Riding Height
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X5, 2004 BMW X5, 2003 BMW X5, and 2002 BMW X5. 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.
- On vehicles with air suspension, perform height setting offset using BMW Diagnostic System.
RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | In. (mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Spring | ||
| 17" Rim | 27 (687) | |
| 18" Rim | 27.5 (700) | |
| 19" Rim | 28 (713) | |
| 20" Rim | 28.5 (726) | |
| Air Spring | ||
| 17" Rim | 27 (695) | |
| 18" Rim | 27.9 (708) | |
| 19" Rim | 28.3 (721) | |
| 20" Rim | 28.9 (734) | |
| 2 Axle Air Spring | ||
| 17" Rim | 27 (687) | |
| 18" Rim | 27.5 (700) | |
| 19" Rim | 28 (713) | |
| 20" Rim | 28.5 (726) | |