BMW Towing ?

[JCL]

Let the automatic select the gear for whatever speed you are going. If the transmission hunts between two gears, or to prevent it if it seems like it will, manually select the same gear that the automatic is most comfortable at.

Oh, and U-Haul trailers in Canada (many with US plates) all are limited to 45 mph by U-Haul (contract language, and stickers on the trailers). That doesn't mean that many renters don't break that guideline, but it is worth knowing what sort of use the trailers were designed for. I wouldn't exceed 60 if I was you (I have rented lots of U-Hauls, including 6x12 models)

[Laurence]

The X5 manual states that when towing, leave the gearbox in auto mode only. This prevents air bubbles forming in the gearbox oil.

[withidl]

Originally Posted by Chip

Ok, thank you for the input, I will drive in Manual at 60 mph.

But I was confused, what gear should I leave it in, I have no idea how to do this, this is a first time on any car...

Copying my previous note above: "Regarding the transmission; use MANUAL mode. You want to keep the transmission from "hunting" gears to maintain speed. On my 2001 4.4i 5 speed the torque converter locks-up (direct drive) at about 62 mph. I use cruise control set at an indicated 70 mph in MANUAL mode 5th so the engine can be max throttled (by cruise control) without downshifting or unlocking the torque converter. Your 6 speed transmission should behave the same except the 6th speed torque converter lock-up may be at a different speed than my 5 speed."

That being said again, since you are a novice at towing you should keep your speed down until you get the feel of it. With the 6 speed transmission you may want to keep it in manual 4 or 5 if your going to be going 60 mph or less (I doubt that the 6 speed torque converter is programmed to stay locked-up at 60 or below).

USE THE CRUISE CONTROL IN MANUAL MODE!! It is much more sensitive at maintaining a constant speed than your foot and will thereby lower your workload and that of the drive train.

[ifly]

Doing a cross country haul a few years ago in the X we were passed doing 70 by a guy with a GMC and U-Haul trailer doing probably 80, well about 30 miles down the road the GMC was still upright but the U-Haul trailer looked like it decided not to stay attached and had run into a cospe of trees at the side of the road and been ripped to pieces, all that cheap aluminum.

After that experience and towing my own boat at 65 and having a blow out I would stay at a respectable speed with that baby.

[fln8tive]

Originally Posted by Chip

Ok, thank you for the input, I will drive in Manual at 60 mph.

But I was confused, what gear should I leave it in, I have no idea how to do this, this is a first time on any car...

If you have never towed be very careful. I would suggest you get a few miles under your belt with the empty trailer. Also practice backing up. Load the trailer properly and give yourself lots of braking room. And pick your gas stations so you can pull through without backing up. Don't pass on an incline or a decline....just take it easy.

[BimmerDob]

Getting into DE and AutoX events this year, finally.

So for overnight trips I decided to tow, for now with U-haul, but if this keeps up I am sure there is a Trailerx or FeatherLite is in my future. BMW OEM hitch and harness. Tows like a dream, no issues, except maybe getting better at backing into my driveway Takes a few tries.

[BimmerDob]

Originally Posted by BimmerDob

Getting into DE and AutoX events this year, finally.

So for overnight trips I decided to tow, for now with U-haul, but if this keeps up I am sure there is a Trailerx or FeatherLite is in my future. BMW OEM hitch and harness. Tows like a dream, no issues, except maybe getting better at backing into my driveway Takes a few tries.

Thought I would update thread. Went with Trailex, done WG, RA, Sebring, & Barber. 5000+ miles towing 8 to 10 hours a day. 12 - 14 mpg, 65 ish. Been happy with '03 X5 4.6 towing, trailer at ~5000lbs, ~500lbs on hitch, electric brakes. Very little tail wag dog, but can feel semi's passing / sucking and pushing on trailer.

Did have a trailer tire tread delam (but stayed up long enough to exit freeway) on way home from WG after hitting steal plate on I-90. 4 new Kumhos + 3500 miles = happy.

[admranger]

Sweet trailer!

[BigBlack48is]

Use your best judgment.... if it's constantly upshifting into 5th, then leave it if 5th. if it's ok in 6th and isn't searching for the right gear as you drive, leave it in 6th