BMW 5 Series: Front axle

Double-wishbone front axle in the G30

1. Support bearing
2. Wishbone, lower
3. Steering box
4. Cross member
5. Universal joint of steering shaft to steering gear
6. Cast side section
7. Strut
8. Service opening
9. Rear stiffening label
10. Steering shaft
11. Universal joint of steering shaft to steering column
12. Triangle wishbone, top
13. Side member
14. Swivel bearing
15. Wheel bearing unit
16. Track rod end
17. Trailing link
18. Transverse tube
19. Electric active roll stabilization at the front (EARSV) (optional equipment)
20. Cast corner
21. Cast corner connection
22. Spring strut holder

The double wishbone front axle offers the following advantages:

• Lower wishbone level broken down into tension strut and wishbone.
• Outstanding driving dynamics, high agility thanks to high achievable lateral acceleration.
• Outstanding roll stabilization when cornering without any reduction in ride comfort.
• High comfort due to minimum influence of disturbance variables.
• High comfort thanks to shock absorbers that are practically free of lateral forces.
• Smooth, good spring response of the axle and good directional stability.

Since the wheel guide is taken care of by the two wishbone planes, practically no more lateral forces act on the shock absorber. Because of the lower friction that results from this, the shock absorber can react sensitively to irregularities in the road surface. The piston rod can be made thinner because of the freedom from lateral forces, which means that the friction in the shock absorber is reduced resulting in a more similar displacement volume in the traction and compression directions for the shock absorber. This is important for the use of an electronically adjustable shock absorber system.

The front axle is almost entirely made of aluminium, which helps with axle-load distribution and the vehicle weight.

The steering gear can be easily removed for repair if needed. Time-consuming dismantling of the front axle is unnecessary.

Notes for Service

The following table shows when wheel alignment is necessary on the front axle when a component is replaced.

The following table shows when wheel alignment is necessary on the front axle when a component is removed.

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