Self-leveling suspension for towing?

[ChuckVT83]

X5world and bimmerfest forum have lots of happy X5 owners that tow, but in my searches I didn't see any comments as to whether the self-leveling suspension is needed for medium duty towing. Normally, I'd think it would be necessary, but I wanted to double check. What do you all think?

I am looking at a 2001 X5 3.0 automatic and need to tow a 20' bowrider boat that weighs 3500-3900 lbs depending on gas in the tank, gear, etc. This particularl X5 does not have the towing package, but I can add that at the dealer (I read the warnings about using after-market). This X5 also does not have the self-leveling suspension, hence, my question in this post.

TIA.

Chuck

P.S. The X5 would replace my 2001 A6 4.2. I currently tow with an 2005 Honda Pilot - the engine/tranny are great for towing, but the rear suspension sags considerably.

[blondboinsd]

I don't think its needed, it simply helps, my 2005 did not have self-leveling rear axle BUT my 2006 does, both tow the same to me!

[hayaku]

you do not need self leveling to tow a 20' boat at 3500-ish lbs.

you may need to get a wieght distribution hitch (adjustable height on the shank) so you can have the trailer levelled as well as even the load off your rear axle. at 20', i would recommend a weight distribution hitch with anti-sway system also since the x5 has a much shorter wheelbase compared to the trailer...

i use the Equa-I-lizer hitch system (weight distribution with anti-sway) and all bolt on assembly (no welding) to tow my 24' enclosed race car trailer... empty at 3500 lbs, loaded at about 6600 lbs, all without any sway or issues (i do have the air suspension in the rear, but i set the hitch correctly, so there wasn't much leveling needed). when i use the fixed ball and tongue that came with the trailer, the rear air suspension had to adjust about 2-3 inches with just the empty trailer...

[vinuneuro]

Just for reference all 4.4i's came/come with self-leveling rear standard. The 2001 3.0i Sport was the only 3.0i to have it standard. Otherwise, it has been/is an option for the 3.0i.

[ChuckVT83]

Originally Posted by blondboinsd

I don't think its needed, it simply helps, my 2005 did not have self-leveling rear axle BUT my 2006 does, both tow the same to me!

Thanks for the response. What did you tow with your 2005?

Chuck

[blondboinsd]

My parents have a Celebrity boat and we have 2 jet skis, I have towed both

[Scottie]

question? what is a X5 plated to be allowed to tow in the USA??? how does it differ to the UK?? in tons or kilos please

[hayaku]

by the manual/oem specs for all models everywhere (source online):
X5 tow capacity:
2700 kg (5952 lbs) or 6000 lbs.

details by model
X3 2.5i 1,587.57 kg/3,500 lbs capacity with 3,492.66 kg/7,700 lbs gcwr
X3 3.0i 1,587.57 kg/3,500 lbs capacity with 3504 kg/7,725 lbs gcwr

X5 3.0i 2721.55 kg/6,000 lbs capacity with 4,910.14 kg/10,825 lbs gcwr
X5 4.4i 2721.55 kg/6,000 lbs capacity with 4,989.52 kg/11,000 lbs gcwr
X5 4.8is 2721.55 kg/6,000 lbs capacity with 5,066.63 kg/11,170 lbs gcwr

[JCL]

Slight correction to the X5 3.0 tow capacity.

It was 5000 lbs with the auto, 6000 lbs with the manual, until the latest transmission came out (I think it was in 2004, possibly 2005). My 2003 3.0 with steptronic is limited to 5000 lbs.

[JCL]

And for our European members, does anyone have the high-capacity towing option (only on the 4.4, 4.8, or 3.0d) that raises the trailer weight capacity from 2700 kg to 3500 kg? What is included in that package? Towing 7700 lbs is getting up into withidl territory.....