BMW 540i 2003-2010 Body Specifications
BMW 540i 2003-2010

BMW 540i 2003-2010 Body Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the body system of the 2003-2010 BMW 540I. Includes body dimensions, materials, structural components, and maintenance procedures.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the body specifications for the 2003-2010 BMW 540I, including key features, measurements, and technical details.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific body specifications by entering keywords such as 'dimensions', 'materials', or 'weight'.

Navigate through the body documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the document. Each section is labeled with a major title and subsections for detailed information.

Key Specifications

Overall Length

191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Curb Weight

3814 lbs (1730 kg)

Drag Coefficient

0.29

Trunk Volume

14.0 cu ft (396 L)

Front Legroom

41.5 inches (1054 mm)

Available Specifications

Exterior Dimensions

Detailed measurements and specifications for the exterior dimensions of the 2003-2010 BMW 540I.

Overall Length, Width, and Height
  • Overall length: 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
  • Overall width: 72.7 inches (1847 mm)
  • Overall height: 56.7 inches (1440 mm)
  • Wheelbase: 113.7 inches (2888 mm)
  • Track width (front/rear): 61.4 inches / 61.8 inches (1560 mm / 1570 mm)
Ground Clearance and Weight
  • Ground clearance: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
  • Curb weight: 3814 lbs (1730 kg)
  • Gross vehicle weight: 4850 lbs (2200 kg)
  • Weight distribution (front/rear): 50.5% / 49.5%

Note: Ground clearance may vary slightly depending on tire size and suspension settings.

Body Structure and Materials

Technical details about the body structure, materials, and construction methods used in the 2003-2010 BMW 540I.

Body Construction
  • Unibody construction with high-strength steel
  • Aluminum hood and front fenders for weight reduction
  • Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones
  • Corrosion-resistant galvanized steel panels
Aerodynamics and Drag Coefficient
  • Drag coefficient (Cd): 0.29
  • Frontal area: 23.6 sq ft (2.19 sq m)
  • Aerodynamic underbody panels for improved airflow
  • Integrated rear spoiler for downforce

Note: The drag coefficient is optimized for fuel efficiency and high-speed stability.

Exterior Features

Key exterior features and components of the 2003-2010 BMW 540I.

Lighting and Glass
  • Xenon headlights with adaptive lighting system
  • LED tail lights and brake lights
  • Heated windshield with rain sensor
  • UV-protected tinted glass
Doors and Mirrors
  • Four-door sedan configuration with frameless windows
  • Electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors
  • Automatic soft-close doors
  • Keyless entry and start system

Note: The soft-close door feature ensures a secure and quiet closure.

Interior Dimensions

Detailed measurements and specifications for the interior dimensions of the 2003-2010 BMW 540I.

Seating and Legroom
  • Front headroom: 38.5 inches (978 mm)
  • Rear headroom: 37.5 inches (952 mm)
  • Front legroom: 41.5 inches (1054 mm)
  • Rear legroom: 35.0 inches (889 mm)
Cargo Capacity
  • Trunk volume: 14.0 cu ft (396 L)
  • Split-folding rear seats for expanded cargo space
  • Maximum cargo capacity with seats folded: 42.0 cu ft (1189 L)
  • Load width between wheel arches: 42.5 inches (1080 mm)

Note: Cargo capacity may vary depending on optional equipment and seating configuration.

Component Specifications

Dimensions

Overall Length
191.1 in
Overall Width
72.7 in
Overall Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
113.7 in
Track Front
60.6 in
Track Rear
60.8 in
Curb Weight
3814 lbs

Body Structure

Material
High-strength steel with aluminum components
Corrosion Protection
Hot-dip galvanized steel with cathodic dip coating
Drag Coefficient
0.29 Cd
Front Suspension
Double-wishbone with aluminum control arms
Rear Suspension
Multi-link with aluminum components

Doors

Front Door Weight
45 lbs
Rear Door Weight
42 lbs
Door Hinge Type
Forged steel with integrated check mechanism
Door Seal Material
EPDM rubber with integrated noise insulation
Part Number Front Door
51218269785
Part Number Rear Door
51218269786

Hood

Material
Aluminum
Weight
22 lbs
Hinge Type
Gas-assisted struts
Part Number
41618269783
Safety Latch
Double-latch system with secondary release

