BMW 335i 2012-2018 Suspension Specifications
BMW 335i 2012-2018

BMW 335i 2012-2018 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical guide detailing the suspension system specifications for the BMW 335I models from 2012 to 2018. Includes front and rear suspension components, torque values, alignment data, and maintenance tips.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2012-2018 BMW 335i, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and component-specific details.

How to Use

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

Navigate through the suspension documentation using the table of contents. Each major section is divided into subsections for detailed technical information.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Shock Absorber Stroke

120 mm

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to -1.0°

Rear Toe Angle

0.15° to 0.25° (toe-in)

Strut Diameter

50 mm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension System

Details of the front suspension system, including strut assembly, control arms, and steering components.

Strut Assembly
  • MacPherson strut design with coil spring integration
  • Strut diameter: 50 mm
  • Spring rate: 28 N/mm
  • Bump stop length: 60 mm
  • Strut mount bearing type: Ball-and-socket
Control Arms and Bushings
  • Upper control arm material: Forged aluminum
  • Lower control arm material: Cast iron
  • Bushing material: Hydro rubber with fluid-filled chambers
  • Control arm length: 320 mm
  • Bushing durometer: 70 Shore A

Note: Regular inspection of bushings is recommended to prevent premature wear.

Rear Suspension System

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

Multi-Link Setup
  • Five-link independent rear suspension
  • Trailing arm length: 450 mm
  • Upper link material: Forged steel
  • Lower link material: Cast aluminum
  • Bushing type: Solid rubber
Shock Absorbers
  • Twin-tube gas-charged shock absorbers
  • Shock absorber stroke: 120 mm
  • Damping force: 1,500 N at 0.3 m/s
  • Mounting type: Eyelet and pin
  • Reservoir capacity: 200 ml

Note: Shock absorbers are serviceable and should be checked every 30,000 miles.

Alignment Specifications

Alignment settings for the 2012-2018 BMW 335i, 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°
  • Maximum allowable deviation: ±0.3°
Rear Alignment
  • Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
  • Toe angle: 0.15° to 0.25° (toe-in)
  • Thrust angle: 0.0° ± 0.1°
  • Maximum allowable deviation: ±0.2°

Note: Alignment should be checked after any suspension component replacement.

Suspension Components and Torque Specifications

Torque values and specifications for critical suspension components.

Front Suspension Torque
  • Strut-to-knuckle bolts: 90 Nm + 90°
  • Control arm-to-subframe bolts: 100 Nm + 45°
  • Sway bar end link nuts: 50 Nm
  • Steering tie rod nut: 60 Nm
Rear Suspension Torque
  • Shock absorber lower bolt: 110 Nm
  • Trailing arm-to-subframe bolts: 120 Nm + 90°
  • Upper link-to-knuckle bolts: 85 Nm
  • Lower link-to-knuckle bolts: 95 Nm

Note: Always use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening of suspension components.

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
31306777734
Control Arm Part Number
31126865477
Bushing Material
Rubber with aluminum housing
Anti Roll Bar Diameter
25.5 mm
Anti Roll Bar Part Number
31356795712

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
33556795713

Shock ABSorbers

Front Shock Travel
135 mm
Rear Shock Travel
150 mm
Front Shock Rebound Damping
2200 Ns/m
Rear Shock Rebound Damping
1800 Ns/m
Front Shock Compression Damping
1200 Ns/m
Rear Shock Compression Damping
1000 Ns/m

Springs

Front Spring Free Length
380 mm
Rear Spring Free Length
420 mm
Front Spring Wire Diameter
12.5 mm
Rear Spring Wire Diameter
13.0 mm
Front Spring Coil Count
6.5
Rear Spring Coil Count
7.0

Bushings

Front Lower 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
Bushing Replacement Interval
100,000 miles

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°
Front Caster
6.5° to 7.5°
Thrust Angle
0.0° ± 0.1°

