32 00 Wheel Alignment - Normal Position / Inspection Conditions E36 / E38 / E39

Car loaded down to normal position Vehicle with complete equipment for
normal operation with:

2 x 68 kg on front seats (seats in central

position)
1 x 68 kg on rear seat (center)
1 x 21 kg in luggage compartment
(middle)
and full fuel tank.
Exception:
M3 sports suspension
Normal position for car empty weight
Requirements:
1. Specified rims and tires with even tire
profile (see Wheels/Tires)
2. Correct tire pressure (refer to
instruction plate on vehicle)

3. Specified wheel-bearing play (see

Front/Rear Axle)
4. Ride level check in normal position
(see above) Ride level measurement,
refer to Repair Manual 31 33 095
Warning! Repair vehicle in event of
deviation from specified value (refer to
Troubleshooting Repair Manual)
5. On car with air springs, pull fuse of air
supply system so that there is no
regulation.
Adjust correct ride level for alignment =
spec. value ± 2mm /
for E 36 M 3, E39 M5, E39 with M sports
package
spec. value ± 1mm
by loading or unloading car.

TD Wheel Alignment - Normal Position / Inspection Conditions E39, E36, E38 BMW AG - TIS 09.04.2008 22:47
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 31 33 095 Measuring ride-level height of vehicle

Move vehicle into normal position,

refer to Technical Data MG 32

Measure actual ride-level height (A) from wheel-house lower edge

(1) to rim flange (2) at height of wheel center.
Establish the mean value in each case after previously raising and
lowering the vehicle body for each wheel and from it the mean
value of the axle.
If the mean value deviates from the nominal value,
refer to Technical Data
Install new coil spring, refer to selection of coil springs in Parts
Microfiche/EPC.

RA Measuring ride-level height of vehicle BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:34

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 31 00 Front axle - ride height E38

Ride level in normal position (attach tape measure to rim

flange at bottom middle and measure to lower edge of
wheel arch)
Deviation from nominal value for all wheels together Max. mm 10
Series
16" rim mm ± 10 613
17" rim mm ± 10 628
18" rim mm ± 10 641
Low-slung sports suspension
16" rim mm 593
17" rim mm 608
18" rim mm 621
Rough road package
16" rim mm ± 10 635
17" rim mm ± 10 650
18" rim mm ± 10 663

TD Front axle - ride height E38 BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:35

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32 00 ... General chassis and suspension definitions

1. Toe 5. Wheel offset

2. Camber 6. Camber
3. Caster (with 10° or 20° wheel lock) 7. Rear-wheel position

4. Toe angle difference (with 20° wheel lock) 8. Toe

9. Geometrical axis

RA General chassis and suspension definitions BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:36

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 32 00 ... General information and definitions

Toe angle difference

a Toe angle difference
D Center point of operating circle
The toe angle difference is the angle adjustment of the inner
cornering wheel relative to the outer cornering wheel when
negotiating a curve. Steering is designed in such a way that
angular position of wheels changes as steering lock progresses.
A correctly adjusted toe angle difference produces equal values for
left and right lock with consideration of factory tolerances.
Toe angle difference provides information on corresponding
operation of steering trapezoid for left or right steering lock from
center position.

Camber
Inclination of the wheel from the perpendicular.

Toe
Reduction in distance of front of front wheels to rear of front
wheels. The toe-in prevents the wheels from moving apart during
driving and thus:
• the wheels from vibrating and grinding
• excessive tire wear
• excessive strain on the steering linkage and its links/joints
• heavy vehicle steering
Measurement is performed in "straight-ahead mode".

RA General information and definitions BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:37

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 Caster
Is the inclination of the kingpin in the direction of travel viewed from
the side. The line through the center point of the spring strut
support bearing and the control arm ball joint corresponds to the
"kingpin".
Thanks to caster, wheels are pulled and not pushed. In a similar
manner to king pin inclination, when driving in curves or around
corners, returning forces are reproduced to help return wheels to
straight-ahead position.

Geometrical axis 1
Is the angle bisector from the total rear-wheel toe.
Front-wheel measurements are taken in reference to this axis.
Symmetrical axis 2
Center line running through front and rear axles.

