Severe Vibrations - especially above 100km/hr

[kss]

On my way home Saturday, I started experiencing severe vibrations where it just seems like the whole front of the car is shaking - particularly when going above 100km/hr.

It’s a new 2017 M3 ZCP that I just got in November and it only has 5200km in it. Had no issues before. Not sure what would have caused it. I did got stuck in the ice/snow in the parking lot in the mall, before experiencing the problem. We got a lot of snow on Friday/Saturday, and I had to keep reversing and going forward to get traction until I got out of there. I didn’t drive yesterday but took the kids skating and had the same issue. It seems like the entire floor is vibrating when by the pedals - particular when I’m close to 100k and it increases in intensity when I get close to 120km/hr. Notice it most between 4th and 7th gear.

I’m going to give the dealer a call, but I’ve got a heavy day of meeting a at the office tomorrow and than have to leave Wednesday on an 8 day trip for work, so I won’t be able to take it to the dealer until probably late next week.

Just wanted to see if anyone can guess what it might be.

[SherM4n]

Wheels clear of snow/etc.? Still have all the weights on them?

[MrSmartyPants]

Most likely snow and ice packed in the wheels.

[Kxux]

Also check tire pressure. You might have one of the wheels much lower than the other and below specs. Happened on two cars in my household this winter.

Good luck.

[2015M4inCT]

You running snow tires?

[kss]

Originally Posted by SherM4n

Wheels clear of snow/etc.? Still have all the weights on them?

actually there is some snow still in there. It was -28C with the windchill, so while i got a lot of snow out, there was quite a bit that was packed in hard and turned to ice. My garage isn't heated and with the weather we are having, when i start the car, it has been -12C.

I park in a heated underground parkade at work, so i'll see how things are once everything thaws out.

What do you mean by if I "still have all the weights on them"?

[kss]

Originally Posted by MrSmartyPants

Most likely snow and ice packed in the wheels.

Yes, it is packed with ice and snow - didn't think that would be the issue - I'll see if that makes a difference tomorrow, once everything melts in my work parkade tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!! I didn't realize that snow in there would make such a difference! I've never had this issue with my SUV when snow was in the the wheels.

[kss]

Originally Posted by Kxux

Also check tire pressure. You might have one of the wheels much lower than the other and below specs. Happened on two cars in my household this winter.

Good luck.

Thanks, will also check tire pressures on my way home from work tomorrow night! That's assuming what the weather is like. In the past, I haven't been able to get air at most of the gas stations when it gets this cold.

[MrSmartyPants]

Originally Posted by kss

Yes, it is packed with ice and snow - didn't think that would be the issue - I'll see if that makes a difference tomorrow, once everything melts in my work parkade tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!! I didn't realize that snow in there would make such a difference! I've never had this issue with my SUV when snow was in the the wheels.

In my experience it can create some really nasty vibrations. Think about how much wheel weights make a difference and that's typically less than a few ounces.

[kss]

Originally Posted by 2015M4inCT

You running snow tires?

Yes. Have the winter tire/rim package. Other than the test drive when i bough the car, i haven't actually driven on the summer tires yet.

[dezzracer]

My guess it's the tires and cold weather coupled with snow pack in rims.

[SherM4n]

Originally Posted by kss

What do you mean by if I "still have all the weights on them"?

I was meaning the wheel weights.

[FirstF80InSpace]

This happened to me once in an Audi I used to have. Snow was packed into the wheel. Once all the snow was gone, no more vibration.

[Maitre_Absolut]

100% the snow/ice in the wheels. It's effectively causing your wheels to be unbalanced.

[325iExecutive]

I am pretty certain it is the snow/ice stuck on the wheels. I have experienced this before on my 325i. Once the snow was off the wheels the vibrations were gone.

[kss]

Thanks everyone for their responses!! I let the car thaw out and the ice melt in the parkade at work and it was fine on the way home today.