Riding Height
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 530i, 2003 BMW 525i, 2002 BMW 530i, 2002 BMW 525i, and 2001 BMW 530i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Ensure vehicle is on ground and in normal loaded position with 150 lbs. (68 kg) in each front seat and 150 lbs. (68 kg) in the center of the back seat. Load 46 lbs. (21 kg) in the trunk and ensure a full tank of fuel.
- Determine actual ride-level height (A) by measuring from wheel arch lower edge (1) to rim flange (2) at wheel center height. Determine average value for each wheel after previously raising and lowering vehicle body and establish average value for axle. See Fig 1.
- Ride height measurement must be within.04" 10 mm) of specification. See RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS .
- 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.
- 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.
RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | In. (mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Suspension | ||
| 15" Rim | 22.8 (579) | |
| 16" Rim | 23.3 (592) | |
| 17" Rim | 23.9 (607) | |
| 18" Rim | 24.4 (620) | |
| Low-Slung Sport Suspension | ||
| 15" Rim | 22.0 (559) | |
| 16" Rim | 22.5 (572) | |
| 17" Rim | 23.1 (587) | |
| 18" Rim | 23.6 (600) | |
| Rough Road Package | ||
| 15" Rim | 23.6 (599) | |
| 16" Rim | 24.1 (612) | |
| 17" Rim | 24.7 (627) | |
| 18" Rim | 25.2 (640) | |
| M Sports Package | ||
| 15" Rim | 22.0 (559) | |
| 16" Rim | 22.5 (572) | |
| 17" Rim | 23.1 (587) | |
| 18" Rim | 23.6 (600) | |