BMW M6 2012-2018 Suspension Specifications
BMW M6 2012-2018

BMW M6 2012-2018 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical documentation for the suspension system of the 2012-2018 BMW M6, covering front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, spring rates, damping characteristics, and electronic suspension control systems.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2012-2018 BMW M6, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This guide covers the advanced suspension system designed for high-performance driving, featuring adaptive dampers, lightweight components, and precise tuning.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific suspension specifications by entering keywords such as 'spring rate', 'damper settings', or 'alignment angles'.

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

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Spring Rate

32 N/mm

Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter

28 mm

Rear Anti-Roll Bar Diameter

18 mm

System Response Time

10 milliseconds

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Details about the front suspension system, including components, measurements, and performance characteristics.

Double Wishbone Design
  • Aluminum double wishbone construction for reduced weight and improved rigidity
  • Upper and lower control arms with ball joints for precise wheel alignment
  • Spring rate: 28 N/mm (front)
  • Anti-roll bar diameter: 28 mm
  • Adaptive dampers with electronically controlled damping force
Steering and Alignment
  • Electromechanical power steering with variable ratio
  • Caster angle: 7.5°
  • Camber angle: -1.2°
  • Toe-in: 0.12°
  • Steering ratio: 15.4:1

Note: Alignment settings are optimized for high-speed stability and cornering precision.

Rear Suspension

Technical details of the rear suspension system, including multi-link design and performance specifications.

Multi-Link Setup
  • Five-link rear suspension for superior handling and ride comfort
  • Spring rate: 32 N/mm (rear)
  • Anti-roll bar diameter: 18 mm
  • Adaptive dampers with dynamic damping control
  • Lightweight aluminum components for reduced unsprung mass
Wheel Alignment
  • Camber angle: -1.8°
  • Toe-in: 0.15°
  • Track width: 1,625 mm
  • Rear axle load distribution: 48%

Note: Rear suspension geometry is tuned for optimal traction and stability under acceleration.

Adaptive Suspension System

Overview of the adaptive suspension system, including modes, sensors, and performance adjustments.

Dynamic Damper Control
  • Electronically controlled dampers with three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+
  • Adjustable damping force in real-time based on road conditions
  • Sensors monitor wheel speed, body motion, and steering input
  • System response time: 10 milliseconds
Driving Dynamics Control
  • Integrated with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) for enhanced stability
  • Automatically adjusts suspension settings based on driving style
  • Compatible with BMW Drive Performance Control
  • Customizable settings via iDrive system

Note: The system ensures optimal balance between comfort and performance.

Suspension Maintenance

Guidelines for maintaining the suspension system, including inspection intervals and component lifespan.

Inspection and Service
  • Inspect suspension components every 30,000 miles or 2 years
  • Check for wear on bushings, ball joints, and dampers
  • Replace adaptive dampers every 60,000 miles or as needed
  • Lubricate suspension joints during routine maintenance
Common Wear Items
  • Bushings lifespan: 50,000-70,000 miles
  • Ball joints lifespan: 60,000-80,000 miles
  • Springs lifespan: 100,000+ miles
  • Anti-roll bar links: 40,000-60,000 miles

Note: Regular inspections can prevent premature wear and ensure optimal performance.

Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type
Double wishbone with adaptive dampers
Spring Rate
32 N/mm
Damper Type
Electronically controlled adaptive dampers
Stabilizer Bar Diameter
28 mm
Bushings Material
Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing
Part Numbers
Strut Assembly: 31312284701
Control Arm: 31122284702
Stabilizer Bar Link: 31352284703

Rear Suspension

Type
Multi-link with adaptive dampers
Spring Rate
36 N/mm
Damper Type
Electronically controlled adaptive dampers
Stabilizer Bar Diameter
22 mm
Bushings Material
Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing
Part Numbers
Strut Assembly: 33522284704
Trailing Arm: 33322284705
Stabilizer Bar Link: 33552284706

Adaptive Suspension System

System Name
Dynamic Damper Control (DDC)
Adjustment Range
10 levels of damping force
Response Time
20 ms
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 85°C
Part Numbers
Control Module: 37112284707
Sensor Kit: 37152284708

