Towing advice with an X5 3.0 downunder ?

[Nick I]

Hi,

I'm new to this site, seeking clarification/advice on X5 3.0 towing capabilities.

I have read many posts about towing on this very excellent site. But would like some more specific info.

I am looking at buying a 2002 X5 3.0 with 1114,000 klms from a BMW dealer with an extended warranty.

We currently tow our new Jayco Pop-top caravan with an Aussie built Ford Fairlane, 4.0 litre in-line 6 with 4 speed auto.The van weighs in at 1800kg (4000lb) with around 180 kg tow ball weight. We use a 2300 kg rated Hayman Reece WD hitch.

The Ford's a six cylinder 4.0, power output is 157 kw and 340 nm compared to the 2002 X5 3.0 with 170 kw and 300 nm.

The Ford can maintain 100 klm/h cruising speed and chews up around 18 litres per 100 klms.

On slight hills it manages ok, but longer runs up hills, even on freeways will see the speed easily come down to 80 klm/h., with the gas pedal down to the metal. It's a real chore to drive.

On very steep inclines with very twisty bends the Ford is down to second and first gears. Most towing combinations I guess would provide the same result. However, in hot weather, despite a massive transmission cooler the engine and transmission begin to struggle in terms of temperature increases and performance. The Ford is impeccably maintained.

The question is would I be better off with the X5.

Do X5's require additional transmission cooling?

What could the fuel consumption possibly be when towing compared to not towing around 1800kg?

In the Ford I leave the transmission in 3rd gear, what arrangement would you choose when towing 1800kg with an X5?

I have driven other options, the Aussie Built Ford Territory - heaps of power - but does not feel safe, and ML's 350 and 430, both have the power but are bouncy and truck like.

I look forward to responses.

Cheers ... Nick

[fatboyoz]

Nick,
What about an X5 Diesel from 04 production year onwards. More torque, better fuel consumption. I don't have any towing experience with mine, but would imagine it would be better than the 3 litre petrol for towing.
Colin.

[Nick I]

You are right Colin,

The X5 3.0d has heaps of power, but at this stage I don't want to spend $60,000 +.

Maybe I need to hang on to my Ford a little longer.

Cheers ...... Nick

[X5Sport]

I've not towed with the more recent petrol engines being a diesel man, but personally I would expect that the l/100km will be similar to the Ford. With similar power & torque outputs I don't think you'll be seeing any real advantages or differences. Yes the smaller engine will use less fuel, but you'll have to work it harder.

You'll be towing at about 83% of the tractor weight (X5 weighs in at around 2100kgs depending upon gearbox option) and with an engine with 114,000km on it will probably be asking a lot of it. The engine & transmission will be slack and if manual you'll probably be looking at clutch issues too. Nose weight limit on the OEM tow bracket is lower at 120kgs so a bit of load re-balancing will be needed too.

As a tractor, the post 2004 diesel auto will be a much better option but is unfortunately out of your price range at present. We don't have additional cooling on the UK models as it's too blasted cold here anyway. You might well need it out in Oz though.

I agree that although a BMW will be a much better vehicle than the Ford in all other respects, the differences for towing performance are probably marginal.

[Nick I]

Thankyou X5sport.

The dealer has kindly agreed that I try the X5 out in towing the caravan. It would be a usefull exercise to do so to confirm its capability and to record the outcome here as well for future reference.

After reading your sensible advice it does appear that a 3.0D would be a more workable option. I can always save for it.

Hayman Reese manufacture tow bars/hitch receivers here in Australia. See http://www.haymanreese.com.au/index.htm

In their catalogue they list a hitch receiver rated at 2700kg with a ball weight of 270kg, formally 120 kg as they indicate in their listing. Here in Australia there must be a minimum of 10% of the trailer weight over the tow ball. This is to ensure better stability when towing, and this rule is must be adhered to by all who tow and by the vehicle makers - who for the most part dislike this rule as it means modifications for the Aussie market.

