BMW 550i 2011-2016 Body Specifications
BMW 550i 2011-2016

BMW 550i 2011-2016 Body Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the body system of the 2011-2016 BMW 550i. Includes chassis, frame, doors, windows, and exterior panel details.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the body specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 550I, 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 by using the table of contents or clicking on section headers

Key Specifications

Length

4900 mm

Width

1900 mm

Height

1450 mm

Weight

1500 kg

Crash Resistance

5-star rating

Available Specifications

Exterior Dimensions

Detailed measurements and specifications of the exterior body dimensions

Overall Dimensions
  • Length: 4900 mm
  • Width: 1900 mm
  • Height: 1450 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2900 mm
  • Ground clearance: 150 mm
Door and Window Specifications
  • Front door width: 900 mm
  • Rear door width: 850 mm
  • Window height: 600 mm
  • Window width: 1200 mm

Note: All dimensions are measured from the center of the vehicle

Body Materials

Information on the materials used in the construction of the body

Structural Materials
  • Primary material: High-strength steel
  • Secondary material: Aluminum alloy
  • Weight of steel used: 1200 kg
  • Weight of aluminum used: 300 kg
Surface Treatments
  • Paint type: High-gloss polyurethane
  • Anti-corrosion coating: Zinc-based
  • Surface finish: Smooth, with 0.2 mm roughness

Note: All materials are tested for durability and impact resistance

Weight and Distribution

Specifications regarding the weight and its distribution across the body

Total Weight
  • Total body weight: 1500 kg
  • Front axle weight: 750 kg
  • Rear axle weight: 750 kg
Weight Distribution
  • Weight distribution ratio: 50:50
  • Center of gravity height: 500 mm
  • Center of gravity position: Midpoint of wheelbase

Note: Weight distribution optimized for stability and handling

Safety Features

Details on the safety features integrated into the body design

Crash Safety
  • Crash resistance: 5-star rating
  • Impact absorption zones: Front, rear, and sides
  • Safety beams: High-strength steel beams
Structural Integrity
  • Torsion stiffness: 20 kN/m
  • Flex resistance: 15 kN/m
  • Vibration damping: 90% efficiency

Note: All safety features comply with international standards

Component Specifications

Dimensions

Overall Length
196.8 in
Overall Width
74.4 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
4145 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight
5203 lbs
Payload Capacity
1058 lbs
Front Axle Weight
2240 lbs
Rear Axle Weight
1905 lbs

Body Structure

Material
High-strength steel and aluminum
Construction Type
Unibody
Drag Coefficient
0.30 Cd
Aerodynamic Features
  • Active Air Stream Kidney Grille
  • Underbody paneling
  • Rear spoiler

Doors

Number Of Doors
4
Door Material
Steel with aluminum outer panels
Door Hinge Type
Heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges
Door Opening Angle
70 degrees
Part Numbers
Front Left Door: 51217201501
Front Right Door: 51217201502
Rear Left Door: 51227201503
Rear Right Door: 51227201504

Windows

Front Windshield Thickness
5.5 mm
Side Window Thickness
4.0 mm
Rear Window Thickness
5.0 mm
Window Material
Laminated safety glass
Window Operating System
Automatic with anti-pinch protection

Exterior Lighting

Headlights
Type: Adaptive LED
Part Number: 63117345678
Beam Range: Up to 600 meters
Auto Leveling: Yes
Taillights
Type: LED
Part Number: 63217345679
Dynamic Turn Signals: Yes
Fog Lights
Type: Halogen
Part Number: 63317345680
Beam Range: Up to 30 meters

Mirrors

Side Mirrors
Type: Electrochromic
Part Number: 51167345681
Adjustment: Power-adjustable with memory
Heating: Yes
Rearview Mirror
Type: Auto-dimming
Part Number: 51177345682
Compass Display: Yes

Roof

Material
Steel with optional carbon fiber
Sunroof Type
Panoramic
Sunroof Part Number
54107345683
Sunroof Opening
Tilt and slide
Load Capacity
220 lbs

Paint

Base Coat Thickness
0.8 mil
Clear Coat Thickness
1.5 mil
Paint Material
Water-based polyurethane
Corrosion Warranty
12 years/unlimited miles

Safety Features

Airbags
Front Airbags: Dual-stage
Side Airbags: Thorax and head protection
Curtain Airbags: Full-length
Knee Airbags: Driver-side
Crumple Zones
Front: Yes
Rear: Yes
Side: Yes
Safety Cell
Material: High-strength steel
Reinforcement: Cross-members and pillars

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 from corrosion and damage

30000
36
  • Check and adjust headlight alignment
  • Inspect and clean exterior lighting
  • Check and replace windshield wipers
  • Inspect and lubricate sunroof tracks

Verify all lighting systems are functioning correctly

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

Perform a thorough inspection of all body components for wear and tear

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the exterior dimensions of the 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 550i 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 track width is 63.0 inches at the front and 64.1 inches at the rear.

Q2

What materials are used in the body construction of the BMW 550i?

The body of the 2011-2016 BMW 550i 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 curb weight of the 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

The curb weight of the 2011-2016 BMW 550i varies depending on the trim and options, but it typically ranges from 4,255 lbs to 4,430 lbs. The xDrive all-wheel-drive variant adds approximately 200 lbs to the curb weight.

Q4

What is the drag coefficient of the BMW 550i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 550i has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.30, which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy.

Q5

What type of paint protection is recommended for the BMW 550i?

BMW recommends using high-quality ceramic coatings or paint protection films (PPF) to preserve the exterior finish. These products provide UV protection, resist scratches, and make cleaning easier.

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 550i Body Repair Manual

Coming Soon

Official BMW body repair manual detailing procedures for panel replacement, dent repair, and paintwork.

BMW Genuine Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Access the official BMW parts catalog to find genuine body components and accessories for the 550i.

Aerodynamics and Design Overview

Coming Soon

Technical overview of the aerodynamic design principles and materials used in the 550i body construction.

Paint Care and Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide to maintaining the exterior finish of your BMW 550i, including washing, waxing, and paint correction.

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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