Model 3 Ground Clearance

[pj_blood]

Hello,

New to the forum. I test drove a Model 3 LR yesterday and loved it so much that I'm desperate to get one.

But the issue is that we live at the end of quite an inclined and bumpy bridal path and I'm concerned that I'll end up scrapping the bottom of the car each time I go up or down it.

I get the impression from on-line that Model 3 has quite a low ground clearance and looking at pictures the mud flaps do seem to be very close to the ground.

I'm just looking/hoping for some advice or reassurance from owners that this may not be an issue?

Any help/advice is appreciated.

Paul

 

[pj_blood]

Isn't that a Tesla already at the top of the drive?

It is, but its must be someone visiting in the area - never seen it before

 

[Durzel]

Looks like you have your answer then, unless the owner is stood next to it stamping his feet and peering underneath the car.

 

[tomorrowman]

I used Classic Car Solution in Harpenden. They are REAL automotive engineers as opposed to jobsworth part replacers.

I'm considering the MPP Comfort Coilovers. I wouldn't dream of going elsewhere.

Was looking at same

 

[pj_blood]

Looks like you have your answer then, unless the owner is stood next to it stamping his feet and peering underneath the car.

No, that car is at the top of our drive on the main road - we live at the bottom of this bridal path

 

[chr15toffer]

If that last picture is the worst of it then you'll be absolutely fine, I regularly drive over worse in and out of rural car parks without any scraping.

 

[Alex987854]

I'm not too far away and could come and have a look. I'm not too far off in East Lancashire.

 

[adsheff]

From your photos - that looks no different to a lane I regularly drive on. The Model 3 is not low like a sports car. It'll be fine!

 

[Peter 224]

Like pj_blood I live on an unadopted lane, the Tesla M3 isn't a problem, but the Morgan, with 80mm ground clearance can be. Take it slow and avoid the potholes where possible...

 

[AlexMasters]

Approach and departure angles aren't too bad on M3, due to the short front and rear overhangs. I did have some problems in a car park with high speed ramps - i found that my mudguards would scrape if i went over them perpendicular to the speed hump. You can improve the break angle by crossing those sorts of obstacles at an angle. Pot holes arent a problem unless you try to take them at speed, IMO.

From your photos, the problem may be where the main road falls off to the path/track - if the transition is too abrupt, you may run risk of beaching. Can you take a picture of the transition?

 

[TheManofMead]

Am I the only one Thinking "what are the chances of that happening" when someone asks about the issues of getting a Tesla down a steep bridle path, takes a picture of the path...only to reveal an actual Tesla in the shot?

I know the Tesla is at the top of the path and the OP lives at the bottom but how spooky is that!

 

[pj_blood]

My current car goes down the path quite comfortably - Volvo V90 - 153mm ground clearance with 2941mm wheelbase

The Tesla Model has 140mm ground clearance with 2700mm wheelbase.

So comparing - I definitely shouldn't beach......

 

[tomorrowman]

Sorted then - Still reckon a DIY pot hole repair for the off camber hole would be eminently sensible

 

[MarleyBob]

This is the pothole that tends to cause the most issues (it right were the drive slope increases slightly)

View attachment 665916

If I repair this and drive slowly, I might be ok?

Thanks for all the feedback - its really appreciated

Paul

That looks like the central London roads I cycle on! I can understand your caution but I’d be disappointed if the M3 couldn’t cope with driving over that slowly. As others have said, the camber is difficult to judge though.

I’d be tempted to buy some hardcore to pack into the hole. Would probably need redoing every so often but still...

 

[pj_blood]

Sorted then - Still reckon a DIY pot hole repair for the off camber hole would be eminently sensible

Yes, if I get the Model 3, I'll definitely be patching up that pothole........

I'm 80% sure it'll be fine, but its a lot of money to gamble on that 'what if' 20% - maybe just need to sleep on it

 

[M3noob]

Yes, if I get the Model 3, I'll definitely be patching up that pothole........

I'm 80% sure it'll be fine, but its a lot of money to gamble on that 'what if' 20% - maybe just need to sleep on it

80pc sure? So that might only need 20pc suspension and battery replacement? Assuming no fire...

 

[pj_blood]

80pc sure? So that might only need 20pc suspension and battery replacement? Assuming no fire...

Make that more like 50% now.........

 

[pj_blood]

I'm not too far away and could come and have a look. I'm not too far off in East Lancashire.

Alex - if you could test my drive that would be amazing, but obviously please don't put yourself out if its too far (and risky)

 

[Alex987854]

Alex - if you could test my drive that would be amazing, but obviously please don't put yourself out if its too far (and risky)

Happy to give it a try. I can take a look. With a spotter it shouldn't be too risky.

DM sent

 

[kriscii]

The mudflaps are the worst part I continually ground mine coming in and out of the drive unless I get the angle right. Going straight in or out is a guaranteed grounding but 15-20 degree approach angel and then straightening up before hitting the wall at the side seems to avoid rubbing them. So although you probably won't ground the car you may find the mudflaps a pain. Never had a problem on my previous car and that was only a 111mm clearance compared to the M3's 140mm.

 

[Dilly]

Looks slightly better than where I live. Keep the pothole topped up, you won’t have a problem