BMW 540i 2011-2016 Body Specifications
BMW 540i 2011-2016

BMW 540i 2011-2016 Body Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the body system of the 2011-2016 BMW 540I. Includes chassis, exterior panels, doors, windows, and aerodynamic design details.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the body specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section provides detailed insights into the vehicle's body structure, dimensions, materials, and design elements.

How to Use

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

Navigate through the body documentation sections using the table of contents. Each section is organized by major topics, with subsections providing detailed technical information.

Key Specifications

Overall Length

4899 mm (192.9 in)

Curb Weight

1725 kg (3803 lbs)

Drag Coefficient

0.29

Fuel Tank Capacity

68 liters (18.0 gallons)

Towing Capacity (Braked)

2000 kg (4409 lbs)

Available Specifications

Exterior Dimensions

This section covers the exterior measurements of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i, including overall length, width, height, and wheelbase.

Overall Dimensions
  • Overall length: 4899 mm (192.9 in)
  • Overall width: 1860 mm (73.2 in)
  • Overall height: 1464 mm (57.6 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2968 mm (116.9 in)
  • Track width (front/rear): 1600 mm (63.0 in) / 1611 mm (63.4 in)
Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles
  • Ground clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in)
  • Approach angle: 14.5°
  • Departure angle: 15.2°
  • Ramp breakover angle: 12.8°

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

Body Structure and Materials

This section details the construction materials and design features of the BMW 540i's body, focusing on weight distribution, rigidity, and safety.

Body Construction
  • Unibody construction with high-strength steel and aluminum components
  • Weight distribution: 50:50 (front:rear)
  • Torsional rigidity: 25,000 Nm/degree
  • Drag coefficient (Cd): 0.29
Safety Features
  • Integrated crumple zones for impact absorption
  • Reinforced passenger cell with boron steel
  • Side-impact protection beams in doors
  • Active hood system for pedestrian safety

Note: The active hood system reduces pedestrian injury by lifting the hood in the event of a collision.

Exterior Features

This section highlights the exterior design elements and functional features of the BMW 540i, including lighting, aerodynamics, and styling.

Lighting and Visibility
  • Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beam
  • LED fog lights integrated into the front bumper
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Heated and power-adjustable side mirrors
Aerodynamic Enhancements
  • Active air flap control in the front grille
  • Aerodynamically optimized underbody panels
  • Rear spoiler integrated into the trunk lid
  • Air curtains in the front bumper for reduced drag

Note: Active air flaps open and close based on cooling requirements to optimize aerodynamics.

Weight and Payload

This section provides information on the vehicle's weight, payload capacity, and towing capabilities.

Curb Weight and Payload
  • Curb weight: 1725 kg (3803 lbs)
  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 2240 kg (4938 lbs)
  • Payload capacity: 515 kg (1135 lbs)
  • Towing capacity (braked/unbraked): 2000 kg (4409 lbs) / 750 kg (1653 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity
  • Fuel tank capacity: 68 liters (18.0 gallons)
  • Range (estimated): 650 km (404 miles)
  • Fuel type: Premium unleaded (95 RON)

Note: Range estimates are based on combined city and highway driving conditions.

Component Specifications

Dimensions

Overall Length
196.8 in
Overall Width
74.1 in
Overall Height
57.6 in
Wheelbase
116.9 in
Track Width Front
63.0 in
Track Width Rear
64.1 in
Ground Clearance
5.5 in

Weight

Curb Weight
4079 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
5200 lbs
Payload Capacity
1121 lbs
Front Axle Weight
2200 lbs
Rear Axle Weight
1879 lbs

Body Structure

Material
High-strength steel and aluminum
Corrosion Protection
Hot-dip galvanized steel panels
Drag Coefficient
0.29 Cd
Aerodynamic Features
  • Active Air Stream kidney grille
  • Underbody paneling
  • Rear spoiler

