BMW Z4 2009-2016

BMW Z4 2009-2016 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive guide to the suspension system of the 2009-2016 BMW Z4, covering front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, spring rates, shock absorber specifications, and torque values for critical fasteners.

Updated Oct 14, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2009-2016 BMW Z4, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This manual 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 major suspension components and subsystems.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

28 N/mm

Rear Spring Rate

32 N/mm

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to -1.0°

Rear Camber Angle

-1.5° to -2.0°

Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter

25 mm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

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

Strut Assembly

MacPherson strut design with coil spring and integrated shock absorber
Strut diameter: 55 mm
Spring rate: 28 N/mm
Upper strut mount includes thrust bearing for steering rotation
Bump stop length: 70 mm

Control Arms and Bushings

Lower control arms made of forged aluminum
Bushing material: rubber with hydraulic damping
Control arm length: 420 mm
Bushing durometer: 70 Shore A
Note: Replace bushings every 60,000 miles or as needed

Note: Inspect control arm bushings for wear during routine maintenance.

Rear Suspension

Technical details of the rear suspension system, including multi-link setup, springs, and dampers.

Multi-Link Setup

Five-link independent rear suspension
Trailing arm length: 520 mm
Upper and lower control arms made of steel
Bushing material: polyurethane for improved durability
Wheel carrier material: aluminum

Springs and Dampers

Coil spring rate: 32 N/mm
Shock absorber type: twin-tube gas-filled
Rear spring free length: 380 mm
Damper stroke: 120 mm
Note: Springs and dampers should be replaced as a set

Alignment Specifications

Alignment settings for the 2009-2016 BMW Z4, including camber, caster, and toe angles.

Front Alignment

Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
Caster angle: 7.0° to 7.5°
Toe-in: 0.10° to 0.20°
Steering axis inclination: 12.5°
Note: Adjust camber using eccentric bolts

Rear Alignment

Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
Toe-in: 0.15° to 0.25°
Thrust angle: 0.0°
Note: Rear alignment is non-adjustable without aftermarket components

Suspension Components

Detailed specifications for key suspension components, including anti-roll bars and mounting hardware.

Anti-Roll Bars

Front anti-roll bar diameter: 25 mm
Rear anti-roll bar diameter: 18 mm
Material: hollow steel for reduced weight
Bushing durometer: 75 Shore A
Note: Anti-roll bars are tuned for balanced handling

Mounting Hardware

Strut mounting bolts: M12 x 1.5, torque to 90 Nm
Control arm bolts: M14 x 1.5, torque to 110 Nm
Anti-roll bar link bolts: M10 x 1.25, torque to 45 Nm
Note: Use thread locker on all suspension bolts

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: 28.5 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 25.5 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with steel sleeves

Part Numbers: Spring: 31306777789
Shock ABSorber: 31306777790
Anti Roll Bar: 31356777791

Rear Suspension

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

Spring Rate: 32.0 N/mm

Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled monotube

Anti Roll Bar Diameter: 22.0 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with steel sleeves

Part Numbers: Spring: 33506777792
Shock ABSorber: 33506777793
Anti Roll Bar: 33556777794

Wheel Alignment

Front Camber: -0.5° to -1.0°

Rear Camber: -1.5° to -2.0°

Front Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Rear Toe: 0.15° to 0.25°

Caster: 6.5° to 7.5°

Tolerance: ±0.5°

Ride Height

Front: 135 mm (measured from wheel center to fender)

Rear: 140 mm (measured from wheel center to fender)

Tolerance: ±5 mm

Shock ABSorber Specifications

Front Compression Force: 1200 N at 0.3 m/s

Front Rebound Force: 800 N at 0.3 m/s

Rear Compression Force: 1100 N at 0.3 m/s

Rear Rebound Force: 750 N at 0.3 m/s

Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to 120°C

Anti Roll Bar Specifications

Front Stiffness: 18.5 Nm/°

Rear Stiffness: 15.0 Nm/°

Material: High-strength steel

Bushing Durometer: 70 Shore A

Bushing Specifications

Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Durometer: 75 Shore A

Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Durometer: 70 Shore A

Replacement interval: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years

Part Numbers: Front Lower Control Arm Bushing: 31106777795
Rear Trailing Arm Bushing: 33306777796

Suspension Mounts

Front Shock Mount Material: Aluminum with rubber isolator

Rear Shock Mount Material: Aluminum with rubber isolator

Torque Specifications: Front Shock Mount Nuts: 45 Nm
Rear Shock Mount Nuts: 50 Nm

