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  #11  
Old 10-24-2019, 08:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Effduration View Post
When was the last time the transmission fluid change? While the X5 should handle this load with the OEM hitch (not the aftermarket hitches which have a 4500 towing capacity vs 6,000 OEM), I would not tow it if you are on your orig trans fluid, or if it's been 100k since last ATF change.

I towed an E39 on a trailer less than 100 miles in a honda pilot ( yes different car) and I overheated the Honda's tired ATF fluid and the trans started slipping. I had to get a tow truck for the Pilot and somebody else for the trailer. What a disaster. Now that car did not have the extra ATF cooler, but did run the ATF through the radiator. Also the tow capacity of the HOnda was 4500 lbs, and I was probably over that.

If your ATF fluid is old, I would change it before you try a tow.
Excellent points, though isn't there a guy on here who has 300K+ on his X5 towing regularly on original fluid? I wouldn't do it, but I think it speaks to the durability of the rig.

AM.
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E53 2004 3.0 M54 AT Toledo Blue with Gray Leather
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  #12  
Old 10-25-2019, 12:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Effduration View Post
When was the last time the transmission fluid was changed? While the X5 should handle this load with the OEM hitch (not the aftermarket hitches which have a 4500 towing capacity vs 6,000 OEM), I would not tow it if you are on your orig trans fluid, or if it's been 100k since last ATF change.

I towed an E39 on a trailer less than 100 miles in a honda pilot ( yes different car) and I overheated the Honda's tired ATF fluid and the trans started slipping. I had to get a tow truck for the Pilot and somebody else for the trailer. What a disaster. Now that car did not have the extra ATF cooler, but did run the ATF through the radiator. Also the tow capacity of the HOnda was 4500 lbs, and I was probably over that.

If your ATF fluid is old, I would change it before you try a tow.
Thank you for the advice. This X5 has never had the ATF fluid changed by the previous owner. Ive been meaning to change it out and got the fluids but just havent had a chance to get to it yet. I also have the rough shifting on cold to 1st to 2nd so thats another concern. Hopefully when I change out the fluids it will fix that (fingers crossed).
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  #13  
Old 10-25-2019, 01:02 PM
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Tongue weight is critical. Not with a BMW, but I towed back and forth to events for a few years. It was but a few inches of difference in the right tongue weight and a swaying trailer from where we tied down the car. When it starts swaying it was sometimes more than just slowing down. It depended on the circumstances and if I had to use the vehicle brakes verses just the trailer in those circumstances. Sometimes speeding up or a combination of both was necessary with hydraulic trailer brakes as they are not independently controlled. It depends on how much it is swaying. If you catch it quickly and you are not going say over 60 slowing down or gearing down without using the brakes is usually all you need to do. Even then it is important to slow down when the trailer is near straight. Without the proper correction when the trailer starts swaying it gets progressively worse, quickly, until you are along for the ride. Even when the car is in the right place it is not unusual that passing or being passed by trucks caused some swaying and sometimes even just a long downhill run. The faster you go the more likely it will sway.

On the other hand, if the trip is not stop and go, not up and down hills, not a long distance, you stay alert, tongue weight is good, and take it slow the odds are in well in your favor you won't have a problem stemming from the trailer. By far, the most critical issue of trailer sway is speed. The odds improve dramatically the slower you drive but even then, based on my experience with either the trailer or the towing vehicle causing problems, I have never and won't ever tow anything with my X5.
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Last edited by bcredliner; 10-25-2019 at 01:13 PM.
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