I read a post where the X5 owner (not here in AU) bent their towing hitch probably because he exceeded the 120 kg limit.

Regards and thankyou.

Cheers ....... Nick

[X5Sport]

One other thing to bear in mind if you have an OEM BMW tow bracket is that it connects into the vehicle electronics and the vehicle then 'knows' it has a trailer connected and modifies some of the on board stability & handling programs.

The tow ball limit may be because the OEM bracket (in the UK at least) towball is detachable and it can only take 120kgs. I think in the UK, there is no minimum (sensible to have a 10% load though) limit but the advice I have had is get as close as you can to the 90% of the manufacturers rating. The other advice I have had - and followed - is that the trailer laden weight never exceeds 85% of the tractor kerb weight. That way the trailer should never be able to 'drive' the tractor. Having been involved in a serious accident 10 years ago where I was towing a UK Government trailer with a UK Government Discovery (without ever having been trained to do so) - and the trailer was 120% of the tractor weight in 50mph cross winds with as it turned out inadequate anti-sway protection, I learned very quickly to follow the advice of the Police Accident Investigation Officer - who had his own caravan - and we all got training afterwards. Funny how that only tends to happen after an 'incident'. Managers had refused to train any of us up to that point.

Good luck with the tow test though.

[DipnX5]

Here is my story...

I have an 02 3.0i (U.S.), and I have towed our 233 cobalt which weighs more than 4000 lbs without trailer. It lags... but for short distances (house to boat launch twice a year) it does fine.

But yes I would rather tow it with a 4.4 or a 4.6, btw I am looking into one...

[Nick I]

G'day X5sport and DIPNx5,

The result of my towing assessment is very surprising indeed and results are very positive.

I did not think a three litre straight six with 170KW and 300nm could pull our 1800kg (4000lbs) caravan with ease.

Mind you I am convinced 1800kg is the sensible limit, providing the tow downforce is least 180kg ie 10%. The rating for the X5 here in AU is 2700KG and tow ball at 270 kg (the magic10% rule applies again). But in reality you would not tow anywhere near the manufacturer's published limit. Sure, you could tow 2700kg (6000 lbs), but maybe only down to the shops and back.

Our tow test was a tad hurried. My brother-in-law came along - as observer and seasoned towing advice person.

The X5 had no brake controller fitted. Anyway off we went.

The X5 could easily stop our rig setup.

We headed down a freeway in very strong winds. The X5 seemed to cope very well with the headwinds. Siting on 100 klm/h with ease.

The next test was a steep climb up to Black Mountain here in Canberra.

Well, up we went as if there was no tommorrow. Once at the top, the concern now was how on earth are we going to make it down with no trailer brakes and only the X5's. We went down in the low gears, got to the bottom with no brake fade nor smell. In contrast our Ford would have run out of brakes altogether within 500 metres.

We could not believe how well the X5 towed in terms of power, speed gained, and acceleration. This must be tempered by the fact that we believe the max comfortable speed attained towing limit is 1800kg. (4000 lbs).

In reply to X5sort, the OEM hitch and receiver was at here in AU initially rated at 2700Kg with 120KG tow ball downforce weight. The latter was upgraded to 270kg. This is the max for any X5. Maybe you guys need to buy our Hayman Reese tow hitches.

I really feel for people who have not received adequate training when towing heavy objects. It reminds me when I first joined the Australian Public Service in 1970, and was asked to help with counting cash for paydays and delivering pay packets to 900 staff; and was issued with a Browning pistol and told to keep the magazine in one pocket and the pistol in the other until such trime I was trained - which never happened. Mmm, those were the days !!!!!

Now, all I need to do is convince the leader of the opposition (spouse) in that blind spots are not an issue, it's just a matter of getting used to a new vehicle, and yes we could buy a 2006 Ford Fairlane for the same price, but !!!!!! Grrrr, can't us blokes just get on with it ?

By the way any issues with blind spots or how to deal with it?

There might be an X5 in the garage sooner than later.

Cheers ........ Nick

PS how does one attach pics?