x3 vs x5

bmw2001330 · #1 01-04-2009, 12:13 PM

im new here im wondering which is better for towing a 14 foot long trailer a X3 or X5 and if its a X5 which motor should i get the 3.0 the 4.4 or the 4.8 i know with the x3 to get the 3.0 but not to sure what you X5 guys perfer for towing

Wagner · #2 01-04-2009, 12:15 PM

I'd imagine the X5 since it has larger motor options, more torque and a larger track than a X3. Go for a 4.4 since there is more torque, 4.8 is not necessary.

fiber46is · #3 01-04-2009, 01:13 PM

X5 with v8 is better for sure.
One benefit is that it is heavier than X3 and therefore more stabile when towing, secondly the V8 has more torque and HP, and especially the torque is needed when towing.

chilliwilli · #4 01-04-2009, 02:15 PM

For towing, you're comparing an X5 to X3...

...depending on what you're towing and where, X3 is no match. I've towed a boat, jet ski and trailers for motorcycle and random media production equipment on all sorts of roads. Went with the top performing X5 V8 at the time...can't go wrong with having as much power available when needed.

JCL · #5 01-04-2009, 06:47 PM

All the X5s built since 2004 have the same tow rating (6000 lbs) regardless of which engine is selected. They all tow well. Any trailer over 1600 lbs requires trailer brakes. The V8s will accelerate better with a load, but I towed very comfortably with the 2003 3.0 (225 hp).

Newer X3s have more power than most six cylinder X5s, but the X3 has a lower tow rating than the X5 due to the chassis limits. With both vehicles, you are not limited by engine power but by the chassis limits for attaching a hitch, since neither X has a separate frame. From memory, I think the X3 tow rating is around 3500 lbs.

So, now you need to figure out the fully loaded weight of your trailer.