Part Numbers: Front Shock Mount: 31306777797
Rear Shock Mount: 33506777798

Suspension Diagnostics

Common Issues

Excessive noise from worn bushings
Uneven tire wear due to misalignment
Reduced ride quality from worn shock absorbers

Diagnostic Tools

BMW ISTA diagnostic software
Laser alignment system
Suspension noise analyzer

inspection Intervals: Every 15,000 miles or annually

Suspension Maintenance

Lubrication Points

Front lower control arm bushings
Rear trailing arm bushings
Anti-roll bar bushings

Lubricant Type: Silicone-based grease

Torque Specifications: Front Lower Control Arm Bolts: 90 Nm
Rear Trailing Arm Bolts: 100 Nm
Anti-Roll Bar Bracket Bolts: 25 Nm

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system

15,000

Inspect suspension bushings for wear
Check shock absorbers for leaks
Verify wheel alignment settings

Replace worn components as necessary

30,000

Lubricate suspension bushings
Inspect anti-roll bar mounts
Check suspension mounts for cracks

Use only BMW-approved lubricants

60,000

Replace suspension bushings
Replace shock absorbers if necessary
Perform full wheel alignment

Follow BMW torque specifications during reassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension does the 2009-2016 BMW Z4 use?

The 2009-2016 BMW Z4 features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a balance of sporty handling and ride comfort, with precise control over wheel alignment and stability.

What is the recommended tire pressure for the BMW Z4 suspension system?

The recommended tire pressure for the 2009-2016 BMW Z4 varies by trim and load conditions. For most models, the front tires should be inflated to 32 psi (2.2 bar) and the rear tires to 35 psi (2.4 bar) under normal driving conditions. Always refer to the vehicle's door jamb sticker or owner's manual for specific recommendations.

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

BMW recommends inspecting the suspension components, including bushings, struts, and control arms, every 30,000 miles or during routine maintenance. Signs of wear, such as uneven tire wear, knocking noises, or reduced handling performance, should prompt an immediate inspection.

Can the BMW Z4 suspension be adjusted for performance driving?

Yes, the BMW Z4 with the optional Adaptive M Suspension allows for adjustable damping settings. This system adapts to driving conditions and can be manually set to Comfort, Normal, or Sport modes, optimizing handling and ride quality for different driving scenarios.

What is the ride height of the 2009-2016 BMW Z4?

The ride height of the 2009-2016 BMW Z4 varies slightly by trim and suspension configuration. On average, the front ride height is approximately 5.9 inches (150 mm), and the rear ride height is around 6.1 inches (155 mm). These measurements are taken from the ground to the wheel arch.

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 Z4 Suspension Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

A detailed guide on inspecting and maintaining the suspension system of the 2009-2016 BMW Z4, including torque specifications and alignment procedures.

Adaptive M Suspension Overview

Coming Soon

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

BMW Z4 Suspension Torque Specifications

Coming Soon

A comprehensive list of torque specifications for suspension components, including control arms, struts, and bushings.

BMW Z4 Suspension Alignment Procedures

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for performing a proper wheel alignment on the 2009-2016 BMW Z4, including camber, caster, and toe settings.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

Facebook Contact

15+ Years

Experience

500+ Guides

Guides

50+ Makes

Vehicles

1000+ Solutions

Solutions

Diagnostic

Specialized in advanced diagnostic techniques using modern scan tools and oscilloscopes.

Repair

Expert in both traditional mechanical repairs and modern vehicle systems.

Additional Expertise

Documentation

Created over 500 detailed repair guides and technical documents.

Training

Conducted technical training sessions and contributed to repair databases.

Certifications & Research

Certifications

ASE Master Technician Certification
Advanced Diagnostic Specialist
Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Systems
Performance Tuning Expert

Research & Community

Actively researches emerging technologies and contributes to automotive forums.

Legal Disclaimer

Important information about using this content

Always refer to your vehicle's service manual and take appropriate safety precautions when performing any maintenance or repairs.

General Information

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to maintain accuracy in our content, all specifications, procedures, and technical information should be verified against your vehicle's official service manual or with the manufacturer directly.

Warranty & Liability

The content on this website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or availability of the information.

We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of information on this website.

Technical Information

All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
Vehicle specifications and procedures may vary by model year, trim level, and region.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and safety precautions.
Working on vehicles can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety equipment.
If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified professional mechanic.

Intellectual Property

All content, including text, images, and specifications, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Any unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.