BMW 650i 2012-2017

BMW 650i 2012-2017 Suspension Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 2012-2017 BMW 650I suspension system. Includes front and rear suspension components, adaptive suspension details, torque specs, and alignment data.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2012-2017 BMW 650I, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This guide covers front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and component-specific details.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific suspension components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'front strut', 'rear axle', or 'alignment angles'.

Navigate through the suspension documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents. Each section is organized by component type and includes detailed subsections.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Spring Rate

32 N/mm

Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter

26 mm

Rear Anti-Roll Bar Diameter

22 mm

Wheelbase

2968 mm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Details about the front suspension system, including strut assembly, control arms, and steering components.

Strut Assembly

MacPherson strut design with integrated coil spring
Strut diameter: 55 mm
Spring rate: 28 N/mm
Bump stop length: 70 mm
Strut mount bearing type: Ball-and-socket

Control Arms

Upper control arm material: Forged aluminum
Lower control arm material: Cast iron
Bushings: Hydraulic rubber for vibration damping
Control arm length: 320 mm
Ball joint articulation angle: ±30°

Note: Control arm bushings are wear items and should be inspected regularly.

Rear Suspension

Information on the rear suspension system, including multi-link setup, springs, and dampers.

Multi-Link Setup

Five-link independent rear suspension
Trailing arm length: 450 mm
Lateral link material: High-strength steel
Bushing type: Polyurethane for improved durability
Wheel carrier material: Aluminum alloy

Springs and Dampers

Coil spring rate: 32 N/mm
Damper type: Twin-tube gas-charged
Damper stroke: 120 mm
Spring free length: 400 mm
Rear anti-roll bar diameter: 22 mm

Note: Rear dampers are electronically adjustable in models equipped with Dynamic Damper Control.

Alignment Specifications

Alignment settings for the 2012-2017 BMW 650I, including camber, caster, and toe angles.

Front Alignment

Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
Caster angle: 7.0° to 7.5°
Toe angle: 0.10° to 0.20° (toe-in)
Steering axis inclination: 12.5°
Maximum turning angle: 38°

Rear Alignment

Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
Toe angle: 0.15° to 0.25° (toe-in)
Thrust angle: 0° ± 0.1°
Track width: 1620 mm
Wheelbase: 2968 mm

Note: Alignment settings may vary slightly depending on tire size and suspension options.

Suspension Components

Technical details about key suspension components, including materials, dimensions, and specifications.

Anti-Roll Bars

Front anti-roll bar diameter: 26 mm
Rear anti-roll bar diameter: 22 mm
Material: Hollow steel for weight reduction
Bushing type: Rubber with Teflon coating
Mounting points: 2 per bar

Wheel Bearings

Front wheel bearing type: Sealed double-row ball bearing
Rear wheel bearing type: Tapered roller bearing
Bearing load capacity: 12,000 N (front), 10,000 N (rear)
Seal material: Nitrile rubber
Installation torque: 180 Nm (front), 200 Nm (rear)

Note: Wheel bearings are maintenance-free but should be inspected for play during routine service.

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: Double wishbone with coil springs and anti-roll bar

Spring Rate: 32 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 25.5 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 31312283801
Coil Spring: 31332283802
Anti Roll Bar: 31352283803

Rear Suspension

Type: Multi-link with coil springs and anti-roll bar

Spring Rate: 28 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 22 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 33522283804
Coil Spring: 33532283805
Anti Roll Bar: 33552283806

Shock ABSorbers

Front: Type: Adaptive M Suspension (optional)
Compression Force: 1200 N
Rebound Force: 800 N
Adjustable Damping: Yes
Part Number: 37112283807

Rear: Type: Adaptive M Suspension (optional)
Compression Force: 1100 N
Rebound Force: 750 N
Adjustable Damping: Yes
Part Number: 37222283808

Wheel Alignment

Front: Camber: -0.5° to -1.0°
Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°
Caster: 7.0° to 7.5°

