BMW 540i 2011-2016 Drivetrain Specifications
Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the drivetrain system of the 2011-2016 BMW 540I. Includes engine, transmission, differential, and related components with torque specs, fluid capacities, and maintenance guidelines.
Overview Specifications
Comprehensive description of the drivetrain specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 540I, including key features, measurements, and technical details
How to Use
Use the search function to locate specific drivetrain components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'transmission', 'differential', or 'driveshaft'.
Navigate through the drivetrain documentation by selecting the desired section from the table of contents or using the page navigation buttons at the bottom of each section.
Key Specifications
Transmission Type
8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP)
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1
Driveshaft Length
1,250 mm (49.2 inches)
Axle Diameter
32 mm (1.26 inches)
Transfer Case Torque
1,500 Nm (1,106 lb-ft)
Available Specifications
Transmission System
Details about the transmission system, including type, gear ratios, and technical specifications
Transmission System
Details about the transmission system, including type, gear ratios, and technical specifications
Transmission Type
- 8-speed automatic transmission (ZF 8HP)
- Adaptive transmission control with sport and manual modes
- Integrated torque converter with lock-up clutch
- Transmission fluid capacity: 9.5 liters (10.0 quarts)
Gear Ratios
- 1st gear: 4.714:1
- 2nd gear: 3.143:1
- 3rd gear: 2.106:1
- 4th gear: 1.667:1
- 5th gear: 1.285:1
Note: Gear ratios optimized for performance and fuel efficiency
Differential System
Information about the differential system, including type, ratios, and technical details
Differential System
Information about the differential system, including type, ratios, and technical details
Differential Type
- Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD)
- Standard rear-wheel drive configuration
- Differential fluid capacity: 1.2 liters (1.3 quarts)
Final Drive Ratio
- Final drive ratio: 2.81:1
- Optimized for balanced performance and fuel economy
- Differential housing material: Aluminum alloy
Driveshaft and Axles
Technical details about the driveshaft and axle components, including materials and specifications
Driveshaft and Axles
Technical details about the driveshaft and axle components, including materials and specifications
Driveshaft Specifications
- Two-piece carbon fiber driveshaft
- Length: 1,250 mm (49.2 inches)
- Maximum torque capacity: 700 Nm (516 lb-ft)
- Balanced for high-speed operation
Axle Specifications
- Forged steel half-shafts
- Axle diameter: 32 mm (1.26 inches)
- Spline count: 32
- Axle nut torque: 200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
Transfer Case (xDrive Models)
Details about the transfer case system for xDrive all-wheel-drive models
Transfer Case (xDrive Models)
Details about the transfer case system for xDrive all-wheel-drive models
Transfer Case Type
- Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch
- Default torque split: 40% front / 60% rear
- Transfer case fluid capacity: 0.8 liters (0.85 quarts)
Torque Distribution
- Dynamic torque distribution based on driving conditions
- Maximum torque transfer: 1,500 Nm (1,106 lb-ft)
- Integrated temperature and wear sensors
Note: xDrive system enhances traction and stability in all conditions
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Type to search through torque specifications. Results will appear below as you type.