Wheel offset
Angle by which one front wheel is displaced more towards front or
rear than the other front wheel.

Kingpin offset/scrub radius

Is the distance from the center of the wheel contact face to the
intersection point of the kingpin extension. The line through the
center point of the spring strut support bearing and the control arm
ball joint corresponds to the "kingpin".
The scrub radius is influenced by camber, kingpin angle and wheel
offset of the wheel rim.

RA General information and definitions BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:37

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32 00 ... Troubleshooting on the front axle / rear axle (alignment check)

Troubleshooting on the front axle

Fault Cause Remedy

1. Toe deviation a) Vehicle not in normal position a) Height setting,

b) Tie rod(s) bent refer to Technical Data HG 31
c) Ball joints on track rod(s) b Replacing track rod(s), refer to
misaligned 32 21 231, 32 21 281
d) Rubber mount in control arm c) Replacing track rod(s), refer to
faulty 32 21 231, 32 21 281
d) Replacing control arm, refer to
31 12 001

2. Camber deviation: a) Rubber mount in control arm a) Replacing control arm, refer to
Camber is defined by design faulty 31 12 001
and cannot be adjusted. b) Control arm deformed b) Replacing control arm, refer to
c) Spring strut deformed 31 12 001

d) Guide joint worn c) Replacing spring strut, refer to

31 31 031
e) Spring deflection too great
d) Replacing control arm, refer to
f) Front-axle carrier deformed
31 12 001
g) Spring strut shock absorber
e) Replacing coil spring, refer to
mount mis-shapen
31 33 100
h) Distortion in floor assembly
Height setting, refer to Technical
(engine carrier)
Data MG 31
f) Replacing front axle carrier,
refer to 31 11 001
g) Repair front end
h) Repair body

Troubleshooting on the front axle

Fault Cause Remedy

3. Caster deviation: caster is a a) Rubber mount for traction strut

design feature and cannot be unserviceable
adjusted. b) Traction strut mis-shapen
c) Control arm deformed
d) Spring strut deformed

RA Troubleshooting on the front axle / rear axle (alignment check) BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:38
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 a) Replacing rubber mount, refer to
31 12 148
b) Replacing traction strut, refer to
31 12 090
c) Replacing control arm, refer to
31 12 001
e) Wheel house deformed (spring-
strut mount) d) Replacing spring strut, refer to
31 31 031
f) Distortion in floor assembly
(engine carrier) e) Repair front end
f) Repair body

4. Toe-difference angle deviation Requirements: camber and caster a) Adjust toe on left and right sides
are correct to same value
a) Tie rods not adjusted uniformly

5. Wheel-offset deviation Requirements: front wheels have a) Replacing front axle carrier,
equal single toe to geometrical axis refer to 31 11 001
a) Front-axle carrier deformed
b) Repair body
b) Engine carrier deformed
c) Replacing control arm, refer to
c) Control arm deformed 31 12 001
d) Traction strut mis-shapen d) Replacing traction strut, refer to
31 12 090

Troubleshooting on the rear axle

Fault Cause Remedy

6. Camber deviation a) Vehicle not in normal position, a) Height setting, refer to Technical
spring deflection too great Data MG 33
b) Rubber mount on rear axle b) Replacing rubber mount, refer to
carrier unserviceable 33 17 506
c) Rear-axle carrier deformed c) Check rear-axle carrier, replace
d) Control arm deformed if necessary

e) Traction strut mis-shapen d) Check control arm, replace if

necessary, refer to 33 32 071
f) Distortion in floor assembly
e) Check steering traction strut,
g) Swinging arm mis-shapen
replacing if necessary, refer to
33 32 091
f) Repair body
g) Replace swinging arm, refer to
33 32 064

7. Rear-wheel position incorrect a) Rear-axle carrier displaced a) Check rubber mounts on rear-
laterally axle carrier replace if necessary
RA Troubleshooting on the front axle / rear axle (alignment check) BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:38
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 a) Height setting, refer to Technical
Data MG 33
b) Rubber mounts in rear-axle b) Replace rubber mounts
carrier faulty c) Replacing control arm, refer to
c) Control arm deformed 33 32 071
d) Rubber mount and swinging d) Replace swinging arm, refer to
arm unserviceable 33 32 064
e) Rear-axle carrier deformed e) Check rear-axle carrier,
f) Traction strut mis-shapen replacing if necessary
f) Check steering traction strut,
replacing if necessary, refer to
33 32 091