Doors

Number Of Doors
4
Door Material
Aluminum and steel
Door Hinge Type
Heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges
Door Opening Angle
70 degrees
Part Numbers
Front Door Assembly: 51217201567
Rear Door Assembly: 51227201568

Windows

Front Windshield Thickness
5.5 mm
Rear Windshield Thickness
4.5 mm
Side Window Thickness
3.5 mm
Window Material
Laminated safety glass
Window Tinting
UV-protective tint

Exterior Lighting

Headlight Type
Adaptive LED headlights
Headlight Output
1200 lumens
Taillight Type
LED
Fog Light Type
Halogen
Part Numbers
Headlight Assembly: 63117338875
Taillight Assembly: 63217338876

Roof

Roof Material
Steel with sound insulation
Roof Load Capacity
165 lbs
Sunroof Type
Panoramic glass sunroof
Sunroof Opening Dimensions
31.5 in x 19.7 in
Part Numbers
Roof Panel: 54107338877
Sunroof Assembly: 54117338878

Mirrors

Side Mirror Type
Electrochromic auto-dimming
Side Mirror Dimensions
6.3 in x 4.7 in
Rearview Mirror Type
Auto-dimming
Rearview Mirror Dimensions
8.7 in x 3.5 in
Part Numbers
Side Mirror Assembly: 51167338879
Rearview Mirror Assembly: 51177338880

Paint

Paint Type
Basecoat/clearcoat
Paint Thickness
0.12 mm
Corrosion Warranty
12 years/unlimited miles
Available Colors
  • Alpine White
  • Jet Black
  • Mineral Grey
  • Mediterranean Blue

Safety Features

Airbags
  • Front airbags
  • Side airbags
  • Knee airbags
  • Curtain airbags
Crumple Zones
  • Front crumple zone
  • Rear crumple zone
Safety Cell
High-strength passenger compartment
Crash Test Rating
5-star NHTSA

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the body components

10000
12
  • Inspect body panels for damage
  • Check door hinges and latches
  • Lubricate door seals
  • Inspect sunroof operation

Ensure all body components are free of corrosion

30000
36
  • Check and adjust headlight alignment
  • Inspect windshield wiper blades
  • Test all exterior lighting
  • Inspect and clean sunroof drainage system

Replace any worn or damaged components

60000
72
  • Inspect and replace door seals if necessary
  • Check and tighten all body fasteners
  • Inspect and repair paint chips
  • Test and replace side mirror motors if needed

Perform a thorough corrosion inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the exterior dimensions of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 540i has an overall length of 193.1 inches, a width of 73.2 inches (excluding mirrors), and a height of 57.6 inches. The wheelbase measures 116.9 inches, and the curb weight ranges from 3,880 to 4,100 lbs depending on the trim and options.

Q2

What materials are used in the body construction of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i?

The body of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i is constructed using a combination of high-strength steel, aluminum, and lightweight composite materials. The hood and front fenders are made of aluminum to reduce weight and improve weight distribution.

Q3

What is the drag coefficient of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 540i has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.30, which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy.

Q4

What is the ground clearance of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i?

The ground clearance of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i is approximately 5.5 inches, which is typical for a luxury sedan in its class.

Q5

Are there any specific maintenance requirements for the body of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i?

Regular maintenance for the body includes inspecting and cleaning the drainage channels to prevent water accumulation, checking for corrosion or paint damage, and ensuring proper alignment of body panels. Use only BMW-approved cleaning products to avoid damaging the paint or trim.

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 2011-2016 BMW 540i body, including detailed procedures for panel replacement, corrosion prevention, and paint repair.

Aerodynamics and Body Design Overview

Coming Soon

Technical overview of the aerodynamic design and materials used in the 2011-2016 BMW 540i body, including wind tunnel testing results.

BMW Genuine Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine BMW parts for the 2011-2016 540i, including body panels, trim, and fasteners. Ensure proper fit and warranty compliance.

Corrosion Protection Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide to maintaining and protecting the body of your 2011-2016 BMW 540i from corrosion, including recommended products and techniques.

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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