What is the ground clearance of the BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
The ground clearance of the BMW 5 Series varies depending on different conditions: 1. The ground clearance is 120mm when fully loaded; 2. The ground clearance is 149mm when unloaded. Taking the 2021 BMW 525li as an example, it is a mid-to-large-sized 4-door 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of: length 5106mm, width 1868mm, height 1500mm, and a wheelbase of 3105mm. The 2021 BMW 525li is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 135 kW and a maximum torque of 290 Nm. It features rear-wheel drive, with a double-wishbone independent suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear.
As a BMW 5 Series owner who has driven several models, I find the ride height quite interesting. The standard height is usually around 130mm—for example, my G30 generation model measures exactly that for ground clearance. It handles urban roads smoothly but tends to scrape the undercarriage on rural muddy paths, especially over large potholes, requiring extra caution. My friend’s version with air suspension is far more adaptable, offering adjustable height from a lowered stance of just over 100mm to the standard 130mm, and up to 180mm at maximum, suiting varied road conditions. While BMW prioritizes handling with a slightly lower setup, daily use demands attention: maintain proper tire pressure, inspect the suspension system regularly, and prevent aging components from reducing clearance. Differences exist across model years—for instance, the M versions are more aggressive, sitting even lower to emphasize sportiness at the cost of some practicality. Overall, as a sedan, this design balances comfort and performance, remaining functional but requiring consistent maintenance to avoid hidden issues.
