BMW M3 2015-2020 Suspension Specifications
Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 2015-2020 BMW M3 suspension system. Includes adaptive M suspension, spring rates, damper settings, and alignment specs.
Overview Specifications
Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2015-2020 BMW M3, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the front and rear suspension systems, adaptive suspension components, and alignment specifications.
How to Use
Use the search bar to find specific suspension specifications by entering keywords such as 'front suspension', 'rear suspension', or 'adaptive damping'.
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
1572 mm (61.9 in)
Rear Track Width
1602 mm (63.1 in)
Front Spring Rate
28 N/mm (160 lbs/in)
Rear Spring Rate
32 N/mm (183 lbs/in)
Wheelbase
2812 mm (110.7 in)
Available Specifications
Front Suspension
Details about the front suspension system, including the double-wishbone design, adaptive damping, and key measurements.
Front Suspension
Details about the front suspension system, including the double-wishbone design, adaptive damping, and key measurements.
Double-Wishbone Design
- Double-wishbone front suspension with forged aluminum components
- Upper and lower control arms for precise wheel control
- Front track width: 1572 mm (61.9 in)
- Spring rate: 28 N/mm (160 lbs/in)
- Anti-roll bar diameter: 25.5 mm (1.0 in)
Adaptive Damping System
- Electronically controlled adaptive dampers
- Three damping modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+
- Damping force adjustment range: 0-100%
- Response time: <20 ms
- Integrated with BMW Drive Dynamic Control
Note: Adaptive damping system requires regular calibration for optimal performance.
Rear Suspension
Information on the rear suspension system, including the multi-link design, adaptive damping, and alignment specifications.
Rear Suspension
Information on the rear suspension system, including the multi-link design, adaptive damping, and alignment specifications.
Multi-Link Design
- Five-link rear suspension with forged aluminum components
- Rear track width: 1602 mm (63.1 in)
- Spring rate: 32 N/mm (183 lbs/in)
- Anti-roll bar diameter: 22 mm (0.87 in)
- Wheel camber adjustment range: -1.5° to -2.5°
Adaptive Damping System
- Electronically controlled adaptive dampers
- Three damping modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+
- Damping force adjustment range: 0-100%
- Response time: <20 ms
- Integrated with BMW Drive Dynamic Control
Note: Rear adaptive dampers are synchronized with the front system for balanced handling.
Alignment Specifications
Detailed alignment specifications for the 2015-2020 BMW M3, including camber, caster, and toe settings.
Alignment Specifications
Detailed alignment specifications for the 2015-2020 BMW M3, including camber, caster, and toe settings.
Front Alignment
- Camber: -1.0° to -1.5°
- Caster: 7.5° to 8.0°
- Toe: 0.10° to 0.20° (total toe-in)
- Steering axis inclination: 12.5°
- Kingpin inclination: 12.5°
Rear Alignment
- Camber: -1.5° to -2.5°
- Toe: 0.15° to 0.25° (total toe-in)
- Thrust angle: 0.0°
- Wheelbase: 2812 mm (110.7 in)
- Track width: 1602 mm (63.1 in)
Note: Alignment settings are critical for optimal handling and tire wear.
Suspension Maintenance
Guidelines for maintaining the suspension system, including inspection intervals and torque specifications.
Suspension Maintenance
Guidelines for maintaining the suspension system, including inspection intervals and torque specifications.
Inspection Intervals
- Inspect suspension components every 15,000 km (9,320 mi)
- Check adaptive damping system for leaks or faults
- Verify alignment settings every 30,000 km (18,640 mi)
- Inspect bushings and ball joints for wear
- Monitor tire wear patterns for alignment issues
Torque Specifications
- Front control arm bolts: 120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
- Rear control arm bolts: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
- Anti-roll bar mounting bolts: 50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
- Damper mounting bolts: 90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
- Wheel hub nuts: 210 Nm (155 lb-ft)
Note: Always use a calibrated torque wrench for suspension components.