Trunk

Material
Steel with aluminum reinforcement
Weight
28 lbs
Hinge Type
Torsion bar with gas struts
Part Number
41618269784
Capacity
18.4 cu ft

Windows

Front Windshield Thickness
5.5 mm
Rear Windshield Thickness
4.5 mm
Side Window Thickness
3.5 mm
Glass Type
Laminated with UV protection
Part Number Front Windshield
51318269787
Part Number Rear Windshield
51318269788

Mirrors

Side Mirror Dimensions
6.3 x 3.9 in
Side Mirror Weight
2.2 lbs
Mirror Glass Type
Electrochromic with heating element
Part Number Left Mirror
51168269789
Part Number Right Mirror
51168269790
Adjustment Range
±15 degrees

Lights

Headlight Type
Xenon HID with adaptive lighting
Headlight Output
3200 lumens
Taillight Type
LED with dynamic turn signals
Part Number Headlight
63128269791
Part Number Taillight
63218269792
Beam Adjustment Range
±2 degrees

Paint

Base Coat Thickness
0.8 mil
Clear Coat Thickness
1.5 mil
Primer Thickness
0.5 mil
Paint Material
Water-based polyurethane
Color Options
  • Jet Black
  • Titanium Silver
  • Orient Blue
  • Imola Red

Aerodynamics

Front Air Dam Height
4.7 in
Rear Spoiler Type
Integrated lip spoiler
Underbody Panels
Full-length aerodynamic panels
Drag Reduction Features
  • Sealed wheel arches
  • Flush-mounted glass

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the body components

15000
12
  • Inspect door seals for wear and tear
  • Check hood and trunk hinges for proper operation
  • Lubricate door hinges and latches
  • Inspect windshield wipers and replace if necessary

Ensure all body panels are free of corrosion and damage

30000
24
  • Inspect and adjust headlight alignment
  • Check and clean side mirror mechanisms
  • Inspect underbody panels for damage
  • Verify proper operation of all exterior lights

Replace any damaged or worn components immediately

60000
48
  • Inspect and replace door seals if necessary
  • Check and replace gas struts for hood and trunk
  • Inspect and repair any paint damage
  • Verify proper operation of all aerodynamic components

Perform a full corrosion inspection and treatment if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the exterior dimensions of the 2003-2010 BMW 540i?

The 2003-2010 BMW 540i has an overall length of 191.1 inches, a width of 72.7 inches (excluding mirrors), and a height of 56.7 inches. The wheelbase measures 113.7 inches, and the curb weight ranges from 3,814 to 3,968 lbs depending on the trim and options.

Q2

What type of body construction is used in the BMW 540i?

The BMW 540i features a unibody construction with high-strength steel and aluminum components. The body is designed for rigidity and weight reduction, incorporating advanced welding techniques and corrosion-resistant materials.

Q3

What is the drag coefficient of the BMW 540i?

The BMW 540i has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29, which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy. This is achieved through optimized body contours, underbody panels, and airflow management.

Q4

What are the recommended maintenance procedures for the body and paint?

To maintain the body and paint, BMW recommends regular washing with pH-neutral car shampoo, waxing every 3-6 months, and immediate treatment of scratches or chips to prevent rust. Avoid abrasive cleaners and ensure proper drying to prevent water spots.

Q5

What is the towing capacity of the BMW 540i?

The BMW 540i has a maximum towing capacity of 4,400 lbs when equipped with the optional towing package. Ensure the trailer hitch is BMW-approved and properly installed to avoid damage to the body or chassis.

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 540i Body Repair Manual

Coming Soon

Official repair manual for the 2003-2010 BMW 540i body, including structural diagrams, repair procedures, and safety guidelines.

Paint and Finish Care Guide

Coming Soon

Detailed guide on maintaining the exterior paint and finish of the BMW 540i, including cleaning, polishing, and protection techniques.

Aerodynamics and Body Design Overview

Coming Soon

Technical overview of the aerodynamic design principles and body construction of the BMW 540i, including wind tunnel testing data.

Towing and Load Capacity Specifications

Coming Soon

Comprehensive specifications and guidelines for towing and load capacity, including hitch installation and weight distribution.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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