Ground clearance

E

EthanR123

Regular Member
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Mar 17, 2024
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So I’m shipping my 1998 z3 bmw 2.3 inter island in Hawaii. One of the rules for shipping is the car needs to have 5 inches of ground clearance or else it will be double the price and a logistical nightmare. I measured from the body to the ground and it was about 5 inches. I was wondering if anybody knew the exact ground clearance for this car or how I should measure? Any help would be much appreciated. :)
 
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I googled it and have seen it quoted as 4 inches and 11.7cm (4.6 inches) on two different websites. I would imagine it will depend on load, tyre size, suspension etc. Depending on how strict they are and how they measure it, you might struggle.

No idea how feasible this would be, but could you borrow some bigger wheels for transport that might give you the clearance needed?

Alternatively run the fuel down, over-inflate the tyres and bribe the guy with the measuring stick! 😆
 
Ground clearance is the least distance between the lower part of the vehicle body or chassis and the road, Obviously the ground clearance is required for shipping with ramps etc..Get some high profiles and smack em on for the job. John nailed it...

I,m qualified as a coxswain, and used to run a car ferry, did it by eye back then, seriously is anyone going to measure it..
 
I done channel ferries dozens, if not hundred, times. Problem some cars have is up ramps. So front spoilers. Take a car like a lotus esprite where the front axle is close to A pillar and the nose is way out in front. Even if an esprite had 5" clearance it still wouldn't manage a steep ramp.

Then look at a Z3. Much better design. Wheels at front are closer to the nose. Ramp would need to be pretty steep to cause a problem for a z3 even if it was lowered.

I think the 5" rule would mainly be front spoilers. Something the guys directing cars onto the boat can see coming from a distance.

On the other hand I've never been to Hawaii so I haven't got a clue what I'm talking about.
 
Duncodin said:
I done channel ferries dozens, if not hundred, times. Problem some cars have is up ramps. So front spoilers. Take a car like a lotus esprite where the front axle is close to A pillar and the nose is way out in front. Even if an esprite had 5" clearance it still wouldn't manage a steep ramp.

Then look at a Z3. Much better design. Wheels at front are closer to the nose. Ramp would need to be pretty steep to cause a problem for a z3 even if it was lowered.

I think the 5" rule would mainly be front spoilers. Something the guys directing cars onto the boat can see coming from a distance.

On the other hand I've never been to Hawaii so I haven't got a clue what I'm talking about.
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If the OP is paying, I would be more than happy to fly out there and scout out the ramps and angles on his behalf. #Selfless
 
When they say 5" they likely mean a minimum of 4". I wouldn't worry.

Tony.
 
ExMX5owner said:
Ground clearance is the least distance between the lower part of the vehicle body or chassis and the road, Obviously the ground clearance is required for shipping with ramps etc..Get some high profiles and smack em on for the job. John nailed it...

I,m qualified as a coxswain, and used to run a car ferry, did it by eye back then, seriously is anyone going to measure it..
Click to expand...

probably not but I don’t want to damage my car. I doubt they’d care to much about it getting it on and off the ramp.
 
Hi Ethan, no I have never shipped a car, but many people have and if it was a big problem there would've been discussions before now.

Tony.
 
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