BMW 528i 2011-2016

BMW 528i 2011-2016 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 528i suspension system, including front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, torque values, and maintenance procedures.

Updated Oct 14, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 528I, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and component details.

How to Use

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

Navigate through the suspension documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the major sections and subsections.

Key Specifications

Front Stabilizer Bar Diameter

25.5 mm

Rear Stabilizer Bar Diameter

14.5 mm

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to +0.5°

Rear Camber Angle

-1.5° to -0.5°

Front Shock Absorber Diameter

45 mm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Details about the front suspension system, including components, measurements, and technical specifications.

MacPherson Strut Design

MacPherson strut with coil spring and integrated shock absorber
Lower control arm made of forged aluminum
Stabilizer bar diameter: 25.5 mm
Camber angle: -0.5° to +0.5°
Toe angle: +0.10° to +0.20°

Steering Knuckle and Hub Assembly

Aluminum steering knuckle for reduced weight
Wheel hub bearing type: Double-row angular contact ball bearing
Hub bolt torque specification: 120 Nm
Steering axis inclination: 13.5°

Note: Ensure proper torque application during hub assembly to prevent bearing damage.

Rear Suspension

Technical details and specifications for the rear suspension system, including multi-link design and alignment settings.

Multi-Link Independent Suspension

Five-link rear suspension with aluminum components
Stabilizer bar diameter: 14.5 mm
Camber angle: -1.5° to -0.5°
Toe angle: +0.15° to +0.25°
Shock absorber type: Twin-tube gas-filled

Subframe and Bushings

Rear subframe made of high-strength steel
Bushing material: Hydro rubber for vibration damping
Subframe bolt torque: 90 Nm + 90°
Bushing replacement interval: 100,000 miles

Note: Inspect bushings regularly for wear and tear to maintain ride quality.

Alignment Specifications

Detailed alignment settings for the 2011-2016 BMW 528I, including camber, caster, and toe angles.

Front Alignment

Camber: -0.5° to +0.5°
Caster: +6.5° to +7.5°
Toe: +0.10° to +0.20°
Steering axis inclination: 13.5°

Rear Alignment

Camber: -1.5° to -0.5°
Toe: +0.15° to +0.25°
Thrust angle: 0° ± 0.10°

Note: Ensure thrust angle is within specifications to prevent uneven tire wear.

Shock Absorbers and Springs

Technical specifications for shock absorbers and coil springs, including dimensions and performance characteristics.

Front Shock Absorbers

Type: Twin-tube gas-filled
Stroke length: 150 mm
Diameter: 45 mm
Mounting bolt torque: 70 Nm

Rear Coil Springs

Spring rate: 25 N/mm
Free length: 380 mm
Wire diameter: 12.5 mm
Material: High-strength steel

Note: Inspect springs for cracks or sagging during routine maintenance.

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Component Specifications

Front Suspension

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

Spring Rate: 28.5 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: 31306777745
Coil Spring: 31332227901
Anti Roll Bar: 31352283801

Rear Suspension

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

Spring Rate: 32.0 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 18.5 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 33526777746
Coil Spring: 33532227902
Anti Roll Bar: 33552283802

Alignment Specifications

Front Camber: -0.5° to +0.5°

Front Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Front Caster: 6.5° to 7.5°

Rear Camber: -1.5° to -0.5°

Rear Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Tolerance: ±0.3°

Shock ABSorber Specifications

Front Compression Force: 1200 N at 0.3 m/s

Front Rebound Force: 800 N at 0.3 m/s

Rear Compression Force: 1100 N at 0.3 m/s

Rear Rebound Force: 750 N at 0.3 m/s

Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +120°C

Spring Specifications

Front Free Length: 380 mm

Rear Free Length: 420 mm

Front Wire Diameter: 14.5 mm

Rear Wire Diameter: 15.0 mm

Material: High-strength steel with anti-corrosion coating

Bushing Specifications

Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Durometer: 70 Shore A

Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Durometer: 75 Shore A

Anti Roll Bar Bushing Durometer: 65 Shore A

Replacement interval: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years

Torque Specifications

Front Strut Mount Nuts: 45 Nm + 90°

Rear Shock ABSorber Bolts: 70 Nm

Front Control Arm Bolts: 100 Nm + 90°

Rear Subframe Bolts: 120 Nm + 90°

Diagnostic Specifications

Ride Height Tolerance: ±5 mm from factory specification

Shock ABSorber Leakage Limit: No visible fluid leakage

Bushing Wear Limit: No visible cracks or deformation

Alignment Check interval: Every 15,000 miles or annually

Operational Limits

Maximum Load Front Axle: 1100 kg

Maximum Load Rear Axle: 1200 kg

Maximum Speed With Load: 250 km/h

Minimum Ground Clearance: 140 mm

Safety information

Warning: Always use a torque wrench for suspension components to ensure proper tightening

Note: Inspect suspension components for wear or damage during routine maintenance

Caution: Do not exceed vehicle load limits to prevent suspension failure

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

15,000 miles

12 months

Inspect shock absorbers for leaks or damage
Check suspension bushings for wear
Verify ride height and alignment

Replace worn components as necessary

30,000 miles

24 months

Lubricate suspension joints and pivots
Inspect anti-roll bar links and bushings
Check torque on all suspension fasteners

Use only BMW-approved lubricants

60,000 miles

48 months

Replace suspension bushings if necessary
Inspect and replace shock absorbers if needed
Perform full suspension alignment

Follow BMW-recommended procedures for alignment

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 2011-2016 BMW 528i use?

The 2011-2016 BMW 528i is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a balance of comfort and sporty handling, with precise control over wheel movement and stability.

What is the recommended tire pressure for the 2011-2016 BMW 528i?

The recommended tire pressure for the 2011-2016 BMW 528i is typically 32 psi (2.2 bar) for the front tires and 35 psi (2.4 bar) for the rear tires under normal load conditions. Always refer to the tire pressure label on the driver's side door jamb for specific recommendations.

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 bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers should be checked for wear and tear to ensure optimal performance and safety.

What is the ride height of the 2011-2016 BMW 528i?

The ride height of the 2011-2016 BMW 528i 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 vehicle's chassis.

Can I replace the suspension with aftermarket parts without voiding the warranty?

Replacing the suspension with aftermarket parts may void your BMW warranty if the parts are not approved by BMW or if the installation is not performed by an authorized BMW service center. Always consult your warranty documentation and a BMW professional before making modifications.

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 Suspension System Overview

Coming Soon

Detailed technical overview of the suspension system used in the 2011-2016 BMW 528i, including diagrams and component specifications.

Suspension Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide on maintaining and inspecting the suspension system, including recommended service intervals and safety tips.

Genuine BMW Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Official catalog of genuine BMW suspension parts for the 2011-2016 528i, ensuring compatibility and performance.

Suspension Troubleshooting Manual

Coming Soon

Comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common suspension issues, including noise, vibration, and handling problems.

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