Hi all, oddly specific question: I’m looking to purchase a Defender but my office has an underground parking garage labeled as 6’5” max height. Naturally, Defender ride height is just a hair over at 77.5”. I measured the actual opening and it’s 84”, so in theory about 6” of room, though the access is angled. And there’s a G-class parked in there which is supposedly even taller at 80”. Anyone know if there is typically any give in these max height signs? (I’m in the US, if that helps.) Would prefer not to find out the hard way. I guess I could solve this with an air suspension but the one I’m looking at is coil.

 

Defenders on air suspension (which is a must-have option, IMO) have access height, which lowers the car a couple inches. There is a menu in the infotainment system that gives exact dimensions. I didn't drive mine today, but I can update this post with a picture of the dimensions screen when I get home tonight.

 

Thanks. Would def prefer air suspension, but am buying very low mileage CPO and have had trouble finding it in a spec I otherwise like. (Looking at 90’s which are harder to find.) If necessary I can hold out but have been looking pretty intensely for a few months and even in an area with many LR dealers it’s tough.

 

I have air suspension and the factory rack - I assume a 7' minimum for parking garages. I got some decent gouges on the trailing edge of the rack when I tried a 6'10" listed garage.

Personally I would not even attempt a 6'5" clearance, but that's me.

 

If you measured it and it is in fact more than 6’5” then you will be fine. On air the standard height is exactly 6’5” without accessories, such as a roof rack. In access it is 6’3.” Also be mindful that if you have slightly larger tires like I do, then the dimensions will change, so the dimensions screen will be slightly off.

 

I wouldn't trust garage max height signs for a second. They probably also have a big disclaimer sign on the lot.

"Parking-R-US are not responsible for anyone damaging your car or you driving into the ceiling yada yada...."

You can drop the Defender even lower. Down to the bump-stops with a GAP tool. It's about another 2" drop from access.

With nothing on the roof and OEM or any 32" tires at regular highway psi you should be good at 6' 5" but it will be a squeaker. I'd do a trial run at a quiet time at about 1mph or less. Maybe put something on the roof a hair taller than the fin using some bungees. Some wood or the like.. It will act as your canary in the parking lot.

Once you do it once you're good to go.

 

Related question - does anyone know if the dimensions in the infotainment system take into account the Clearsight camera fin on top?

 

Yes. Total height is measured to shark fin.

 

I would test drive it to make sure it fits. Otherwise, you may get yourself some trouble.

 

Top tip: to prevent the car from going out of access mode while you are in the car park hold down the air suspension lower button until you hear a ding and the padlock on the button is illuminated orange. This means the vehicle is locked in access height and will only go up once you start going 40 km/h (I think)