Hi I'm new to this forum. Wanted to introduce myself. I am actually in the market (or soon will be) for an X5. I am in the process of consolidating my current daily driver (BMW e46 3 Series) and my truck ('01 Cummins TD 24V - Longbed Quad Cab - Sport eds. with only 50K miles) by selling both of these and replaceing them with an X5 that I can drive everyday and tow with when I need to tow my race car and open deck 18' trailer. I figured since I don't drive the truck often this would be the best thing to do, my load is only 6 - 7 thousand pounds fully loaded so that should be fine I would think with the X5.
Now some questions and advise requested...
1) what type of X5 should I be looking at? Keep in mind this will be mostly for daily driving but also towing a handful of times a year in various conditions (rain, crosswinds, mountains etc...etc...) I was told at least a 4.4, or 4.6 may be good...the 4.8 has more grunt but may cost me more MPG for the daily driver end of things.
The 4.8 is more refined than the 4.6 but consider the 4.6 to be unleashed.
2) what are some pitfalls to look out for...? what should I look at when checking these vehicles out? I'm a long time bimmer guy and member of BMW CCA but never dealt with the X5 before.
Common ailements are CVC joints need to be replaced and if let gone so will the axle. The overflow tank will need replaced at 70K. The 4.6 is notorius for torque converter replacement after 60K miles. This forum talks about others.
3) what years should I look into? What years should I avoid? and why? What options are desirable?
03s have depreciated a lot, newer models yes but not nearly as much. More electronic upgrades on models 04 and 05, then again in 06.
4) Is there a towing forum?
Lots of threads on this forum on towing. If you DIY, you can get a hitch like draw tite, and a wiring module for under $400, if not then go to dealer and have them install OEM for $1600 or more is my guess. Or better yet find one with a hitch.
5) How do I set the X5 to tow my load? Any shops in MD that can get me fitted with a class III hitch? I use a Tekonsha brake controller as well so can I still use that or should I go all BMW parts and installation to get it set up?
I built my own hitch for the 4.4 only because I was going to use it to haul mtn/road bikes with a receiver rack, not for towing. I used the draw tite hitch and installed myself for the 4.6 because I sometimes tow a trailer for my dirt bike and taking my ski boat a couple of miles to and from the boat ramp a few times a year. I never get over 30 in this app. The draw tite is rated for 6K and I believe so is the X5 but I would not go over 3K due to stopping capabilities. With 3 dirt bikes, gear, and weight of trailier I am at less than 1500 lbs and it is like it isn't even there.
6) Anything else I might be missing, or anything you'd like to share...I'm a newbie when it comes to the X5 so I am here to learn...
If you are looking for overall practicality, there are probably many choices out there like a Chev Tahoe, or Dodge Durango, and on and on. But if you march to the beat of your own drum go with a 4.6is or 4.8is.
thanks so much and I look forward to making some new friends and learning about this unique vehicle!
Good luck!!
Sunir