BMW 3 Series Ground Clearance
The BMW 3 Series starts at 5.7 inches of ground clearance for the 330i trim level, down to 5.4 inches for the M340i.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The BMW 3 series is the supreme sports sedan, boasting both luxury and athleticism. Despite its impressive powertrain and smooth handling, its low ground clearance makes it best for city driving vs. off-road excursions.
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2022 BMW 3 Series ground clearance
Depending on the trim level, you’ll find a different ground clearance for your BMW 3 Series. Take a look at the 2022 BMW 3 Series ground clearance across the trim levels:
BMW 3 Series ground clearance over the years
If you're driving an older model BMW 3 Series, you’ll find different ground clearance specs than the new model. Ground clearance measurements vary across trim levels each year.
Here’s how the 3 Series’ ground clearance has changed over the last decade:
- 2012: 5.5 inches
- 2013: 5.5 inches
- 2014: 4.7 inches
- 2015: 5.5 inches
- 2016: 5.5 inches
- 2017: 5.5 inches
- 2018: 5.4 inches
- 2019: 5.4 inches
- 2020: 5.4 inches
- 2021: 5.1 inches
- 2022: 5.7 inches
MORE: BMW car-buying guide
What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
Ground clearance is the measurement of the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle’s body and the ground. Because it represents the space between your car and the ground, it’s most important for drivers who want to take their vehicle off-road.
A higher ground clearance lets drivers safely travel over rough terrain without damaging their vehicle’s undercarriage. Experts usually recommend a minimum ground clearance of 8.5 inches for any off-roading adventures.
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Is the BMW 3 Series a good off-road vehicle?
Unfortunately, the ground clearance is too low for off-roading with a BMW 3 Series. For a safe experience off-road, you’ll need at least 8.5 inches of ground clearance, and the BMW 3 Series doesn’t come close. The highest ground clearance across all models and trims is 5.8 inches for the 2022 M340i, which is just under 3 inches shy.
Guard against accidents with the best 3 Series insurance
While the BMW 3 Series may not make it off-road, it’s a great car, ranking 9.5/10 at Car and Driver. With a top-notch vehicle like the three series, you’ll want to protect your ride with a great insurance policy. With help from
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