BMW 330i 2005-2011

BMW 330i 2005-2011 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical guide for the suspension system of the 2005-2011 BMW 330i, covering front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, spring rates, shock absorbers, and torque specifications.

Updated Oct 14, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2005-2011 BMW 330I, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This manual covers front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and component-specific details.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific suspension components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'front strut', 'rear shock absorber', or 'alignment angles'.

Navigate through the suspension documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents. Each section is organized by major suspension components and their respective subsections.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Shock Diameter

46 mm

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to -1.0°

Rear Toe Angle

0.15° to 0.25° (toe-in)

Ride Height

140 mm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Detailed information about the front suspension system, including strut assembly, control arms, and steering knuckles.

Strut Assembly

MacPherson strut design with integrated coil spring
Strut diameter: 50 mm
Spring rate: 28 N/mm
Bump stop length: 60 mm
Strut mount bearing type: Angular contact ball bearing

Control Arms

Material: Forged aluminum
Bushings: Hydraulic rubber bushings
Upper control arm length: 320 mm
Lower control arm length: 420 mm
Bushing durometer: 70 Shore A

Note: Control arm bushings are critical for ride comfort and handling precision.

Rear Suspension

Technical details of the rear suspension system, including multi-link setup, shock absorbers, and trailing arms.

Multi-Link Setup

Five-link independent rear suspension
Trailing arm length: 480 mm
Upper link length: 220 mm
Lower link length: 260 mm
Bushing material: Polyurethane

Shock Absorbers

Gas-charged twin-tube design
Shock diameter: 46 mm
Travel length: 120 mm
Damping force: 1,200 N at 0.3 m/s
Mounting type: Rubber isolators

Note: Shock absorbers are tuned for a balance between comfort and sporty handling.

Alignment Specifications

Alignment settings for the 2005-2011 BMW 330I, including camber, caster, and toe angles.

Front Alignment

Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
Caster angle: 7.0° to 7.5°
Toe angle: 0.10° to 0.20° (toe-in)
Steering axis inclination: 12.5°

Rear Alignment

Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
Toe angle: 0.15° to 0.25° (toe-in)
Thrust angle: 0.0°
Ride height: 140 mm (measured from wheel center to fender)

Note: Proper alignment is essential for tire wear and handling performance.

Suspension Components

Detailed specifications for key suspension components, including bushings, ball joints, and stabilizer bars.

Bushings

Front control arm bushings: 70 Shore A
Rear trailing arm bushings: 75 Shore A
Stabilizer bar bushings: 65 Shore A
Bushing lifespan: Approximately 100,000 miles

Stabilizer Bars

Front stabilizer bar diameter: 25 mm
Rear stabilizer bar diameter: 15 mm
Material: High-strength steel
Bushing type: Rubber with graphite coating

Note: Stabilizer bars reduce body roll during cornering.

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: MacPherson strut with lower control arm

Spring Rate: 28 N/mm

Strut Part Number: 31306777734

Control Arm Part Number: 31126769717

Bushing Material: Rubber with aluminum housing

Alignment Specs: Camber: -0.5 to 0.5 degrees
Toe: 0.10 to 0.20 degrees
Caster: 6.5 to 7.5 degrees

