Quote:
Originally Posted by admranger
Not having towed w/the X5 (I have a Chevy crewcab diesel dually for such things), can you use the manual feature of the automatic trans to 'engine brake' on the down slopes by holding a gear? I love that part of the Allison trans in my truck. Also, sport mode or regular drive when you tow (no, I didn't read the manual b/c I don't have a hitch or anything, just curious)?
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Kirk, sorry, I didn't see your question before this. I didn't try the manual shift thing because I was having good luck with running things normally. I left it in Drive, and let the equipment do the work. Heading down a steeper slope, I took my foot off the gas, and let the weight of things work itself out. If the speed climbed to about 60mph, I gently braked till it slowed to low 50's, then let it go again. I never felt out of control, or that the engine or brakes were being overtaxed. That was why I said it was like I didn't have much behind me - things were that smooth. Definitely a better towing experience than with my Ford pickup. (Love Ford trucks for heavy work, but this one just wasn't much up for the task of towing well. I love that the BMW does it better.)
One of my coworkers owns a 2002 M3, and we swap stories about our BMWs all the time. His comment after hearing of the smooth towing experience I had was that "No surprise. X5's have a tuna boat motor in them. They can haul anything." He's a fan. In fact, he says if I ever want to sell my X, he wants to buy it. Pretty cool of him.
Dave