9. Deviation from the geometric Requirements: rear wheel total toe a) Repair body
axis value must be correct.
a) Distortion in floor assembly

RA Troubleshooting on the front axle / rear axle (alignment check) BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:38
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 32 00 610 Adjusting front wheel alignment (with KDS)

Caution!
On vehicles with Electronic Damper Control / Dynamic Stability
Control, "steering angle compensation" must be performed
with the BMW Service Tester after every wheel alignment
operation.

Adjust toe and toe-difference angle.

Move steering gear into straight-ahead setting (marks on housing
and steering shaft).

Loosen clamping screws on track rods.

Set toe-in of left and right wheels to specified value,
refer to Technical Data Gr. 32
by turning steering tie rod.

Installation:
Ensure that the ball joints are not twisted.
Tightening Torque,
refer to Technical Data 32 21 4AZ

RA Adjusting front wheel alignment (with KDS) BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:38
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 32 00 Wheel alignment E38

Observe test conditions

Front axle:
Total toe 0° 14' ±10'
Camber (difference between left/right max. 40') - 13' ± 30'
Track differential angle with 20° lock on inside wheel -1° 35' ± 30'
(Difference between left/right max. 30')
Caster (difference between left/right max. 30')
With ± 10 ° wheel lock 5° 58' ± 30'
With ± 20 ° wheel lock 6° 06' ± 30'
Front wheel displacement 0° ± 15'
Maximum wheel lock
Inside wheel approx. ° 43
Outside wheel approx. ° 33
Turning circle approx. m 11.6 (E38/2:12.2)
Rear axle:
Total toe 0° 18' ±10'
Camber (difference between left/right max. 15')
Alignment check -1° 30' ± 20'
Adjustment -1° 27' ± 5'
Geometrical axis deviation 0° ± 12'

TD Wheel alignment, E38 BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:38

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 32 21 Steering Arms

Type Thread Tightening specification Measure

1AZ Tie rod to ball joint (castle nut) E21 60 Nm

2AZ Tie rod/axial joint to rack E21, E30 75 Nm

E36, E34, E39, 71 Nm

E52

E46 / E85 / E87 100 +10

Nm

E53, E83 110 +10

Nm

E60 / E61 / E63 110 Nm

/ E64 / E65 /
E66

3AZ Tie rod end nut E34 / 325iX 50 Nm

Attention! Tie rod end with split-pin
hole must not be bolted with a self-
locking nut.

E38, E39, E46, 65 Nm

E52, E85

E53, E67, E83 80 Nm

E60 / E61 / E63 Replace nut 165 Nm

/ E64 / E65 /
E66 / E87

Other 36.5 ± 3.5

Nm

4AZ Tie rod clamping screw E38, E39 tighten in empty weight or 27 Nm
normal position

E87 tighten in normal position 30 + 5

Nm

all others tighten in empty weight or 14 Nm

normal position

5AZ Tie rod clamping nut E36, E46, E34 / 45 Nm

325iX, E85

AZD Steering Arms BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:39

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 E39 / E52 / E53 51 Nm
/ E60 / E61 /
E63 / E64 / E65
/ E66 / E67 /
E83

6AZ Steering drop arm to steering gear E32, E34 59 Nm

M26 Tightening value may be at least

exceeded up to correct 180 Nm
position to locking plate

M22 Tightening value may be at least

exceeded up to correct 140 Nm
position to locking plate

E38 / E39 Note direction of screw 61 Nm

thread.
In direction of travel: from
left on LHD or from right on
RHD vehicle

E31 70 Nm

7AZ Steering guide arm to front axle E39 62 Nm

carrier

All M10 42 Nm

All M12 85 Nm

8AZ Track rod arm to strut E12, E24 / until Bolts secured with: Wire 55 Nm
5.82

E28, E23, E24 / Bolts secured with: Loctite 62 Nm

from 5.82 No. 270
Clean threads of tapped
bores and bolts.

