BMW 330i 2012-2018

BMW 330i 2012-2018 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical documentation for the suspension system of the 2012-2018 BMW 330i, including detailed specifications, alignment settings, and maintenance guidelines.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2012-2018 BMW 330I, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and critical components.

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 desired 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 Spring Rate

32 N/mm

Front Strut Diameter

50 mm

Rear Shock Absorber Stroke

120 mm

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to -1.0°

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

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

Strut Assembly

MacPherson strut design with coil spring and integrated shock absorber
Strut diameter: 50 mm
Spring rate: 28 N/mm
Bump stop length: 70 mm
Upper strut mount bearing type: Ball bearing

Control Arms and Bushings

Lower control arm material: Forged aluminum
Bushing type: Hydro rubber bushings
Control arm length: 420 mm
Bushing durometer: 70 Shore A
Note: Bushings are maintenance-free but should be inspected for wear every 30,000 miles

Note: Hydro rubber bushings provide improved vibration damping and durability.

Rear Suspension

Detailed information about the rear suspension system, including the multi-link setup, shock absorbers, and springs.

Multi-Link Setup

Five-link independent rear suspension
Upper and lower control arms made of forged steel
Trailing arm length: 380 mm
Toe link length: 250 mm
Bushing material: Polyurethane

Shock Absorbers and Springs

Twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers
Shock absorber stroke: 120 mm
Spring rate: 32 N/mm
Rear spring free length: 400 mm
Note: Shock absorbers are non-serviceable and must be replaced as a unit

Note: Twin-tube design provides consistent damping performance under varying loads.

Alignment Specifications

Alignment angles and settings for the front and rear suspension to ensure optimal handling and tire wear.

Front Alignment

Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
Caster angle: 7.0° to 7.5°
Toe-in: 0.10° to 0.20°
Steering axis inclination: 12.5°
Note: Alignment should be checked after suspension component replacement

Rear Alignment

Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
Toe-in: 0.15° to 0.25°
Thrust angle: 0.0°
Note: Rear alignment is non-adjustable; replace components if out of specification

Note: Non-adjustable rear alignment requires precise component installation.

Suspension Components

Technical details about critical suspension components, including fasteners, bushings, and mounting points.

Fasteners and Torque Specifications

Strut-to-knuckle bolt torque: 90 Nm + 90°
Control arm bushing bolt torque: 110 Nm
Shock absorber mounting nut torque: 50 Nm
Trailing arm bolt torque: 130 Nm
Note: Use new bolts for critical suspension components during reassembly

Bushings and Mounting Points

Front control arm bushing outer diameter: 60 mm
Rear subframe bushing durometer: 75 Shore A
Subframe mounting bolt torque: 120 Nm
Note: Inspect bushings for cracks and deformation during routine maintenance

Note: Bushing wear can lead to increased noise and reduced handling precision.

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: MacPherson strut with lower control arm

Spring Rate: 28.5 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Strut Part Number: 31306777784

Control Arm Part Number: 31126853877

Bushing Material: Rubber with aluminum housing

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 25.5 mm

Anti Roll Bar Part Number: 31357848999

Rear Suspension

Type: Multi-link independent suspension

Spring Rate: 32.0 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled twin-tube

Trailing Arm Part Number: 33326770821

Lateral Link Part Number: 33326770822

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 15.0 mm

Anti Roll Bar Part Number: 33557849001

Shock ABSorbers

Front Shock Travel: 135 mm

Rear Shock Travel: 145 mm

Front Shock Part Number: 31306777784

Rear Shock Part Number: 33526777785

Rebound Damping Front: 1200 N·s/m

Compression Damping Front: 800 N·s/m

Rebound Damping Rear: 1100 N·s/m

Compression Damping Rear: 750 N·s/m

Springs

Front Spring Free Length: 380 mm

Rear Spring Free Length: 420 mm

Front Spring Part Number: 31336777786

Rear Spring Part Number: 33536777787

Front Spring Wire Diameter: 12.5 mm

Rear Spring Wire Diameter: 13.0 mm

Bushings

Front Control Arm Bushing Durometer: 70 Shore A

Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Durometer: 65 Shore A

Front Anti Roll Bar Bushing Durometer: 75 Shore A

Rear Anti Roll Bar Bushing Durometer: 70 Shore A

Front Bushing Part Number: 31126853878

Rear Bushing Part Number: 33326770823

Alignment Specifications

Front Camber: -0.5° to +0.5°

Rear Camber: -1.5° to -0.5°

Front Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Rear Toe: 0.15° to 0.25°

