Vibration at Idle Felt Through Manual Shifter - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

LAnderson23 · 06-26-2012, 07:11 AM

So I finally picked up my 328i yesterday. The car is absolutely gorgeous! One thing that is bothering me, is that my 6MT shifter seems to vibrate quite a bit when I am idling. As soon as I turn on the car, I can visibly see the shifter vibrating, and if I set my hand on it, I can very clearly feel it as well. Neither of my previous manual transmission cars did this, I was curious to see if anyone else had noticed this, and whether you think it's something to be concerned about or not. I can't even imagine how they would go about fixing it if it is a problem.

Michael Schott · 06-26-2012, 07:28 AM

This happens to a small extent in my e90 328 with the I6 engine but I'm sure the inherent imbalance of the 4 cylinder engine makes it more noticeable.

LAnderson23 · 06-26-2012, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

This happens to a small extent in my e90 328 with the I6 engine but I'm sure the inherent imbalance of the 4 cylinder engine makes it more noticeable.

So you think this is normal behavior? If it was my first MT car I wouldn't think anything of it. However, my previous (and much cheaper) MT cars didn't do this at all.

StevenBTO · 06-26-2012, 11:23 AM

My AT does this too. I posted about it - some have it, some don't so I don't think it is normal. I will be taking mine in soon regarding this and ASS failures..

LAnderson23 · 06-26-2012, 11:25 AM

I stopped in the dealer today and had them look at it. They said it's normal, and they've seen it on E90's too. I guess that's fine with me, as long as there isn't a 'problem'.

StevenBTO · 06-26-2012, 11:26 AM

I had an E90 that was perfectly silky smooth at all times. I do not think this is normal, especially not on a 50k car!

bcl0328 · 06-26-2012, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenBTO

I had an E90 that was perfectly silky smooth at all times. I do not think this is normal, especially not on a 50k car!

4 cyl vs 6 cyl...

StevenBTO · 06-26-2012, 11:35 AM

I've driven other 4 cyl's (my old Mazda 3, my wifes RDX) and neither of them were rough at idle

Michael Schott · 06-26-2012, 12:22 PM

In other cars I've owned (much older), the way to fix a shaky idle was to adjust the idle speed.

bmrm396 · 06-26-2012, 01:09 PM

ya my e90 335 did it just slightly in N, but like many have said im sure the 4 banger only makes it worse ...

LAnderson23 · 06-26-2012, 01:28 PM

Sounds like it's not a big deal then?

RPM90 · 06-26-2012, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcl0328

4 cyl vs 6 cyl...

Not really.
I have a 135i 3.0 N54, silky smooth.
Yet, my MT lever does have some vibes at idle in neutral.

Also, the N20 has nicely done balancers. It's an uncanny smooth 4cyl.

OP, is there less vibration when it's in gear?
I'll double check tomorrow in my 135i, but I think there is more vibe when in neutral and less to none in 1st.
The vibes I have are not really extreme though, just visible, but I really don't pay attention to it.
Audi uses some really thick an hefty foam surrounding the MT shift lever.
Sorry I couldn't be of any actual help.

StevenBTO · 06-26-2012, 09:15 PM

Yes the car shakes in park, drive and neutral. A/C on/off makes no difference,.

Tukansam · 06-26-2012, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

This happens to a small extent in my e90 328 with the I6 engine but I'm sure the inherent imbalance of the 4 cylinder engine makes it more noticeable.

It is my understanding that cars like ours with manual RWD have a direct connection to the transmission... Hence the gear lever vibrates a fair amount... Even when the engine is perfectly smooth running... I think if you ask 350z drivers and the like you will hear the same

bmwm311 · 06-26-2012, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tukansam

It is my understanding that cars like ours with manual RWD have a direct connection to the transmission... Hence the gear lever vibrates a fair amount... Even when the engine is perfectly smooth running... I think if you ask 350z drivers and the like you will hear the same

You're right, in a FWD the shifter is connected to the transmission by cables so you won't feel any vibration coming from the engine. In an F30 the shifter is directly connected to the transmission, so you will feel the engine. I kinda like it because you can feel when the engine RPM is too low and the stick starts to vibrate a little more so you know to downshift.

LAnderson23 · 06-27-2012, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPM90

Not really.
I have a 135i 3.0 N54, silky smooth.
Yet, my MT lever does have some vibes at idle in neutral.

Also, the N20 has nicely done balancers. It's an uncanny smooth 4cyl.

OP, is there less vibration when it's in gear?
I'll double check tomorrow in my 135i, but I think there is more vibe when in neutral and less to none in 1st.
The vibes I have are not really extreme though, just visible, but I really don't pay attention to it.
Audi uses some really thick an hefty foam surrounding the MT shift lever.
Sorry I couldn't be of any actual help.

No, the vibration stays the same whether in N or engaged in any gear.

LAnderson23 · 06-27-2012, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwm311

You're right, in a FWD the shifter is connected to the transmission by cables so you won't feel any vibration coming from the engine. In an F30 the shifter is directly connected to the transmission, so you will feel the engine. I kinda like it because you can feel when the engine RPM is too low and the stick starts to vibrate a little more so you know to downshift.

Ahhhh...That explains it then. My previous cars were FWD. Thanks everyone!

DrivenByE30 · 07-24-2012, 02:15 AM

OP, i notice the same thing on my 6MT....

