Want a BMW 330i M Sport: Worried about ground clearance on Indian roads

I almost finalised on the GLA SUV, but the 3 Series continues to be very tempting.

BHPian Peregrine recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I've seriously been considering the 330i M Sport, but the only thing I am concerned about is the ground clearance. I absolutely hate it if my car scrapes, and having experienced this in the OG Jazz, I am not really keen to go through that again. That was the only reason I checked out GLA and almost finalized it. But the 330i is tugging at the heartstrings and I am so torn between the 2.

What's the real-world experience of folks? I live in Bangalore with its unpredictable humps, random dug up roads, miscellaneous dirt roads in the middle of the city.

Here's what BHPian itwasntme had to say on the matter:

In my experience, it does not easily scrape even with a full load. The chassis and suspension are stiff, and there is minimal sag. Further, the 'rough road' is almost end-to-end and ensures all crucial bits and pieces are covered.

The only thing is to ensure you 'crab' across the tall speed breakers, even if others find it comical.

But there is only one way to find it, and that is to drive it on your usual roads with a full complement of passengers.

Here's what BHPian FamilyTraveller had to say on the matter:

I agree. Though the GC is less it has never scraped even with 2 adults and 2 full-sized teens. The key is not to brake at the point of the hump and just crawl over it slowly.

Here's what BHPian PrideRed had to say on the matter:

Mine is the longer version of 3 and is expected to scrape more than the regular 3. However, to my surprise car hasn't scrapped belly or bumpers yet. The regular 3 should be better at this, thanks to the shorter wheelbase. Drive a bit carefully and the car should be fine.

Here's what BHPian anandpadhye had to say on the matter:

I own the previous-gen 330i (F30 LCI), car does not scrape any speed breakers as such though any tall hump or a deep pothole - I navigate diagonally. The bigger headache for me has been the tyres. The low profile and run-flats - a combination that seems fragile... Have lost 5 tyres in the last 3 years/22000km to potholes. And tyres are expensive, especially the 18" ones that mine came with.

See if you can get a version with 17" or even 16" tyres. They won't look as beautiful as the 18" but will survive better, keep you safe on a long trip away from home and save a lot of money.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.