Component Specifications
Engine
- Type
- N55B30
- Displacement
- 2979 cc
- Configuration
- Inline 6-cylinder
- Compression Ratio
- 10.2:1
- Max Power
- 300 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm
- Max Torque
- 300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 rpm
- Fuel System
- Direct injection
- Part Number
- 11002408249
Transmission
- Type
- 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP)
- Gear Ratios
- 1st: 4.714:12nd: 3.143:13rd: 2.106:14th: 1.667:15th: 1.285:16th: 1.000:17th: 0.839:18th: 0.667:1Reverse: 3.317:1
- Part Number
- 24007588879
- Fluid Capacity
- 9.5 liters
- Fluid Type
- BMW ATF 3
Transfer Case
- Type
- All-wheel drive (xDrive)
- Ratio
- 2.81:1
- Part Number
- 27107588880
- Fluid Capacity
- 1.2 liters
- Fluid Type
- BMW TF 0870
Differential
- Front
- Type: Open differentialRatio: 3.15:1Part Number: 33107588881Fluid Capacity: 1.0 literFluid Type: BMW SAF-XO
- Rear
- Type: Limited-slip differentialRatio: 3.15:1Part Number: 33107588882Fluid Capacity: 1.2 litersFluid Type: BMW SAF-XO
Driveshaft
- Material
- Aluminum
- Length
- 1.5 meters
- Part Number
- 26107588883
- Torque Spec
- 85 Nm
Axles
- Front
- Type: CV jointPart Number: 31207588884Torque Spec: 120 Nm
- Rear
- Type: CV jointPart Number: 31207588885Torque Spec: 120 Nm
Clutch
- Type
- Dual-mass flywheel
- Part Number
- 21207588886
- Torque Spec
- 60 Nm
- Wear Limit
- 2 mm
Propeller Shaft
- Material
- Steel
- Length
- 1.2 meters
- Part Number
- 26107588887
- Torque Spec
- 90 Nm
Mounts
- Engine
- Type: HydraulicPart Number: 22107588888Torque Spec: 50 Nm
- Transmission
- Type: RubberPart Number: 22107588889Torque Spec: 50 Nm
Operational Limits
- Max Rpm
- 7000 rpm
- Max Speed
- 155 mph (electronically limited)
- Max Towing Capacity
- 2000 kg
- Max Payload
- 500 kg
Service Information Service
Detailed service requirements and schedules
- Engine oil and filter change
- Transmission fluid check
- Differential fluid check
- Driveshaft inspection
- Axle boot inspection
Use only BMW-approved fluids and parts
- Transfer case fluid change
- Differential fluid change
- Clutch inspection
- Propeller shaft inspection
- Mounts inspection
Inspect for wear and replace as necessary
- Transmission fluid change
- Driveshaft replacement if necessary
- Axle replacement if necessary
- Clutch replacement if necessary
- Mounts replacement if necessary
Replace all fluids and worn components
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of drivetrain does the 2011-2016 BMW 540i use?
What type of drivetrain does the 2011-2016 BMW 540i use?
The 2011-2016 BMW 540i is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system. It features an 8-speed automatic transmission (ZF 8HP) paired with a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine (N55B30), delivering 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Q2 What is the recommended service interval for the drivetrain components?
What is the recommended service interval for the drivetrain components?
BMW recommends inspecting the drivetrain components, including the transmission, driveshaft, and differential, every 30,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. Transmission fluid should be replaced every 60,000 miles or 6 years, as per BMW's Longlife-1 service schedule.
Q3 Can the drivetrain handle performance upgrades?
Can the drivetrain handle performance upgrades?
Yes, the N55 engine and ZF 8HP transmission are robust and can handle moderate performance upgrades. However, exceeding 400 lb-ft of torque may require reinforced drivetrain components, such as an upgraded driveshaft or differential, to ensure reliability.
Q4 What is the gear ratio of the differential in the 540i?
What is the gear ratio of the differential in the 540i?
The 2011-2016 BMW 540i typically comes with a final drive ratio of 3.15:1 for the rear differential. This ratio is optimized for a balance of acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Q5 How do I identify drivetrain issues in my 540i?
How do I identify drivetrain issues in my 540i?
Common signs of drivetrain issues include unusual noises (e.g., clunking or whining), vibrations during acceleration, or difficulty shifting gears. If any of these symptoms occur, it is recommended to perform a diagnostic scan using BMW's ISTA system and inspect the drivetrain components.
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 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
Coming SoonAccess official BMW TSBs related to drivetrain components, including updates and fixes for known issues.
ZF 8HP Transmission Service Manual
Coming SoonDetailed service and repair guide for the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission used in the 540i.
N55 Engine Technical Specifications
Coming SoonComprehensive specifications and maintenance guidelines for the N55 turbocharged inline-6 engine.
BMW Drivetrain Maintenance Checklist
Coming SoonA step-by-step checklist for inspecting and maintaining drivetrain components in the 540i.
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Technical Information
- All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
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