It might be normal from BMW's point of view...
but based the previous 3 series, i think not...

This must be an inherent trait of the new design....

i dont like it... it's annoying and cheap looking to see my shift shake/vibrate
crappy isolation?!

wayman519 · 07-24-2012, 02:40 AM

How many km's did you put on the car already? I think its just vibrating more than normal since you are still breaking in the car. The car should be silky smooth by minimum 1500km - should definitely be smooth by 2000km. Thats what the manual hints on and what I have experienced. Good luck man

CoolDude196 · 07-24-2012, 03:22 AM

My x3 MT did this, although that was a diesel. I dont think its a problem with your car, just a characteristic of MT

Autobahner · 07-24-2012, 03:59 AM

FWIW, my 335i MT has almost zero vibration when at idle...

StevenBTO · 07-24-2012, 08:57 AM

I'm happy to report that after about 2000km, it seems much improved. I actually left my car on the other day because I thought ASS had kicked in when I parked it, luckily I noticed while walking away from the car.

06-26-2012, 07:11 AM	#1
LAnderson23 First Lieutenant Drives: 2012 328i MG Sportline Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 369 iTrader: (0)	Vibration at Idle Felt Through Manual Shifter So I finally picked up my 328i yesterday. The car is absolutely gorgeous! One thing that is bothering me, is that my 6MT shifter seems to vibrate quite a bit when I am idling. As soon as I turn on the car, I can visibly see the shifter vibrating, and if I set my hand on it, I can very clearly feel it as well. Neither of my previous manual transmission cars did this, I was curious to see if anyone else had noticed this, and whether you think it's something to be concerned about or not. I can't even imagine how they would go about fixing it if it is a problem. Last edited by LAnderson23; 06-26-2012 at 08:44 AM.
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06-26-2012, 01:09 PM	#10
bmrm396 Major Drives: '08 335i Sedan 6MT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sD, CA Posts: 1,148 iTrader: (2)	ya my e90 335 did it just slightly in N, but like many have said im sure the 4 banger only makes it worse ... __________________ Formerly addicted to e46fanatics

07-24-2012, 02:15 AM	#18
DrivenByE30 Colonel Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OC - SoCal Posts: 2,174 iTrader: (0)	OP, i notice the same thing on my 6MT.... It might be normal from BMW's point of view... but based the previous 3 series, i think not... This must be an inherent trait of the new design.... i dont like it... it's annoying and cheap looking to see my shift shake/vibrate crappy isolation?! __________________ all 3 are MT > F30 Luxury 335i 6MT- The dream driven... _..._4/12/12 ED trip MASSIVE photo thread here <<<

07-24-2012, 03:22 AM	#20
CoolDude196 . Drives: f30 20d Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: England Posts: 502 iTrader: (0)	My x3 MT did this, although that was a diesel. I dont think its a problem with your car, just a characteristic of MT __________________ AW 20d, 2tb, 552, lc, 397 plus others

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06-26-2012, 07:28 AM	#2
Michael Schott Major Drives: 2011 328i sedan Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 1,264 iTrader: (0)	This happens to a small extent in my e90 328 with the I6 engine but I'm sure the inherent imbalance of the 4 cylinder engine makes it more noticeable.

06-26-2012, 11:23 AM	#4
StevenBTO Private Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	My AT does this too. I posted about it - some have it, some don't so I don't think it is normal. I will be taking mine in soon regarding this and ASS failures..

06-26-2012, 11:25 AM	#5
LAnderson23 First Lieutenant Drives: 2012 328i MG Sportline Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 369 iTrader: (0)	I stopped in the dealer today and had them look at it. They said it's normal, and they've seen it on E90's too. I guess that's fine with me, as long as there isn't a 'problem'.

06-26-2012, 11:26 AM	#6
StevenBTO Private Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	I had an E90 that was perfectly silky smooth at all times. I do not think this is normal, especially not on a 50k car!

06-26-2012, 11:35 AM	#8
StevenBTO Private Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	I've driven other 4 cyl's (my old Mazda 3, my wifes RDX) and neither of them were rough at idle

06-26-2012, 12:22 PM	#9
Michael Schott Major Drives: 2011 328i sedan Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 1,264 iTrader: (0)	In other cars I've owned (much older), the way to fix a shaky idle was to adjust the idle speed.

06-26-2012, 01:28 PM	#11
LAnderson23 First Lieutenant Drives: 2012 328i MG Sportline Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 369 iTrader: (0)	Sounds like it's not a big deal then?

06-26-2012, 09:15 PM	#13
StevenBTO Private Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	Yes the car shakes in park, drive and neutral. A/C on/off makes no difference,.

07-24-2012, 02:40 AM	#19
wayman519 Private First Class Drives: F30 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 178 iTrader: (0)	How many km's did you put on the car already? I think its just vibrating more than normal since you are still breaking in the car. The car should be silky smooth by minimum 1500km - should definitely be smooth by 2000km. Thats what the manual hints on and what I have experienced. Good luck man

07-24-2012, 03:59 AM	#21
Autobahner New Member Drives: 2012 335i sportline Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Deutschland Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	FWIW, my 335i MT has almost zero vibration when at idle...

07-24-2012, 08:57 AM	#22
StevenBTO Private Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	I'm happy to report that after about 2000km, it seems much improved. I actually left my car on the other day because I thought ASS had kicked in when I parked it, luckily I noticed while walking away from the car.