Rear Suspension

Type: Multi-link independent suspension

Spring Rate: 32 N/mm

Trailing Arm Part Number: 33326770823

Lateral Link Part Number: 33326770824

Bushing Material: Rubber with steel housing

Alignment Specs: Camber: -1.5 to -0.5 degrees
Toe: 0.10 to 0.30 degrees

Shock ABSorbers

Front Shock Part Number: 31306777734

Rear Shock Part Number: 33526770825

Front Shock Travel: 120 mm

Rear Shock Travel: 110 mm

Damping Force Front: 1500 N at 0.3 m/s

Damping Force Rear: 1400 N at 0.3 m/s

Stabilizer Bars

Front Bar Diameter: 25 mm

Rear Bar Diameter: 15 mm

Front Bar Part Number: 31356777735

Rear Bar Part Number: 33556777736

Bushing Material: Polyurethane

Wheel Hub And Bearings

Front Hub Part Number: 31206777737

Rear Hub Part Number: 33406777738

Front Bearing Type: Sealed ball bearing

Rear Bearing Type: Tapered roller bearing

Torque Specs: Front Hub Nut: 180 Nm
Rear Hub Nut: 210 Nm

Suspension Bushings

Front Control Arm Bushing Part Number: 31126769718

Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Part Number: 33326770826

Material: Hydro rubber

Replacement interval: 100,000 miles or 10 years

Torque Specs: Front Bushing Bolt: 90 Nm
Rear Bushing Bolt: 110 Nm

Suspension Springs

Front Spring Part Number: 31336777739

Rear Spring Part Number: 33536777740

Front Spring Free Length: 400 mm

Rear Spring Free Length: 380 mm

Spring Material: High-tensile steel

Alignment And Geometry

Front Toe Adjustment Range: -0.5 to 0.5 degrees

Rear Toe Adjustment Range: -0.3 to 0.3 degrees

Front Camber Adjustment Range: -1.0 to 1.0 degrees

Rear Camber Adjustment Range: -2.0 to 0.0 degrees

Caster Adjustment Range: 6.0 to 8.0 degrees

Diagnostic Specifications

Noise Diagnosis: Common Sources: Worn bushings, Loose suspension bolts, Damaged shock absorbers
inspection Interval: Every 15,000 miles

Vibration Diagnosis: Common Sources: Unbalanced wheels, Worn wheel bearings, Damaged suspension components
inspection Interval: Every 15,000 miles

Maintenance Specifications

Lubrication Points

Front control arm bushings
Rear trailing arm bushings
Stabilizer bar bushings

Lubrication interval: Every 30,000 miles

Torque Check interval: Every 15,000 miles

inspection Interval: Every 7,500 miles

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

7,500 miles

6 months

Inspect suspension components for wear
Check for abnormal noises or vibrations
Verify torque on all suspension bolts

Perform visual inspection and torque check

15,000 miles

12 months

Lubricate suspension bushings
Check wheel alignment
Inspect shock absorbers for leaks

Ensure proper lubrication and alignment

30,000 miles

24 months

Replace worn bushings if necessary
Inspect and replace damaged suspension components
Check and replace wheel bearings if needed

Replace components as per wear and tear

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 2005-2011 BMW 330i use?

The 2005-2011 BMW 330i features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The front suspension includes coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension uses coil springs, shock absorbers, and a multi-link setup for improved handling and stability.

What is the recommended tire pressure for the BMW 330i suspension system?

The recommended tire pressure for the 2005-2011 BMW 330i is 32 psi (2.2 bar) for the front tires and 35 psi (2.4 bar) for the rear tires under normal driving conditions. Adjustments may be necessary for heavy loads or high-speed driving.

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 30,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. Key components to check include the shock absorbers, struts, bushings, and control arms for wear or damage.

What is the ride height of the BMW 330i?

The ride height of the 2005-2011 BMW 330i is approximately 5.9 inches (150 mm) at the front and 5.7 inches (145 mm) at the rear, measured from the ground to the bottom of the chassis. Variations may occur depending on trim level and optional suspension packages.

Can I replace the suspension components with aftermarket parts?

While aftermarket parts are available, BMW strongly recommends using genuine OEM parts to ensure compatibility, performance, and safety. Non-genuine parts may affect handling, ride quality, and warranty coverage.

What is the torque specification for the front suspension strut bolts?

The torque specification for the front suspension strut-to-knuckle bolts is 81 lb-ft (110 Nm). Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow BMW's service procedures to ensure proper installation.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW 330i Suspension Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official BMW service manual detailing suspension inspection, maintenance, and repair procedures for the 2005-2011 330i.

Suspension Component Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide for replacing common suspension components, including struts, shocks, and bushings, with OEM parts.

BMW Suspension Tuning Tips

Coming Soon

Technical guide on optimizing suspension settings for improved handling and ride comfort, including alignment and tire pressure recommendations.

Warranty and Suspension Modifications

Coming Soon

Information on how suspension modifications may impact your BMW warranty and what to consider before making changes.

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