BMW Repair: front end, rubber bushings, horizontal axis

Question
i have a 1991 bmw 525i.  my front end shakes violently when i step on the brakes. this only happens when im going 55 or over and coming to a stop. it happens still at lower speeds but not as bad. im hoping you can shed some light on what this could be, so i can save some time and effort. i don't have the time or money to get costly diagnosis from some second rate repair shop. also my washer fluid does not work. everything is working but no juice. if you could help with this you would be a big help. thanks
jason

Answer
Hi Jason,
Bring it up on a lift or  stands and move the front wheels front to back (on its horizontal axis) and then vertically.
I think you can find enough play among the various parts to localize the problem.
Usually it is a bad bushing in the wishbone, but on an old car like yours, you should have an open mind. It can be the balljoint, or crossmember, or front axle support bolts, even lose wheel lugnuts. It can be the rubber bushings of the steering's idler or pitman, or the tierods.
If you do not find any visible or perceptible defect when you jerk the front wheels, then it can simply be  bad brake rotors.
Regarding your washer, if there is water in the tank, check the fuse for the washer first, then ask somebody to press the washer switch while you feel the washer pump for movement,
if there is none, get a voltmeter or testlight and check the  wires/connector to the washer pump if there is voltage in it  when the switch is pressed. If there is juice, the pump is bad and should be replaced.
If you can feel the pump moving but no water squirts out of the nozzles, then it is just a matter of finding out where the water stops (tubes or connectors/dividers or nozzles itself).
Have fun.
Tino