version has a maximum power of 180 kW and a maximum torque of 350 Nm; the medium-power version has a maximum power of 160 kW and a maximum torque of 310 Nm; the low-power version has a maximum power of 135 kW and a maximum torque of 270 Nm.
My old 3 Series had this issue before, and it turned out to be worn-out engine mounts after a check at the shop. Rubber parts tend to crack after seven or eight years of use, failing to effectively dampen vibrations, so you’d feel the steering wheel and seats shaking upon startup. Another friend’s car was shaking badly, and replacing the ignition coils fixed it—apparently, one cylinder wasn’t functioning properly. Carbon buildup is also a serious concern, especially if you frequently drive at low speeds in the city. Dirty throttle bodies and fuel injectors can restrict airflow, making the engine sputter noticeably at idle. Lastly, I’d suggest checking the air-fuel ratio—last time my car shook, it was because the oxygen sensor was damaged by poor fuel quality.
