BMW 340i 2012-2018

BMW 340i 2012-2018 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical documentation for the suspension system of the 2012-2018 BMW 340i, including detailed specifications, OEM part numbers, and maintenance guidelines.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2012-2018 BMW 340I, 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 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 component type and includes detailed subsections for further exploration.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Shock Stroke

120 mm

Front Camber

-0.5° to -1.0°

Rear Toe-In

0.15° to 0.25°

Control Arm Bolt Torque

110 Nm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

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

Strut Assembly

MacPherson strut design with integrated coil spring
Strut diameter: 55 mm
Spring rate: 28 N/mm
Bump stop length: 70 mm
Strut mount bearing type: Ball bearing

Control Arms

Upper control arm material: Forged aluminum
Lower control arm material: Cast iron
Bushings: Hydraulic rubber bushings
Control arm length: 320 mm
Bushing durometer: 70 Shore A

Note: Control arm bushings are designed for improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) performance.

Rear Suspension

Details of the rear suspension system, including multi-link design, shock absorbers, and trailing arms.

Multi-Link Design

Five-link independent rear suspension
Upper and lower control arms: Forged steel
Trailing arm length: 450 mm
Toe link material: High-strength steel
Bushing type: Polyurethane

Shock Absorbers

Twin-tube gas-charged design
Shock absorber stroke: 120 mm
Damping force: 1500 N at 0.3 m/s
Mounting type: Rubber isolated
Adjustability: Non-adjustable

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

Alignment Specifications

Factory-recommended alignment settings for the 2012-2018 BMW 340I.

Front Alignment

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

Rear Alignment

Camber: -1.5° to -2.0°
Toe-in: 0.15° to 0.25°
Thrust angle: 0.0°

Note: Alignment settings may vary slightly depending on tire and wheel package.

Suspension Components

Technical details of key suspension components, including bushings, mounts, and fasteners.

Bushings and Mounts

Front strut mount material: Reinforced rubber
Rear subframe bushings: Hydroelastic design
Bushing durometer: 65 Shore A
Mount bolt torque: 90 Nm

Fasteners

Control arm bolt torque: 110 Nm
Strut mounting nut torque: 60 Nm
Wheel hub nut torque: 180 Nm
Fastener grade: 10.9

Note: Always use a torque wrench to ensure proper fastener tightness.

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: Double wishbone with coil springs and anti-roll bar

Spring Rate: 32 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 25.5 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 31-31-6-857-367
Coil Spring: 31-33-6-857-369
Anti Roll Bar: 31-35-6-857-371

Rear Suspension

Type: Multi-link with coil springs and anti-roll bar

Spring Rate: 28 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 22 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 33-52-6-857-368
Coil Spring: 33-53-6-857-370
Anti Roll Bar: 33-55-6-857-372

Shock ABSorbers

Front: Type: Monotube gas-filled
Stroke Length: 150 mm
Diameter: 45 mm
Rebound Damping: 2200 N·s/m
Compression Damping: 1800 N·s/m

Rear: Type: Monotube gas-filled
Stroke Length: 140 mm
Diameter: 40 mm
Rebound Damping: 2000 N·s/m
Compression Damping: 1600 N·s/m

Coil Springs

Front: Wire Diameter: 14 mm
Free Length: 380 mm
Spring Rate: 32 N/mm
Material: High-strength steel

Rear: Wire Diameter: 13 mm
Free Length: 360 mm
Spring Rate: 28 N/mm
Material: High-strength steel

Anti Roll Bars

Front: Diameter: 25.5 mm
Material: High-strength steel
Bushings Material: Polyurethane

Rear: Diameter: 22 mm
Material: High-strength steel
Bushings Material: Polyurethane

Bushings

Front: Material: Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement
Durometer: 70 Shore A
Service Life: 100,000 miles

Rear: Material: Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement
Durometer: 70 Shore A
Service Life: 100,000 miles

Alignment Specifications

Front: Camber: -0.5° to +0.5°
Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°
Caster: 7.0° to 7.5°

Rear: Camber: -1.5° to -0.5°
Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Torque Specifications

Front Strut Mount Nuts: 50 N·m

Rear Strut Mount Nuts: 45 N·m

Anti Roll Bar Link Nuts: 30 N·m

Control Arm Bolts: 90 N·m

Diagnostic Specifications

Shock ABSorber Leak Test: No visible fluid leakage

Bushing Wear Limit: Cracks or tears exceeding 2 mm

Spring Sag Limit: Free length reduction exceeding 10%

Operational Limits

Maximum Load Front: 850 kg

Maximum Load Rear: 900 kg

Maximum Speed With Load: 250 km/h

Temperature Range: -40°C to +120°C

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

30,000 miles

24 months

Inspect shock absorbers for leaks and damage
Check bushings for wear and cracks
Verify alignment specifications

Replace worn components as necessary

60,000 miles

48 months

Replace shock absorbers if necessary
Inspect and replace anti-roll bar bushings if worn
Check and adjust alignment

Use only BMW-approved parts for replacements

100,000 miles

84 months

Replace all suspension bushings
Inspect and replace coil springs if sagging
Perform full suspension alignment

Ensure all torque specifications are adhered to during reassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What is the recommended torque specification for the front strut mount bolts on a 2012-2018 BMW 340i?

The recommended torque specification for the front strut mount bolts is 22 Nm (16 lb-ft) for the upper strut mount nuts and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) for the lower strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Always use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening and avoid over-torquing.

What type of suspension system does the 2012-2018 BMW 340i use?

The 2012-2018 BMW 340i 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 optional adaptive suspension (Dynamic Damper Control) available for enhanced performance.

How often should the suspension components be inspected on a BMW 340i?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 20,000 miles or during routine maintenance. Pay special attention to bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers for signs of wear, such as cracking, leaking, or excessive play.

What is the ride height of the 2012-2018 BMW 340i?

The standard ride height for the 2012-2018 BMW 340i is approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches) at the front and 135 mm (5.3 inches) at the rear. This measurement may vary slightly depending on optional suspension packages or aftermarket modifications.

Can I replace the suspension components myself, or should I seek professional service?

While some suspension components, such as sway bar links or bushings, can be replaced by experienced DIYers, complex tasks like strut or spring replacement require specialized tools and knowledge. Improper installation can lead to safety hazards or void your warranty. Always consult a certified BMW technician for major suspension work.

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 340i Suspension System Overview

Coming Soon

A detailed guide to the suspension system, including diagrams, component locations, and maintenance tips.

Dynamic Damper Control (DCC) Operation Manual

Coming Soon

Learn how the optional adaptive suspension system works, including settings and troubleshooting.

Suspension Torque Specifications Chart

Coming Soon

A comprehensive chart listing all torque specifications for suspension components on the 2012-2018 BMW 340i.

BMW Genuine Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Access the official catalog of genuine BMW suspension parts for the 340i, ensuring compatibility and performance.

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