What rear suspension does the new 3 Series use?
4 Answers
The new 3 Series uses a multi-link rear suspension, which is commonly found in most sports cars. The multi-link suspension is an improved version based on the double-wishbone suspension. This type of suspension enhances the tire's grip, thereby improving the car's handling and comfort. The new domestically produced BMW 3 Series is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine across the lineup, with the high-power version in the top-tier model delivering 258 horsepower. The engine is paired with ZF's 8AT transmission, known for its fast shifting speed and high transmission efficiency.
I recently studied the rear suspension of the new BMW 3 Series, which actually uses a multi-link independent suspension system. This design is quite complex, combining several links to control tire movement, providing exceptional stability during cornering—it feels like the car is glued to the road. BMW also equips the shock absorbers with dynamic damping control, automatically adjusting stiffness based on road conditions. The most impressive part is the material upgrades, incorporating many aluminum alloy components to reduce unsprung weight, resulting in noticeably quicker acceleration response. Compared to the traditional link structure of the older model, the new version offers more refined vibration filtering, handling bumps like speed bumps with a smoother touch. This design embodies the essence of BMW's chassis technology, balancing driving excitement with everyday comfort.
Driving the new 3 Series on mountain roads, the multi-link rear suspension is truly impressive. Several aluminum links tightly control the tire angles, preventing vibrations from rough roads from directly transmitting to the steering wheel. I noticed its particularly robust anti-roll bar, working in tandem with hydraulic bushings to absorb bumps, making rear passengers less prone to motion sickness. My friend's standard wheelbase version offers stronger cornering support, while the long wheelbase version is tuned for more comfort, but both are far more sophisticated than the stiff suspensions of some luxury cars in the same class. BMW engineers cleverly mounted the stabilizer bar on the rear subframe, resulting in almost no body roll during high-speed lane changes—a thoughtful design indeed.
The new 3 Series features a multi-link independent rear suspension with five links at different angles, each controlling the toe and camber of the tires. The key component is the diagonally arranged trailing arm, which resists torque steer during braking. The aluminum wheel carrier is 40% lighter than steel, providing quicker suspension response, and pairs well with the adjustable damping shock absorbers. During aggressive driving, the rear wheels maintain stable tracking without the understeer tendency common in MacPherson strut setups. Even when intentionally accelerating through wet corners, the rear wheels slide predictably. The only drawback of this suspension is its complexity—replacing a single link requires disassembling multiple components.
