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Riding Height

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NOTE: Numbers and letters in text refer to numbers and letters in figures.
  1. Ensure vehicle is on ground and in normal loaded position with 150 lbs. (68 kg) in each front seat. Place seats in central position. Load 31 lbs. (14 kg) in the trunk and ensure a full tank of fuel.
  2. Determine actual ride-level height (A) by measuring from wheel arch lower edge (1) to rim flange (2) at wheel center height. See Fig 1 . Determine average value for each wheel by pushing vehicle body down at each wheel, and establish average value for axle. Ride height measurement must be within .04" (10 mm) of specification. See RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS  .
  3. To identify installed spring, refer to parts microfiche, contact parts supplier, or remove spring and find BMW number on end of spring. Springs are allocated by vehicle type and, where applicable, by special equipment such as air conditioning, sports suspension, etc. and by date of production launch.
  4. Replace both coil springs to bring ride height back to specification, even though only one may be defective. See COIL SPRING & SHOCK ABSORBER  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
Fig 1: Measuring Ride Level Height
G00155789Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

Application (1) In. (mm)
Standard Suspension
16" Rim 23.2 (589)
17" Rim 23.8 (605)
18" Rim 24.3 (618)
Low-Slung Sport Suspension
17" Rim 23.2 (590)
18" Rim 23.7 (603)
(1) Ride height measurement must be within .04" (10 mm) of specification.