BMW 535i 2011-2016 Suspension Specifications
BMW 535i 2011-2016

BMW 535i 2011-2016 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical documentation for the suspension system of the 2011-2016 BMW 535i, including detailed specifications, torque values, alignment settings, and maintenance procedures.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 535I, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This documentation 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 axle', or 'alignment angles'.

Navigate through the suspension documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents. Each section is organized into subsections for detailed information.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Spring Rate

32 N/mm

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to -1.0°

Rear Camber Angle

-1.5° to -2.0°

Strut Diameter

55 mm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Details about 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 arms are designed for optimal stiffness and durability under high loads.

Rear Suspension

Information on the rear suspension system, including multi-link setup, springs, and dampers.

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: Hydroelastic
Springs and Dampers
  • Coil spring rate: 32 N/mm
  • Damper type: Twin-tube gas-charged
  • Damper stroke: 120 mm
  • Spring free length: 400 mm
  • Damper diameter: 50 mm

Note: Rear dampers are tuned for comfort and sporty handling.

Alignment Specifications

Alignment settings for front and rear wheels, 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 turning angle: 38°
Rear Alignment
  • Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
  • Toe angle: 0.15° to 0.25° (toe-in)
  • Thrust angle: 0°
  • Track width: 1580 mm
  • Ride height: 140 mm

Note: Alignment settings are critical for tire wear and handling performance.

Suspension Components

Detailed specifications for key suspension components, including bushings, mounts, and fasteners.

Bushings and Mounts
  • Front strut mount durometer: 75 Shore A
  • Rear subframe bushing material: Polyurethane
  • Bushing diameter: 40 mm
  • Mount bolt torque: 90 Nm
  • Bushing lifespan: 100,000 miles
Fasteners
  • Strut-to-knuckle bolt torque: 120 Nm
  • Control arm bolt torque: 100 Nm
  • Wheel hub nut torque: 180 Nm
  • Fastener grade: 10.9
  • Thread locker: Medium strength

Note: Always use a torque wrench for proper fastener tightening.

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: 31306777789
Coil Spring: 31336777790
Anti Roll Bar: 31356777791

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
22.0 mm
Bushings Material
Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement
Part Numbers
Strut Assembly: 33526777792
Coil Spring: 33536777793
Anti Roll Bar: 33556777794

Shock ABSorbers

Front
Type: Gas-filled monotube
Stroke Length: 150 mm
Damping Force Compression: 1200 N
Damping Force Rebound: 1800 N
Part Number: 31306777789
Rear
Type: Gas-filled monotube
Stroke Length: 140 mm
Damping Force Compression: 1100 N
Damping Force Rebound: 1700 N
Part Number: 33526777792

Coil Springs

Front
Wire Diameter: 14.5 mm
Free Length: 380 mm
Spring Rate: 28.5 N/mm
Part Number: 31336777790
Rear
Wire Diameter: 15.0 mm
Free Length: 400 mm
Spring Rate: 32.0 N/mm
Part Number: 33536777793

Anti Roll Bars

Front
Diameter: 25.5 mm
Material: High-strength steel
Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber
Part Number: 31356777791
Rear
Diameter: 22.0 mm
Material: High-strength steel
Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber
Part Number: 33556777794

Bushings

Front Lower Control Arm
Material: Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement
Durometer: 75 Shore A
Part Number: 31126777795
Rear Trailing Arm
Material: Synthetic rubber with polyurethane reinforcement
Durometer: 70 Shore A
Part Number: 33326777796

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: 0.15° to 0.25°

Torque Specifications

Front Strut Mount Nuts
50 Nm
Rear Shock ABSorber Bolts
70 Nm
Anti Roll Bar Link Nuts
40 Nm
Control Arm Bushing Bolts
90 Nm

Diagnostic Specifications

Ride Height Tolerance
±5 mm
Shock ABSorber Leakage Limit
No visible leakage
Bushing Wear Limit
No visible cracks or deformation

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

15000
12
  • Inspect shock absorbers for leaks and damage
  • Check bushings for wear and cracks
  • Verify alignment specifications

Replace worn components as necessary

30000
24
  • Inspect anti-roll bar links and bushings
  • Check coil springs for sagging or damage
  • Lubricate suspension components as required

Perform alignment after component replacement

60000
48
  • Replace shock absorbers if necessary
  • Inspect and replace worn bushings
  • Check torque on all suspension fasteners

Use only BMW-approved parts for replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of suspension system does the 2011-2016 BMW 535i use?

The 2011-2016 BMW 535i 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 adaptive dampers available as part of the optional Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) system.

Q2

What is the recommended tire pressure for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

The recommended tire pressure for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i 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 based on load and driving conditions.

Q3

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 30,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. This includes checking for wear on bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, and springs. More frequent inspections may be necessary if the vehicle is driven in harsh conditions or on rough roads.

Q4

What is the ride height of the 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

The ride height of the 2011-2016 BMW 535i is approximately 5.9 inches (150 mm) at the front and 5.7 inches (145 mm) at the rear. These measurements may vary slightly depending on the specific trim level and optional suspension packages.

Q5

Can the suspension be adjusted for different driving modes?

Yes, if equipped with the optional Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) system, the suspension can be adjusted through the Driving Dynamics Control (DDC) settings. Modes include Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjust the damping characteristics to suit different driving conditions and preferences.

Q6

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

The torque specification for the front suspension strut bolts on the 2011-2016 BMW 535i is 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) for the upper strut mount nuts and 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) for the lower strut bolts. Always use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening and avoid over-torquing.

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 535i Suspension Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official BMW service manual detailing suspension maintenance, repair procedures, and specifications for the 2011-2016 535i.

Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) Overview

Coming Soon

Technical guide explaining the functionality and benefits of the optional Dynamic Damper Control system available for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i.

Suspension Component Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for replacing common suspension components such as shock absorbers, springs, and bushings on the 2011-2016 BMW 535i.

Tire Pressure and Alignment Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed information on recommended tire pressures and alignment settings for optimal handling and tire wear on the 2011-2016 BMW 535i.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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