Caster: 7.0° to 8.0°

Thrust Angle: 0.0° ± 0.2°

Torque Specifications

Front Strut Mount Nut: 50 N·m

Rear Shock ABSorber Mount Nut: 45 N·m

Front Control Arm Bolt: 90 N·m + 90°

Rear Trailing Arm Bolt: 110 N·m + 90°

Anti Roll Bar Link Nut: 25 N·m

Operational Limits

Maximum Load Front: 950 kg

Maximum Load Rear: 1000 kg

Maximum Speed With Load: 250 km/h

Minimum Ground Clearance: 140 mm

Maximum Suspension Travel Front: 135 mm

Maximum Suspension Travel Rear: 145 mm

Diagnostic Specifications

Shock ABSorber Leak Test: No visible fluid leakage

Bushing Wear Limit: 2 mm play allowed

Spring Sag Limit: 10% of free length

Anti Roll Bar Link Play: 0.5 mm maximum

Strut Mount Bearing Noise: No audible grinding or clicking

Maintenance Specifications

inspection Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Lubrication Points

Front control arm bushings
Rear trailing arm bushings
Anti-roll bar links

Replacement intervals: Shock ABSorbers: 60,000 miles or 48 months
Bushings: 100,000 miles or 84 months
Springs: Lifetime (inspect for damage)

Alignment Check interval: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

15,000 miles

12 months

Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
Check bushings for wear
Verify alignment settings

Alignment check recommended after any suspension component replacement

30,000 miles

24 months

Lubricate all suspension bushings
Inspect anti-roll bar links
Check spring condition

Replace worn components as necessary

60,000 miles

48 months

Replace shock absorbers
Inspect strut mounts
Check all torque specifications

Use only OEM parts for replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 2012-2018 BMW 330i use?

The 2012-2018 BMW 330i is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a balance of sporty handling and ride comfort, with precise control over wheel alignment and stability.

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

The recommended tire pressure for the 2012-2018 BMW 330i is typically 32 psi (2.2 bar) for the front tires and 35 psi (2.4 bar) for the rear tires. However, this may vary depending on load conditions, so always refer to the tire pressure label on the driver's side door jamb.

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 30,000 miles or during routine maintenance intervals. Key components such as shock absorbers, struts, bushings, and control arms should be checked for wear, leaks, or damage to ensure optimal performance and safety.

What is the ride height of the 2012-2018 BMW 330i?

The ride height of the 2012-2018 BMW 330i is approximately 5.9 inches (150 mm) at the front and 5.7 inches (145 mm) at the rear. This measurement is taken from the ground to the bottom of the chassis and may vary slightly depending on trim and optional suspension packages.

Can the suspension be upgraded to a performance or adaptive system?

Yes, the suspension can be upgraded to BMW's Adaptive M Suspension, which includes electronically controlled dampers that adjust to driving conditions. This system is available as an optional package and provides enhanced handling and comfort by automatically adjusting damping rates.

What are the torque specifications for suspension components?

Key torque specifications include: front lower control arm bolts (81 lb-ft / 110 Nm), rear lower control arm bolts (74 lb-ft / 100 Nm), and strut mount nuts (18 lb-ft / 25 Nm). Always refer to the official BMW repair manual for specific torque values and tightening sequences.

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 Repair Manual

Coming Soon

Official BMW repair manual detailing suspension system components, maintenance procedures, and torque specifications.

Adaptive M Suspension Overview

Coming Soon

Technical guide explaining the features and benefits of BMW's Adaptive M Suspension system, including installation and calibration procedures.

Suspension Inspection Checklist

Coming Soon

A comprehensive checklist for inspecting and maintaining the suspension system, including common wear points and troubleshooting tips.

Genuine BMW Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine BMW suspension components, including part numbers, compatibility, and installation instructions.

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