BMW “limping” phenomenon – what is the cause and how to fix it?

BMW driver question – limping BMW

For some time now, I have noticed that the body of my car sways strangely gently (more strongly in the corners). When driving, it feels like driving on a bent wheel or like something is stuck to the tire.

The suspension is fine, I checked three sets of wheels and the same symptom on each. The only thing that puzzles me is that on the right front wheel the brake pad is rubbing against the discs quite a bit at some point. My question is whether this rubbing pad can cause the car to feel “limp”?

The problem was on a BMW 520i (E39), but it happens on other models as well.

BM Cars service response – the cause of the limping BMW

The described behavior of the car rather indicates a suspension or shock absorption problem (damaged shock absorber) or a large difference in damping between the left and right sides.

Rubbing of the pads against the discs cannot be the cause of body sway. In the case of seized brake calipers and holding the brake on one side, there would additionally be symptoms of severe wheel warming even after a short drive.

We suggest a more thorough diagnosis including rechecking the suspension and shock absorbers.

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