Development of BMW Rear Axles
BMW chassis and suspension systems and therefore the sportive and dynamic character of the individual models have long been based on the special axle designs and, of course, on the integral optimum chassis and suspension tuning.
The following table shows the development history of BMW rear axles:
REAR AXLE FEATURES EXPLANATION
| Explanation | Distinguishing Features | Model |
|---|---|---|
| HA 1 | Semi-trailing arm axle | E3, E9, E12, E21, E28, E30, E36/5, E36/7, E114 |
| HA 2 | Screw-link axle | E23, E24, E32, E34 |
| HA 3 | Central-link rear axle | Z1, E36/2, E36/3, E36/4, E36/C, E46, E83, E85 |
| Double lateral control arm axle | E26 | |
| HA 4 | Experimental study | |
| HA 5 | Dispersed double control arm axle | E87, E90 |
| Integral I | Experimental study | |
| Integral II | Experimental study | |
| Integral III | E31 | |
| Integral IV | Steel, spring, damper tower | E38 |
| Integral IV | Aluminium, spring, damper tower | E39 |
| Integral IV | Aluminium, spring on body and damper on axle carrier | E39/2 |
| Integral IV | Steel axle carrier, aluminium link and steel wheel carrier, spring and damper separated but both supported on body | E53 |
| Integral IV | Aluminium axle carrier with cast node technology and cast swing arm, spring strut shock absorber tower | E65 |
| Integral IV | Aluminium axle carrier with cast node technology and cast swing arm, spring strut shock absorber tower | E6x |