Wheel Alignment

Front Camber
-0.5° to -1.5°
Rear Camber
-1.5° to -2.5°
Front Toe
0.10° to 0.20°
Rear Toe
0.15° to 0.25°
Caster Angle
7.5° to 8.5°
Tolerance
±0.2°

Ride Height

Front Ground Clearance
120 mm
Rear Ground Clearance
125 mm
Adjustment Range
±10 mm
Tolerance
±2 mm

Suspension Bushings

Front Control Arm Bushing Durometer
70 Shore A
Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Durometer
75 Shore A
Replacement interval
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years
Part Numbers
Front Bushing Kit: 31152284709
Rear Bushing Kit: 33352284710

Stabilizer Bar

Front Bar Diameter
28 mm
Rear Bar Diameter
22 mm
Material
High-strength steel
Bushing Durometer
65 Shore A
Part Numbers
Front Bar: 31352284711
Rear Bar: 33552284712

Shock ABSorbers

Front Shock Travel
120 mm
Rear Shock Travel
130 mm
Rebound Damping Force
1,200 N
Compression Damping Force
800 N
Part Numbers
Front Shock: 31312284713
Rear Shock: 33512284714

Suspension Mounts

Front Strut Mount Material
Aluminum with rubber isolator
Rear Strut Mount Material
Aluminum with rubber isolator
Replacement interval
Every 80,000 miles or 7 years
Part Numbers
Front Mount: 31352284715
Rear Mount: 33552284716

Diagnostic Specifications

Fault Codes
  • 480A - Front left damper fault
  • 480B - Front right damper fault
  • 480C - Rear left damper fault
  • 480D - Rear right damper fault
Diagnostic Tool
BMW ISTA/D
Test Procedures
  • Check damper resistance (20-30 ohms)
  • Inspect wiring harness for damage
  • Verify sensor calibration

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

10,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect suspension bushings for wear
  • Check shock absorbers for leaks
  • Verify wheel alignment settings

Perform visual inspection and road test

30,000 miles
36 months
  • Replace stabilizer bar bushings if necessary
  • Lubricate suspension components
  • Check adaptive suspension system calibration

Use BMW-approved lubricants

60,000 miles
72 months
  • Replace front and rear suspension bushings
  • Inspect and replace shock absorbers if needed
  • Perform full wheel alignment

Follow BMW torque specifications during reassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of suspension system does the 2012-2018 BMW M6 use?

The 2012-2018 BMW M6 is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. It also features Adaptive M Suspension with Dynamic Damper Control (DDC), which adjusts damping forces based on driving conditions and selected driving mode.

Q2

What is the ride height of the 2012-2018 BMW M6?

The standard ride height of the 2012-2018 BMW M6 is approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches) at the front and 135 mm (5.3 inches) at the rear. This can vary slightly depending on the specific trim and optional suspension packages.

Q3

Can the suspension be manually adjusted on the 2012-2018 BMW M6?

Yes, the Adaptive M Suspension system allows drivers to manually adjust the suspension settings via the Driving Dynamics Control switch. Options include Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, each altering damping rates and ride firmness.

Q4

What is the recommended tire pressure for the 2012-2018 BMW M6?

The recommended tire pressure for the 2012-2018 BMW M6 is 32 psi (2.2 bar) for the front tires and 35 psi (2.4 bar) for the rear tires under normal driving conditions. These values may vary for high-speed or heavy-load scenarios.

Q5

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. This includes checking for wear on bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers, as well as ensuring proper alignment.

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 M6 Adaptive M Suspension Technical Guide

Coming Soon

Detailed guide on the Adaptive M Suspension system, including setup, operation, and troubleshooting tips.

BMW M6 Suspension Maintenance Checklist

Coming Soon

A comprehensive checklist for maintaining and inspecting the suspension system to ensure optimal performance and safety.

BMW M6 Suspension Alignment Specifications

Coming Soon

Official alignment specifications and procedures for the 2012-2018 BMW M6 suspension system.

BMW M6 Suspension Upgrade Options

Coming Soon

Explore aftermarket and OEM suspension upgrade options for enhanced performance and handling.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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