Trailer Towing

[crabylarry]

Hello,

I have a 2004 X3 3.0 and was wondering if it will tow a small camper or boat? Is it a good or bad idea to do this with the vehicle?

Thanks,

Larry

[JCL]

Depends how small (and light) the trailer is. From memory, I think the towing limit is 3500 lbs (with trailer brakes). Check your manual for the limit for your vehicle. No reason it can't tow a small trailer, but I would respect that weight limit. Also, from experience with the X5 I would recommend an OEM hitch.

[Kingy]

Agree with JCL - the (Westfalia) OE tow hitch is ideal for the X3. Best to get it done through an indipendant though as BMW prices are very high and they rarely do the job inhouse anyway. (Here in the UK).

With regards to towing - in the UK we have a guide of towing to 85% of the cars kerb weight for inexperienced towers. Upto 100% is often fine for experienced towers, but can be a bit lairy at times.

The 2004 X3 3.0i Auto has a kerb weight of 1,850 kgs - so with ^^ that in mind ideally you would be looking at a camper or boat weighing upto 1,570 kgs (85%) or a max of 1,850 kgs (100%).

You also have to bear in mind the tow ball weight (also referred to as 'nose' weight) which is a max of 80 kgs on the X3.


This is just a guide - not a law or requirement of any kind.

HTH.

[crabylarry]

Thanks for the information