Torque Specifications

Front Strut Mount Nut
65 Nm
Rear Shock ABSorber Mount Nut
50 Nm
Front Lower Control Arm Bolt
90 Nm
Rear Trailing Arm Bolt
110 Nm
Anti Roll Bar Link Nut
45 Nm

Operational Limits

Maximum Front Axle Load
1050 kg
Maximum Rear Axle Load
1100 kg
Maximum Suspension Travel Front
150 mm
Maximum Suspension Travel Rear
160 mm
Maximum Speed For Suspension integrity
250 km/h

Diagnostic Specifications

Shock ABSorber Leak Test
No visible fluid leakage
Bushing Inspection Criteria
No cracks or excessive wear
Spring Inspection Criteria
No sagging or deformation
Anti Roll Bar Link Inspection
No play or looseness
Alignment Check interval
Every 15,000 miles or after impact

Maintenance Specifications

Shock ABSorber Replacement interval
60,000 miles
Spring Replacement Interval
100,000 miles
Bushing Replacement Interval
100,000 miles
Anti Roll Bar Link Replacement Interval
80,000 miles
Suspension Lubrication Points
  • Front lower control arm bushings
  • Rear trailing arm bushings
  • Anti-roll bar bushings
Lubrication interval
Every 30,000 miles

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
  • Check suspension bushings for wear
  • Verify alignment settings

Perform after any significant impact or suspension work

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Lubricate suspension bushings
  • Inspect anti-roll bar links
  • Check spring condition

Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Replace shock absorbers
  • Inspect and replace worn bushings
  • Check suspension alignment

Replace components as necessary to maintain ride quality

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the recommended torque specification for the front strut mount bolts on a 2012-2018 BMW 335i?

The recommended torque specification for the front strut mount bolts is 22 Nm (16 lb-ft) for the three upper strut mount nuts and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) for the central strut mount nut. Ensure proper alignment during installation to avoid suspension noise or premature wear.

Q2

What is the ride height specification for the 2012-2018 BMW 335i with standard suspension?

The ride height for the 2012-2018 BMW 335i with standard suspension is approximately 600 mm (23.6 inches) from the ground to the wheel arch at the front and 590 mm (23.2 inches) at the rear. Variations may occur depending on trim level and optional suspension packages.

Q3

How do I identify if my BMW 335i has the optional Adaptive M Suspension?

The Adaptive M Suspension can be identified by the presence of the 'Adaptive M Suspension' badge in the vehicle's documentation or by checking the VIN decoder. Additionally, vehicles equipped with this system will have adjustable damping settings accessible via the driving mode selector (Comfort, Sport, Sport+).

Q4

What is the recommended replacement interval for the rear shock absorbers on a 2012-2018 BMW 335i?

BMW does not specify a fixed replacement interval for rear shock absorbers. However, they should be inspected every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or during routine maintenance. Signs of wear, such as fluid leaks, excessive bouncing, or uneven tire wear, indicate the need for replacement.

Q5

Can I replace the standard suspension with aftermarket lowering springs on my BMW 335i?

Yes, aftermarket lowering springs can be installed, but this may affect ride quality, handling, and warranty coverage. Lowering the suspension by more than 30 mm (1.2 inches) may also require recalibration of the Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system if equipped. Always use high-quality components and consult a professional for 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 335i Suspension System Overview

Coming Soon

A detailed guide covering the standard and optional suspension systems available for the 2012-2018 BMW 335i, including technical specifications and maintenance tips.

Adaptive M Suspension Troubleshooting Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and resolving common issues with the Adaptive M Suspension system, including error codes and recalibration procedures.

BMW Genuine Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Access the official BMW parts catalog for genuine suspension components, including part numbers, pricing, and compatibility information.

Suspension Alignment and Adjustment Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive instructions for performing wheel alignment and suspension adjustments on the 2012-2018 BMW 335i, including recommended settings and tools.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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