Taking the Z4 onto a channel ferry ground clearance

[Paulj100]

Just came back from a 2 week holiday in France driving the family bus and would love to take the Z4 to France next year and I'm concerned about driving it it on and off the dfds car ferry as there was a steep ramp going up to the level and the same coming down, my Z4 is lowered by 30mm and feel it would not be able to make the ramp, has anyone exsperiaced driving there Z4 onto channel ferries?



Paul

[srhutch]

Mr. Wilks has I believe.

[mr wilks]

Just came back from a 2 week holiday in France driving the family bus and would love to take the Z4 to France next year and I'm concerned about driving it it on and off the dfds car ferry as there was a steep ramp going up to the level and the same coming down, my Z4 is lowered by 30mm and feel it would not be able to make the ramp, has anyone exsperiaced driving there Z4 onto channel ferries?



Paul

Have done the cross channel ferry some 90/100 times over last 15 years in a whole host of vehicles
Predominantly LdLines /Transmanche or DFDS (they are the same company using the same ferrys but they switch them from port to port at various times of the year)
Lowest car would be 911 996 with GT3 kit & no issues
The Z will have its first crossing soon along with a few others we will be going over on the DFDS Newhaven/Dieppe crossing & 2 of those are lowered
I don't envisage any problems & i have seen them using boards to ease vehicles on/off if its looking dodgy
There is always the Tunnel ? That has a sideways on/off access so less of a issue

[mmm-five]

Been over to the continent via ferry & tunnel many times, and not had a problem with my Z4MC (although it's only 10-15mm lower than standard).

The benefit the Z4 has over other low sports cars is that there isn't a huge amount of front/rear overhang to get caught up on.

My e34 M5 had more issues as the overhand was about a foot longer at each end.

[exdos]

I've taken my Z4MC on the P&O Dover to Calais ferry with under-car aero parts fitted, as shown in the photo with no problem. I just approach the ramp at an angle which helps increase clearance.

[Paulj100]

Cheers guys for the replies. A Freind told me if you mention it when booking a ticket they will divert you to a lower platform which has a better access how true this is I don't know.
Iv always used dfds channel ferries from Dover to Dunkirk as we can use tesco club points and get the crossings much cheaper.
Really looking forward to the trip as it will be my first trip abroad alone and driving the Z4 on some amazing roads they have out there.

Paul

[thepits]

I've taken my Z4MC on the P&O Dover to Calais ferry with under-car aero parts fitted.... I just approach the ramp at an angle which helps increase clearance.

I had a similar issue with a lowered / kitted E30 325is, which would only get up the multi storey car park ramps on an angle, otherwise

Also my mechanic at the time lived on Prescott Hill-climb, with a drive at 90o to the circuit, so same approach was necessary - and a bit of welly as was at least a 1 in 4!

p.s. re previous comment, I'm sure they'll have some bits of wood if there is a problem

[jaRED]

We've done That ferry a few times with a 2 zed and zed+ Cayman combo without any problem
To be honest more frightening is the proximity of parking to other cars when you are on there
I still preferred it to the channel tunnel where I was sure I would scuff the alloys - this was also fine in reality

[DumfriesDik]

Great question. We are thinking of invading France next year and to take the Zed would be a joy.

[AlienZed]

Done it a few times both chunnel an ferry, mines on mtech springs and fully loaded with fuel, , suitcases etc never been an issue,
Biggest prob I've encountered is getting into underground car prks at hotels, the down/up ramps always seem to be on rough uneven concrete had to reverse out a few times an park ont street,
Moz

[simonlpearce]

If your car is relatively low, you can request to go on the same deck as the lorries which is straight on straight off with no unsavory ramps. Have done this many a time when taking the track car over to the Ring. Just make sure you ask one of the stewards on arrival so they can pass the message along or they do get a bit funny about it.

That said it may be different now as i expect a lot more lorries are using the ferries given the issues with the tunnel, so space could be a premium.

[ronk]

We've done the Tyne to Ijmuiden every year in an E89 with a full boot without a problem - just go gently !

I've found that if you have a particular requirement that they'll try and help. I need a wide area to get my door fully open ( dodgy legs) and they usually get me into a decent area on the ship.

Ask these questions at the check in and not when you get to the ship!

[Paulj100]

Some great advice there thank you guys. I think that if I'm concerned I should mention it when checking in at the ferry port as mentioned above.

Paul