E31, E32, E34 Bolts secured with: Loctite 110 Nm

No. 270
Clean threads of tapped
bores and bolts.

M3 Bolts secured with: Loctite 30 Nm

No. 270
Clean threads of tapped
bores and bolts.

9AZ Tie rod arm to control arm E12, E23, E24 / 66 Nm

until 5.82

M3 66 Nm
AZD Steering Arms BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:39
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 E24 / from 93 Nm
5.82, E28, E32,
E31, E34

10AZ Leading strut to tie rod arm E23 93 Nm

11AZ Trailing strut to tie rod arm E31, E32, E34 93 Nm

AZD Steering Arms BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:39

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 32 00 620 Adjusting rear axle (with KDS)

Note:
Any change in camber always involves a change in toe: for
this reason, the camber must always be adjusted first.

Adjusting camber:
Replace and tighten down disk collar nut,
tightening torque 33 32 22AZ.
Release disk collar nut again by 0.5 ... 1 turn.

Adjust camber to specified value with eccentric screw.

Tighten down disk collar nut,

tightening torque 33 32 22AZ.

RA Adjusting rear axle (with KDS) BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:39

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 Caution!
The disk collar nut must be replaced again if it is tightened
down more than 10 times during adjustment. The self-locking
effect becomes too slight.

Adjusting toe-in:
Replace and tighten down disk collar nut,
tightening torque 33 32 5AZ.
Release disk collar nut again by 0.5 ... 1 turn.

Adjust toe-in to specified value with eccentric screw.

Tighten down disk collar nut,

tightening torque 33 32 5AZ.

RA Adjusting rear axle (with KDS) BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:39

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 Caution!
The disk collar nut must be replaced again if it is tightened
down more than 10 times during adjustment. The self-locking
effect becomes too slight.

RA Adjusting rear axle (with KDS) BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:39

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 33 32 Control Arms and Struts

Type Thread Tightening specification Measure

1AZ Trailing arm to rear axle carrier E34 / M5 Replace screw; 55 Nm

tighten with special tool
33 3 060 and torque
wrench Hazet 6291-2CT

All tighten in normal position 67 Nm

All 10.9 77 Nm

2AZ Trailing arm to console E31 M14 x 1.5 127 Nm

3AZ Trailing arm to wheel carrier E31 M18 x 1.5 278 Nm

4AZ Traction strut to wheel carrier E31 Tapered spigot and bore 80 Nm
must be free of grease

E38 / E39 / E52 Tapered spigot and bore 65 Nm

/ E53 / E60 / must be free of grease
E61 / E63 / E64
/ E65 / E66 /
E67

Jointing torque 56 Nm

Torque angle 90 ± 15°

5AZ Control arm to rear axle support E31 tighten in normal position 95 Nm

E38, E52, Toe- tighten in empty weight or 60 Nm

in adjustment normal position

E39, Toe-in tighten in empty weight or 60 Nm

adjustment normal position
With torque wrench Hazet
6290-CT

E53, Toe-in tighten in empty weight or 59 Nm

adjustment normal position
with special tool 32 3 150
and torque wrench Hazet
6291-ICT

AZD Control Arms and Struts BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:40

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 E60 / E61 / E63 tighten in empty weight or 65 Nm
/ E64 / E65 / normal position
E66 / E67 /
Toe-in
adjustment

6AZ Support arm to rear axle support E31 M14 x 1.5 127 Nm

7AZ Support arm to wheel carrier E31 150 Nm

8AZ Upper control arm to wheel carrier E31 M14 x 1.5 127 Nm

E38, E52 160 Nm

E39 142 Nm

E53 / E60 / E61 Replace nut 165 Nm

/ E63 / E64 /
E65 / E66

E67 110 Nm

9AZ Interconnecting link to trailing arm E31 M16 x 1.5 Tapered spigot and bore 120 Nm
both free of grease

10AZ Integral arm to upper control arm E31 M14 x 1.5 127 Nm

11AZ Upper/lower control arms to trailing E36, E46 M12 x 1.5 tighten in empty weight or 110 Nm
arm normal position

