e70 X5, 21 inch rims - Channel Tunnel question

[jboy72]

I know I could take try and take a tape measure to the car, but accurately measuring the height to the top of the aerial is easier said than done. And the margins here are quite fine.

The official height of the e70 X5 seems to be 177.6cm. But is that on 19inch wheels? The tyres on my car look skinnier than the norm, so I assume the very worst case scenario is that I have to add approx. 5cm to the official height to arrive at the height of my car (and possibly nothing if the wheel plus tyre circumference is the same as standard). So a worst case of 182.6cm. Are there any other variables I am overlooking?

A bit close to 185cm for comfort but do you actually need any wriggle room or would a 184.5cm car breeze through if you took it slowly enough...?

Does anyone have any experience of taking an X5 on 21 or even 20 inch wheels on the Channel Tunnel and did you book the under or over 185cm crossing??

So boring a question, yet I need to work out whether it will be the 3 or the X5 that carries back my booze this Easter Saturday... Thanks in advance...

[HoHoHo]

jboy72 said:

I know I could take try and take a tape measure to the car, but accurately measuring the height to the top of the aerial is easier said than done. And the margins here are quite fine.

The official height of the e70 X5 seems to be 177.6cm. But is that on 19inch wheels? The tyres on my car look skinnier than the norm, so I assume the very worst case scenario is that I have to add approx. 5cm to the official height to arrive at the height of my car (and possibly nothing if the wheel plus tyre circumference is the same as standard). So a worst case of 182.6cm. Are there any other variables I am overlooking?

A bit close to 185cm for comfort but do you actually need any wriggle room or would a 184.5cm car breeze through if you took it slowly enough...?

Does anyone have any experience of taking an X5 on 21 or even 20 inch wheels on the Channel Tunnel and did you book the under or over 185cm crossing??

So boring a question, yet I need to work out whether it will be the 3 or the X5 that carries back my booze this Easter Saturday... Thanks in advance...

I have an F15 X5 and take my advice, make life easy and book a high crossing.

The only issue is that should you be early or late you may not have access to as many crossings as the normal traffic if the high trains are busy.

I came back yesterday in a 3.5T van and we were 6 hours early, we were placed FOC on the next train equally I've turned up early and late previously and either had to wait or been charged additional fees to move trains - seems the normal car sized coaches have more capacity.

[jboy72]

HoHoHo said:

I have an F15 X5 and take my advice, make life easy and book a high crossing.

The only issue is that should you be early or late you may not have access to as many crossings as the normal traffic if the high trains are busy.

I came back yesterday in a 3.5T van and we were 6 hours early, we were placed FOC on the next train equally I've turned up early and late previously and either had to wait or been charged additional fees to move trains - seems the normal car sized coaches have more capacity.

Thanks - that does make sense. Too late for this trip, but not really an issue as I will be alone - I will plan further in advance if I am carting kids on holiday to Europe etc.!

[Spuffington]

I crossed with the E70 a few times on the chunnel on 20s and it was tight. The tyres, although also rubber bands but probably very generous aspect Ratio in comparison to your 21s, were scrubbed a couple of times. Don't reckon you've got much rubber to shield the alloys on yours.

[HoHoHo]

jboy72 said:

HoHoHo said:

I have an F15 X5 and take my advice, make life easy and book a high crossing.

The only issue is that should you be early or late you may not have access to as many crossings as the normal traffic if the high trains are busy.

I came back yesterday in a 3.5T van and we were 6 hours early, we were placed FOC on the next train equally I've turned up early and late previously and either had to wait or been charged additional fees to move trains - seems the normal car sized coaches have more capacity.

Thanks - that does make sense. Too late for this trip, but not really an issue as I will be alone - I will plan further in advance if I am carting kids on holiday to Europe etc.!

Call Eurotunnel and explain you have a wide car and they should change your booking providing there's free space - costs no more or no less.

Alternatively turn left after the French passport control and blagg your way into the high vehicle section of the train

[jboy72]

HoHoHo said:

Call Eurotunnel and explain you have a wide car and they should change your booking providing there's free space - costs no more or no less.

Alternatively turn left after the French passport control and blagg your way into the high vehicle section of the train

Thanks - I will just take the 3 series this time so will be ok. When taking the X5 next time will book the above 1.85m crossing just to be safe...