2003 BMW X5 front air suspension

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Introduction
The X5 marks BMW’s introduction into the luxury “Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)” niche seg-
ment of the Sport Utility Vehicle market. While carrying the designation X5, the vehicle is not
based on the 5 Series but it is its own new car-like platform. The X5 is offered with two
engine variants:
• The 4.4 liter M62 TU engine equipped with the A5S 440 Z automatic transmission.
• The 3 liter M54 engine with either the GM 5 automatic or 5 speed manual transmission
The X5 incorporates the following
features:
• Four wheel independent sus-
pension (BMW tradition)
• Full time - all wheel drive
(planetary gear transfer case)
• All road vehicle (ON/OFF road
capabilities)
• High ground clearance
• Unitized body and Chassis
(car like ride and handling)
• Double pivot front suspension
• “Integral Link” rear suspen-
sion with air spring self level-
ing
• X5 specific traction control
system
Two different suspension options are offered (standard and sport) with different springs,
shock absorbers and stabilizers.
The X5 has 180 mm ground clearance, for both suspensions to allow off road travel.
However, the suspension travel is the same as the E39 which allows the X5 to retain a car
like feel when driven every day.
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Front Suspension
The front suspension design is taken from the E38/E39 double pivot system. The compo-
nents are larger in size and made from all steel for the expected harder use that the X5 sus-
pension will receive. This includes the sub-frame which is also larger in size and supported
by two hydraulic mounts for vibration absorbion. The front suspension carrier incorporates
an aluminum stiffening plate that is bolted to the carrier. It adds to the front axle kinematics
by reducing flex in the front suspension. It also provides protection for the oil pan and front
end components when off-road and improves the Cd by providing a smooth surface for air
flow under the vehicle.
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Front Axle Technical Data
TRACK: 1576mm
TOE-IN: 18’ +/-10’
CAMBER: -12’ +/- 20’
S.A.I: 12 Degree’s 48 Feet
CASTER: 7 Degree’s 8 Feet

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Rear Suspension
The rear suspension is the “intragal” multi-link design taken from the E38/E39 vehicles.
Several components AER made from aluminum to erduce the unsprung weight. The X5
with the M62TU engine uses the EHC (air spring) suspension system. The EHC functions
the same as the E39 Sport Wagon with only minor differences to the components and lay-
out of the system. The X5 with the M54 engine will use standard springs in the rear with the
EHC system as an option. The rear struts on the X5 are mounted to the body instead of
the sub-frame.
The rear axle sub-frame is mounted to the body through four bushings (larger than E38) for
increased load and comfort. The rear differential is mounted through three rubber bushings
two in the front and one hydromount in the rear. The wheel bearings are similar to the E39
but incorporate different seals - designed for off-road use.
New special tools are available for adjusting the rear suspension due to the limited space.
Rear Axle Technical Data
Track: 1576mm
Toe In: 18 Feet
Camber 1 Degree 50 Feet