BMW 550i 2017-present

BMW 550i 2017-present Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical documentation for the 2017-Present BMW 550i suspension system, including front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, spring rates, shock absorber specifications, and electronic damping control (EDC) system details.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2017-Present BMW 550i, including key features, measurements, and technical details.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific suspension specifications by entering keywords such as 'front suspension', 'rear suspension', or 'damping system'.

Navigate through the suspension documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the major sections and subsections.

Key Specifications

Front Track Width

1600 mm

Rear Track Width

1620 mm

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Spring Rate

32 N/mm

Turning Circle

12.2 meters

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Detailed information about the front suspension system, including components, measurements, and technical specifications.

Double Wishbone Design

Double wishbone front suspension for enhanced handling and stability.
Aluminum control arms reduce unsprung weight.
Front track width: 1600 mm.
Spring rate: 28 N/mm.
Anti-roll bar diameter: 24 mm.

Adaptive Damping System

Electronically controlled adaptive dampers.
Three damping modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
Damping force range: 500-2000 N.
Response time: 10 ms for mode changes.
Integrated with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Note: The adaptive damping system requires regular calibration for optimal performance.

Rear Suspension

Technical details and specifications for the rear suspension system, including multi-link design and damping features.

Multi-Link Suspension

Five-link rear suspension for superior ride comfort and handling.
Rear track width: 1620 mm.
Spring rate: 32 N/mm.
Anti-roll bar diameter: 22 mm.
Aluminum components for weight reduction.

Air Suspension Option

Optional self-leveling air suspension.
Load capacity: up to 600 kg.
Height adjustment range: ±20 mm.
Integrated with Dynamic Damper Control (DDC).
Automatic leveling during cornering and acceleration.

Note: Air suspension requires periodic inspection of air springs and compressor.

Steering System

Details about the steering system integrated with the suspension for precise handling and feedback.

Electric Power Steering

Electrically assisted power steering (EPS).
Steering ratio: 15.0:1.
Turning circle: 12.2 meters.
Variable assistance based on driving mode.
Integrated with Active Steering for improved maneuverability.

Active Steering

Optional Active Steering system.
Adjusts steering ratio based on speed.
Reduces steering effort at low speeds.
Enhances stability at high speeds.
Steering angle range: ±90 degrees.

Note: Active Steering is only available with specific trim levels.

Wheels and Tires

Specifications for wheels and tires, including sizes, pressures, and compatibility with the suspension system.

Standard Wheel Specifications

Standard wheel size: 18x8 inches.
Tire size: 245/45 R18.
Recommended tire pressure: 2.4 bar (front), 2.6 bar (rear).
Wheel offset: ET30.
Alloy wheels with run-flat tire compatibility.

Optional Wheel Packages

Optional 19-inch and 20-inch wheel packages.
Tire sizes: 245/40 R19 (front), 275/35 R19 (rear).
High-performance tire options available.
Wheel offset: ET25 (front), ET35 (rear).
Weight-optimized forged alloy wheels.

Note: Larger wheel packages may affect ride comfort due to reduced sidewall height.

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Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: Double wishbone with adaptive air suspension

Spring Rate: 32 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Electronically controlled dampers

Stabilizer Bar Diameter: 28 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 31-30-6-857-367
Control Arm: 31-10-6-857-368
Stabilizer Link: 31-35-6-857-369

Rear Suspension

Type: Multi-link with adaptive air suspension

Spring Rate: 28 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Electronically controlled dampers

Stabilizer Bar Diameter: 22 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing

Part Numbers: Trailing Arm: 33-30-6-857-370
Control Arm: 33-10-6-857-371
Stabilizer Link: 33-35-6-857-372

Adaptive Air Suspension

Compressor Type: Single-piston electric compressor

Pressure Range: 8-16 bar

Air Spring Type: Dual-chamber air springs

Height Adjustment Range: ±20 mm

Part Numbers: Compressor: 37-10-6-857-373
Air Spring: 37-20-6-857-374
Height Sensor: 37-30-6-857-375

