BMW i3 2014-present

BMW i3 2014-present Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical specifications for the 2014-Present BMW i3 suspension system, including front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, torque specifications, and maintenance guidelines.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2014-Present BMW i3, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and critical components.

How to Use

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

Navigate through the suspension documentation sections by selecting the desired section from the table of contents or using the next/previous buttons.

Key Specifications

Front Track Width

1565 mm

Rear Spring Rate

25 N/mm

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to 0.5°

Rear Shock Absorber Travel

110 mm

Wheel Hub Nut Torque

210 Nm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Details about the front suspension system, including the MacPherson strut design, components, and specifications.

MacPherson Strut Design

MacPherson strut with coil spring and integrated shock absorber
Lower control arm made of lightweight aluminum
Stabilizer bar diameter: 22 mm
Strut mount with integrated rubber bushing for vibration damping
Steering knuckle material: forged aluminum

Front Suspension Alignment

Camber angle: -0.5° to 0.5°
Toe angle: 0.1° to 0.3°
Caster angle: 6.5° to 7.5°
Kingpin inclination: 12.5°
Track width: 1565 mm

Note: Alignment specifications are critical for optimal handling and tire wear.

Rear Suspension

Information about the rear suspension system, including the five-link design and key components.

Five-Link Suspension Design

Five-link independent rear suspension
Trailing arm and toe link made of high-strength steel
Coil spring and separate shock absorber
Stabilizer bar diameter: 18 mm
Wheel carrier material: cast aluminum

Rear Suspension Alignment

Camber angle: -1.5° to -0.5°
Toe angle: 0.2° to 0.4°
Track width: 1565 mm
Ride height: 150 mm (measured from wheel center to fender)
Spring rate: 25 N/mm

Note: Rear alignment settings are optimized for stability and comfort.

Suspension Components

Detailed specifications for key suspension components, including springs, shock absorbers, and bushings.

Shock Absorbers

Front shock absorber type: twin-tube gas-filled
Rear shock absorber type: monotube gas-filled
Front shock absorber travel: 120 mm
Rear shock absorber travel: 110 mm
Damping force: adjustable (optional adaptive suspension)

Springs and Bushings

Front spring rate: 30 N/mm
Rear spring rate: 25 N/mm
Front lower control arm bushing material: rubber with hydraulic damping
Rear trailing arm bushing material: polyurethane
Bushing durometer: 70 Shore A

Note: Bushing materials are designed for durability and noise reduction.

Suspension Maintenance

Guidelines for inspecting and maintaining the suspension system, including torque specifications and wear limits.

Torque Specifications

Front strut mount bolts: 50 Nm + 90°
Rear trailing arm bolts: 80 Nm + 45°
Stabilizer bar link nuts: 40 Nm
Lower control arm bolts: 100 Nm
Wheel hub nut: 210 Nm

Wear Limits

Shock absorber leakage: not permitted
Bushing cracks: maximum 2 mm depth
Spring sag: maximum 5 mm deviation from original height
Ball joint play: maximum 0.5 mm
Stabilizer bar link wear: maximum 1 mm lateral movement

Note: Regular inspection is recommended every 20,000 km or 12 months.

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Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: MacPherson strut

Spring Rate: 22 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Strut Part Number: 31306859845

Lower Control Arm Part Number: 31126874812

Bushing Material: Rubber with aluminum housing

Track Width: 1565 mm

Camber Angle: -0.5° to 0.5°

Toe Angle: 0.1° to 0.3°

Rear Suspension

Type: Five-link independent suspension

Spring Rate: 25 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Trailing Arm Part Number: 33326874811