12AZ Trailing arm to console E36, E46 110 Nm

E85, E83 M12x1.5 100 Nm

10.9

13AZ Trailing arm console to body E36, E46, E83, 77 Nm

E85

14AZ Upper control arm to rear axle E31 M12 x 1.5 tighten in normal position 77 Nm
carrier

E36 M12 10.9 tighten in empty weight or 77 Nm

normal position
Always replace antifatigue
bolts with combination
bolts and washers, see
BMW Parts Service

E38, E39, E52 tighten in empty weight or 110 Nm

normal position

E46, E85 tighten in empty weight or 77 Nm

normal position

E83 tighten in normal position 77 ± 10

Nm
AZD Control Arms and Struts BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:40
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 E53 / E60 / E61 tighten in empty weight or 100 Nm
/ E63 / E64 normal position

E65, E66, E67 tighten in empty weight or

normal position

Jointing torque 100 Nm

Torque angle 90 ± 15°

15AZ Lower control arm to rear axle E36 M12 10.9 tighten in empty weight or 77 Nm
carrier normal position
Always replace antifatigue
bolts with combination
bolts and washers, see
BMW Parts Service

E46, E85 tighten in empty weight or 77 Nm

normal position

E83 tighten in normal position 77 ± 10

Nm

16AZ Support bracket on body E21, E30 28 Nm

17AZ Compression strut on body All M8 8.8 21 Nm

All M8 10.9 30 Nm

E60, E65, E66, M10 10.9 38 Nm

E67

E61 / E63 / E64 M10 10.9 45 Nm

18AZ Auxiliary control arm to trailing arm All M14 x 1.5 tighten in normal position 127 Nm
and rear axle carrier

19AZ Additional strut on rear axle carrier E32, E34 M12 x 1.5 110 Nm

20AZ Swinging arm to rear axle support E38 Front tighten in empty weight or 60 Nm
normal position

E39 Front tighten in empty weight or 58 Nm

normal position

E53 / E60 / E61 Front tighten in empty weight or 100 Nm

/ E63 / E64 / normal position
E65 / E66 / E67

E52 Front tighten in empty weight or 105 Nm

normal position

E38 Rear tighten in empty weight or 130 Nm

normal position

AZD Control Arms and Struts BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:40

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 E39, Camber Rear M12 tighten in empty weight or 115 Nm
adjustment normal position

E39 / Touring, Rear M14 tighten in empty weight or 174 Nm

E39 / M5, normal position
Camber
adjustment

E53 / E60 / E61 Rear M14 tighten in empty weight or 165 Nm

/ E63 / E64 / normal position
E65 / E66 / E67
/ Camber
adjustment

E52 Rear M14 tighten in empty weight or 160 Nm

normal position

21AZ Integral link on front wheel carrier E38, E39, E53, tighten in empty weight or 105 Nm
E52 normal position

E60 / E61 / E63 tighten in empty weight or 100 Nm

/ E64 / E65 / normal position
E66 / E67

22AZ Screw connection, swinging arm, E38, E52, tighten in empty weight or 236 Nm
integral link, wheel carrier Camber normal position
adjustment

E39 tighten in empty weight or 256 Nm

normal position

E53, E65, E66 tighten in empty weight or 250 Nm

normal position

E60 / E61 / E63 tighten in empty weight or 240 Nm

/ E64 / E67 normal position

23AZ V-strut to tension strut / body E46 / M3 Replace screws

Jointing torque 59 Nm

Torque angle 90 °

24AZ Upper control arm to trailing arm E85 M12x1.5 8.8 tighten in empty weight or 100 Nm
normal position

E83 M12x1.5 tighten in empty weight or 106 Nm

normal position

25AZ Lower control arm to trailing arm E85 M12x1.5 tighten in empty weight or 77 Nm
10.9 normal position

E83 M12x1.5 tighten in empty weight or 100 Nm

10.9 normal position

AZD Control Arms and Struts BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:40

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 26AZ Tension strut to compression strut / E83 M10 60 Nm
body

27AZ Heat shield to compression strut E83 M6 5 Nm

AZD Control Arms and Struts BMW AG - TIS 30.08.2008 11:40

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