Wheel Alignment

Front Camber: -0.5° to -1.0°

Front Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Rear Camber: -1.5° to -2.0°

Rear Toe: 0.15° to 0.25°

Caster: 7.0° to 7.5°

Tolerance: ±0.3°

Tire Specifications

Front Tire Size: 245/40R19

Rear Tire Size: 275/35R19

Recommended Pressure: Normal Load: 32 psi
Full Load: 36 psi

Load index: 96 (front), 99 (rear)

Speed Rating: Y (up to 186 mph)

Suspension Limits

Maximum Load: 550 kg

Maximum Speed With Air Suspension: 155 mph (electronically limited)

Minimum Ground Clearance: 120 mm

Maximum Ground Clearance: 160 mm

Diagnostic Specifications

Fault Codes

C1210 - Air suspension compressor malfunction
C1211 - Air suspension height sensor fault
C1212 - Air suspension valve block fault

Diagnostic Tool: BMW ISTA

System Voltage: 12V

Sensor Resistance Range: 500-1500 ohms

Maintenance Specifications

inspection Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Lubrication Points

Control arm bushings
Stabilizer bar links
Ball joints

Torque Specifications: Strut Mount Nuts: 65 Nm
Control Arm Bolts: 90 Nm
Stabilizer Link Nuts: 40 Nm

Air Suspension Fluid: Synthetic oil, 0.5 liters

Safety information

Warning: Do not operate vehicle with suspension faults

Air Suspension Pressure Release: Use BMW-approved tools

Jack Points

Front: Reinforced subframe points
Rear: Designated lift pads

Maximum Jack Lift Height: 300 mm

Related Components

Steering System: Electric power steering (EPS)

Braking System: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Chassis Control: Integrated Chassis Management (ICM)

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

30,000 miles

24 months

Inspect suspension components for wear
Check air suspension system for leaks
Lubricate all suspension joints
Verify wheel alignment settings

Replace worn components immediately to avoid further damage

60,000 miles

48 months

Replace air suspension compressor filter
Inspect and replace bushings if necessary
Check shock absorber performance
Re-torque all suspension bolts

Use only BMW-approved parts for replacements

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 2017-Present BMW 550i use?

The 2017-Present BMW 550i is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a balance of comfort and sporty handling. The vehicle also features optional Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, which adjust in real-time to driving conditions.

What is the ride height of the BMW 550i?

The standard ride height of the BMW 550i is approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches) at the front and 145 mm (5.7 inches) at the rear. This measurement can vary slightly depending on the suspension package (e.g., Adaptive M Suspension) and tire size.

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.

Can the suspension be adjusted for different driving modes?

Yes, the optional Adaptive M Suspension allows for dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics based on the selected driving mode (Comfort, Sport, or Sport+). This system uses sensors to monitor road conditions and driver inputs, optimizing ride quality and handling performance.

What is the recommended torque specification for suspension bolts?

The torque specifications for suspension bolts vary by component. For example, the front lower control arm bolt should be torqued to 81 lb-ft (110 Nm), while the rear shock absorber mounting bolts require 74 lb-ft (100 Nm). Always refer to the official BMW service manual for precise torque values.

What are the signs of worn suspension components?

Common signs include uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or swaying, knocking noises over bumps, and a noticeable decrease in handling precision. If any of these symptoms are observed, the suspension should be inspected and serviced immediately.

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 Suspension Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official BMW service manual detailing suspension maintenance, repair procedures, and torque specifications.

Adaptive M Suspension Overview

Coming Soon

Technical guide explaining the functionality and benefits of the Adaptive M Suspension system.

Suspension Inspection Checklist

Coming Soon

A comprehensive checklist for inspecting and maintaining the suspension system of the BMW 550i.

Genuine BMW Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine BMW suspension components, including part numbers and compatibility details.

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