Ground Clearance?

celler · 4th April 2002, 22:06

I know this is a topic usually reserved for the four wheel drive crowd, but I have been very careful when parking since acquiring the beast for fear of damaging the front spoiler lip. It looks mighty low

.

I have been unable due to inclement weather to get down there and measure just how low it is. It looks like the black plastic cover behind the spoiler lip is the lowest part of the car.

Anybody know what size curb you can clear? Yes, I can see myself jumping out with a tape measure prior to pulling up close

.

Hope none of you have found out how low it is the hard way

.

Best wishes.

Craig.

Diamond Dave · 4th April 2002, 22:16

Craig,

I have the Dinan Stage III Suspension on my car which lowered it almost a full inch. Want me to measure mine for you when I get home tonight?

Looks like rain today so I didn't drive my M5.

Let me know...

DWP

atomic80 · 4th April 2002, 22:33

Speaking of the Dinan suspension. I'm still waiting for that picture of the camber plates.

Diamond Dave · 4th April 2002, 22:41

Jason,

I know, I know. My evenings are pretty hectic since I cook and do the laundry for my workout stuff. The wife isn't too domestic and to be fair, she's pretty tired after chasing our two little ones around all day. Like I said, I'll probably have to take off the Dinan Strut Tower Brace to give you a better shot. Can I do it on Saturday?

Craig,

I just know you're interested in all this!!!

Regards,

DWP

MarkM5Lauderdale · 4th April 2002, 22:43

I have the Dinan suspension as well....just say no to parking curbs..can't get near them.

celler · 4th April 2002, 23:02

Thanks guys. I'll try to get under mine tonight, just thought someone had already been there.

I forgot about the upgraded suspension, you guys must really have to be careful when entering steep driveways. There are a couple of parking garages in town that I can't even think of getting into.

I'm getting better, but its a bit tough trying to judge the distance to the curb, was hoping if I missed it by a little, it would not be a wallet deflating event.

Thanks again.

Craig.

Diamond Dave · 4th April 2002, 23:09

Craig,

I'll still measure my Dinan car for you tonight if I remember. Should tie a string around my finger right now.

Exactly right about steep driveways. My inlaws just bought a new house on a lake and the driveway gives new meaning to the term steep! First time that I was leaving their house I heard the front scrape. Not too badly, though. Just take it slow!!!

Regards,

DWP

atomic80 · 4th April 2002, 23:28

Dave,

No hurry...I was just giving you a hard time!

chunpng · 5th April 2002, 01:19

I don't have Dinan suspension and the black plastic covers on BOTH sides are broken. Probably got the car that way, but did not realize it at that time.

I got the parts with 20% BMWCCA discount, and when I put new wheels on, I'll replace them then.

Needless to say, I don't come anywhere close to curbs these days. That's one reason why I'm resisting the Dinan suspension.

If not for the 2 plastic under-covers, the front spoiler is not too bad, not any lower than my Lexus SC300.

CP

celler · 5th April 2002, 02:48

OK, got under the M5 with a tape measure tonight. The spoiler lip ain't too bad, a little higher than 7 inches.

But the news gets bad quick

. The black plastic covers drop to something around 4 1/2 inches very quickly past the spoiler lip and well ahead of the front tires.

I will take my tape measure with me tomorrow, but I'll bet that the standard concrete curb stop is over 4 1/2 inches tall.

Guess I'll have to keep paying attention to my parking

Best wishes.

Craig.