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Component Specifications
Front Suspension
- Type
- Double wishbone with adaptive M suspension
- Spring Rate
- 32 N/mm
- Shock ABSorber Type
- Electronically controlled dampers
- Stabilizer Bar Diameter
- 27 mm
- Bushing Material
- Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing
- Part Numbers
- Strut Assembly: 31-31-6-857-367Control Arm: 31-12-6-857-369Stabilizer Link: 31-35-6-857-371
Rear Suspension
- Type
- Five-link with adaptive M suspension
- Spring Rate
- 36 N/mm
- Shock ABSorber Type
- Electronically controlled dampers
- Stabilizer Bar Diameter
- 20 mm
- Bushing Material
- Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing
- Part Numbers
- Trailing Arm: 33-32-6-857-372Control Arm: 33-32-6-857-373Stabilizer Link: 33-35-6-857-374
Adaptive M Suspension
- Operating Modes
-
- Comfort
- Sport
- Sport+
- Response Time
- 20 ms
- Adjustment Range
- Continuous damping force adjustment
- Sensor Types
-
- Acceleration sensors
- Wheel travel sensors
- Part Numbers
- Control Unit: 37-10-6-857-375Damper Unit: 37-11-6-857-376
Wheel Alignment
- Front Camber
- -1.0 to -1.5 degrees
- Rear Camber
- -1.8 to -2.3 degrees
- Front Toe
- 0.10 to 0.20 degrees
- Rear Toe
- 0.15 to 0.25 degrees
- Caster
- 7.5 to 8.0 degrees
- Tolerance
- ±0.2 degrees
Suspension Bushings
- Front Lower Control Arm Bushing
- Material: Hydro rubberDurometer: 70 Shore APart Number: 31-12-6-857-377
- Rear Trailing Arm Bushing
- Material: Hydro rubberDurometer: 75 Shore APart Number: 33-32-6-857-378
Stabilizer Bars
- Front Bar Diameter
- 27 mm
- Rear Bar Diameter
- 20 mm
- Material
- High-strength steel
- Bushing Material
- Polyurethane
- Part Numbers
- Front Bar: 31-35-6-857-379Rear Bar: 33-35-6-857-380
Suspension Limits
- Maximum Load Front
- 950 kg
- Maximum Load Rear
- 1050 kg
- Maximum Speed With Adaptive Suspension
- 250 km/h (electronically limited)
- Operating Temperature Range
- -40°C to 120°C
Diagnostic Specifications
- Fault Codes
- C1210: Adaptive suspension control unit malfunctionC1211: Front left damper valve faultC1212: Front right damper valve fault
- Diagnostic Tool
- BMW ISTA/D
- Test Procedures
-
- Check damper resistance (10-15 ohms)
- Inspect sensor wiring for continuity
- Verify control unit communication
Maintenance Specifications
- inspection Intervals
- Miles: Every 15,000 milesMonths: Every 12 months
- Lubrication Points
-
- Front control arm bushings
- Rear trailing arm bushings
- Stabilizer bar bushings
- Torque Specifications
- Front Strut Mount Nuts: 50 Nm + 90°Rear Shock ABSorber Bolts: 70 Nm + 45°Stabilizer Link Nuts: 40 Nm
Safety information
- Warnings
-
- Do not exceed maximum load limits
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage regularly
- Use only BMW-approved replacement parts
- Notes
-
- Adaptive suspension requires calibration after component replacement
- Ensure proper alignment after suspension service
Service Information Service
Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage
- Check adaptive suspension system for faults
- Verify wheel alignment specifications
Replace worn components immediately to avoid further damage
- Lubricate suspension bushings
- Inspect and tighten all suspension fasteners
- Test adaptive suspension response
Use only BMW-approved lubricants and parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of suspension does the 2015-2020 BMW M3 use?
What type of suspension does the 2015-2020 BMW M3 use?
The 2015-2020 BMW M3 features a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. This setup is designed to provide optimal handling, stability, and comfort. The front suspension uses aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight, while the rear suspension is tuned for precise wheel control and dynamic driving performance.
Q2 What is the ride height of the 2015-2020 BMW M3?
What is the ride height of the 2015-2020 BMW M3?
The standard ride height of the 2015-2020 BMW M3 is approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches) at the front and 135 mm (5.3 inches) at the rear. These measurements are taken from the ground to the bottom of the rocker panel and may vary slightly depending on tire size and optional suspension packages.
Q3 Can the suspension be adjusted on the 2015-2020 BMW M3?
Can the suspension be adjusted on the 2015-2020 BMW M3?
Yes, the 2015-2020 BMW M3 offers an optional Adaptive M Suspension system. This system allows drivers to adjust the damping characteristics through the Driving Dynamics Control system, offering Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The system continuously adapts to road conditions and driving style for optimal performance.
Q4 What is the spring rate of the 2015-2020 BMW M3 suspension?
What is the spring rate of the 2015-2020 BMW M3 suspension?
The spring rates for the 2015-2020 BMW M3 are approximately 180 N/mm (front) and 200 N/mm (rear) for the standard suspension. The optional Adaptive M Suspension may have slightly different rates to accommodate its variable damping system. These rates are designed to balance performance and comfort.
Q5 What is the recommended tire pressure for the 2015-2020 BMW M3?
What is the recommended tire pressure for the 2015-2020 BMW M3?
The recommended tire pressure for the 2015-2020 BMW M3 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) front and 39 psi (2.7 bar) rear.
Q6 How often should the suspension components be inspected?
How often should the suspension components be inspected?
BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 10,000 miles or during routine maintenance intervals. Key components to check include the shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and ball joints. Regular inspections help ensure optimal performance and safety.
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 M3 Suspension Technical Guide
Coming SoonA detailed guide covering the design, components, and maintenance of the 2015-2020 BMW M3 suspension system.
Adaptive M Suspension Overview
Coming SoonLearn about the features and benefits of the optional Adaptive M Suspension system available for the 2015-2020 BMW M3.
Suspension Maintenance Checklist
Coming SoonA step-by-step checklist for inspecting and maintaining the suspension system of the 2015-2020 BMW M3.
Genuine BMW Suspension Parts Catalog
Coming SoonAccess the official catalog of genuine BMW suspension parts for the 2015-2020 M3, ensuring compatibility and performance.
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