Lateral Link Part Number: 33326874812

Bushing Material: Rubber with aluminum housing

Track Width: 1565 mm

Camber Angle: -1.5° to -0.5°

Toe Angle: 0.1° to 0.3°

Springs

Front Spring Part Number: 31336874813

Rear Spring Part Number: 33536874814

Front Spring Free Length: 320 mm

Rear Spring Free Length: 340 mm

Spring Material: High-strength steel

Spring Coatings: Corrosion-resistant epoxy

Shock ABSorbers

Front Shock Part Number: 31306859845

Rear Shock Part Number: 33506859846

Front Shock Stroke Length: 120 mm

Rear Shock Stroke Length: 130 mm

Damping Force Front: 1500 N at 0.3 m/s

Damping Force Rear: 1600 N at 0.3 m/s

Anti Roll Bars

Front Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 22 mm

Rear Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 18 mm

Front Anti Roll Bar Part Number: 31356874815

Rear Anti Roll Bar Part Number: 33556874816

Bushing Material: Polyurethane

Bushings And Mounts

Front Strut Mount Part Number: 31306874817

Rear Shock Mount Part Number: 33506874818

Control Arm Bushing Part Number: 31126874819

Material: Rubber with steel inserts

Durometer Hardness: 70 Shore A

Alignment Specifications

Front Camber Range: -0.5° to 0.5°

Rear Camber Range: -1.5° to -0.5°

Front Toe Range: 0.1° to 0.3°

Rear Toe Range: 0.1° to 0.3°

Caster Angle: 6.5° to 7.5°

Thrust Angle: 0° ± 0.2°

Torque Specifications

Front Strut Mount Nuts: 50 Nm

Rear Shock Mount Bolts: 45 Nm

Control Arm Bolts: 90 Nm + 90°

Anti Roll Bar Link Nuts: 25 Nm

Wheel Hub Nuts: 120 Nm + 90°

Operational Limits

Maximum Load Front: 850 kg

Maximum Load Rear: 850 kg

Maximum Ground Clearance: 140 mm

Minimum Ground Clearance: 120 mm

Maximum Suspension Travel Front: 120 mm

Maximum Suspension Travel Rear: 130 mm

Diagnostic Specifications

Shock ABSorber Leak Test: No visible fluid leakage

Bushing Wear Limit: No cracks or deformation exceeding 2 mm

Spring Sag Limit: Maximum 10 mm deviation from free length

Alignment Tolerance: ±0.2° from specified angles

Anti Roll Bar Link Play: Maximum 1 mm movement

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the BMW i3 suspension system

10000 miles

12 months

Inspect shock absorbers for leaks and damage
Check suspension bushings for wear and cracks
Verify alignment specifications
Tighten all suspension bolts to specified torque

Replace worn components immediately to avoid further damage

30000 miles

36 months

Replace shock absorbers if necessary
Inspect and replace anti-roll bar links if worn
Check and replace suspension springs if sagging
Lubricate all suspension bushings

Use only BMW-approved parts for replacements

60000 miles

72 months

Perform full suspension alignment
Replace all suspension bushings
Inspect and replace control arms if necessary
Check and replace strut mounts if worn

Ensure all components are torqued to factory specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 2014-Present BMW i3 use?

The BMW i3 features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. This setup is designed to provide a balance between comfort and handling, with lightweight materials to enhance efficiency and performance.

What is the ground clearance of the BMW i3?

The BMW i3 has a ground clearance of approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm). This is optimized for urban driving while maintaining sufficient clearance for most road conditions.

What are the recommended tire pressures for the BMW i3?

The recommended tire pressures for the BMW i3 are 33 psi (2.3 bar) for the front tires and 38 psi (2.6 bar) for the rear tires. These values may vary slightly depending on load conditions and tire specifications.

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. This includes checking for wear on struts, bushings, and linkages, as well as ensuring proper alignment.

Can the BMW i3 suspension be adjusted for different driving conditions?

The BMW i3 suspension is not adjustable for height or stiffness. However, the vehicle's lightweight construction and precise engineering provide consistent performance across various driving conditions.

What is the wheelbase of the BMW i3?

The BMW i3 has a wheelbase of 101.2 inches (2570 mm), contributing to its stable and agile handling characteristics.

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 i3 Suspension Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

A detailed guide on maintaining the suspension system of the BMW i3, including inspection intervals and common issues.

BMW i3 Suspension Alignment Specifications

Coming Soon

Official alignment specifications for the BMW i3 suspension system to ensure optimal handling and tire wear.

BMW i3 Suspension Component Replacement Manual

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for replacing common suspension components on the BMW i3, including struts and bushings.

BMW i3 Suspension Troubleshooting Guide

Coming Soon

A troubleshooting guide for diagnosing and resolving common suspension-related issues in the BMW i3.

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