New to E70..Wheel and fender clearance..my X sport seems short..

[heatmizr]

Originally Posted by ZetaTre

I've recently looked into ride height and found the following specifications.

First the BMW methodology to measure ride height: "measured with a tape measure from the lower edge of the wheel rim to the bottom of the wheel house perpendicular passing through the center of the wheel"

Said measures for an X5 with 20" rims are

Front -> 732mm

Rear (no air suspensions) -> 722mm
Rear (with air suspensions) -> 732mm

Because of the way BMW measures it said numbers changed depending on the rim size.

Based on my experience the rear measure is taken with the car empty, nothing in the trunk (including the spare & jack) and right about half to 3/4 tank. I have no air suspensions in my d that's why I see minor changes in ride height.

But let's also do some math here.

20inch rims are 508mm in diameter.
The 315/35-20 you have in the rear have a sidewall of 110mm (that's 35% of the width of 315mm). The front are 275/40-20 but have the same sidewall height of 110mm.

If we take 722mm per BMW - 508mm in rim - 110mm in sidewall you get 104mm or 4inch between the wheel and the edge of the fender.

If you take 732mm per BMW - 508mm in rim - 110mm in sidewall you get 114mm or 4.5inch between the wheel and the edge of the fender.

If my theory and calculations are right, your car is fine and you have rear air suspensions.

BRILLIANT! Nice work.

I will say I have the 3rd row and Air Susp, but have never heard the compressor run. Granted my boys only weigh 28 & 38 lbs... But I have had other family get in the rear a few times.
My folks are visiting this wknd and we are going to dinner in the X5, I will specifically listen for it. I assume it is only when the engine is running? So if we load up then I start the car it should kick on?