Rear: Camber: -1.5° to -2.0°
Toe: 0.15° to 0.25°

Suspension Bushings

Front Lower Control Arm: Material: Synthetic rubber
Durometer: 70 Shore A
Part Number: 31122283809

Rear Trailing Arm: Material: Synthetic rubber
Durometer: 65 Shore A
Part Number: 33322283810

Suspension Limits

Maximum Load: 550 kg

Maximum Speed With Load: 250 km/h

Minimum Ground Clearance: 120 mm

Diagnostic Specifications

Fault Codes

5F01: Front left shock absorber fault
5F02: Front right shock absorber fault
5F03: Rear left shock absorber fault
5F04: Rear right shock absorber fault

Diagnostic Tool: BMW ISTA/D

Test Procedures

Check for leaks in shock absorbers
Verify adaptive damping response
Inspect bushings for wear

Maintenance Specifications

inspection Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Torque Specifications: Front Strut Mount Nuts: 50 Nm
Rear Shock ABSorber Bolts: 70 Nm
Anti Roll Bar Bracket Bolts: 25 Nm

Lubrication Points

Front lower control arm bushings
Rear trailing arm bushings

Safety information

Warnings

Do not exceed maximum load capacity
Inspect suspension components regularly for wear
Use only BMW-approved replacement parts

Notes

Adaptive suspension requires calibration after replacement
Ensure proper alignment after suspension service

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

30,000 miles

24 months

Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
Check bushings for wear and tear
Verify wheel alignment specifications

Replace worn components immediately to avoid further damage

60,000 miles

48 months

Replace front and rear shock absorbers
Inspect and replace suspension bushings if necessary
Re-torque all suspension bolts

Use BMW-approved parts for replacements

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 2012-2017 BMW 650i use?

The 2012-2017 BMW 650i is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a balance of sporty handling and ride comfort. The front suspension features aluminum control arms and struts, while the rear suspension includes a five-link design with aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight.

What is the recommended tire pressure for the 650i to maintain optimal suspension performance?

The recommended tire pressure for the 2012-2017 BMW 650i is 32 psi (2.2 bar) for the front tires and 35 psi (2.4 bar) for the rear tires under normal driving conditions. For high-speed driving or heavy loads, BMW recommends increasing the pressure to 36 psi (2.5 bar) for the front and 39 psi (2.7 bar) for the rear.

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 30,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. Key components to check include the shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, and ball joints. Regular inspections help identify wear and tear early, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Can the suspension be adjusted for different driving conditions?

Yes, the 2012-2017 BMW 650i offers an optional Adaptive M Suspension system. This system allows drivers to adjust the suspension settings between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The system continuously adapts damping forces to road conditions and driving style, enhancing both comfort and performance.

What is the ride height of the 650i, and can it be modified?

The standard ride height of the 2012-2017 BMW 650i is approximately 5.1 inches (130 mm) at the front and 5.3 inches (135 mm) at the rear. While BMW does not recommend modifying the ride height, aftermarket lowering kits are available. However, altering the ride height may void the vehicle's warranty and affect handling and safety.

What are the signs of worn suspension components?

Common signs of worn suspension components include uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or swaying, knocking noises over bumps, a rough or uncomfortable ride, and poor handling or steering response. If any of these symptoms are observed, a professional inspection is recommended.

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 650i Suspension Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

A detailed guide on maintaining the suspension system of the 2012-2017 BMW 650i, including inspection intervals, common issues, and replacement procedures.

Adaptive M Suspension System Overview

Coming Soon

An in-depth explanation of the Adaptive M Suspension system, its features, and how to optimize its performance for different driving conditions.

BMW Genuine Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

A catalog of genuine BMW suspension parts for the 650i, ensuring compatibility and maintaining warranty coverage.

Suspension Troubleshooting and Repair Manual

Coming Soon

A comprehensive manual for diagnosing and repairing common suspension issues in the 2012-2017 BMW 650i.

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