Towing 5800 lbs w/04 6 Speed

[JCL]

Originally Posted by DSAviate

Thanks vinuneuro-

Towing package for many cars includes an additional transmission oil cooler, but I assume that isn't an issue for the X5.

They all have a transmission cooler.

[JCL]

DSAviate:

'04 and later have more capacity only in the automatic 3.0. I wouldn't call it beefier, everything else is the same except the transmission, at least with respect to towing capacity.

I'm with you on the manual transmission, and the M54. Look at my signature. Brilliant engine. Since you understand that you won't be winning drag races towing down the on-ramp, you will be fine with the 3.0. And yes, they are happy to rev.

I don't think the transmissions are a weak point. There are reported failures at higher mileages, but there is no obvious correlation to trailer towing. Many of the failures include things like sensors and actuators, not failures related to heat dissipation.

Suggest you do a search on a poster here called withidl. He towed 8300 lbs of Airstream with his 4.4, for tens of thousands of miles. Good reference as to the vehicle's capacity. There are also other posts about towing larger loads with the 3.0

Good luck

Jeff

[DSAviate]

Thanks Jeff!

[DSAviate]

Hi All-

Well, bought an '01 3.0 with 5 speed manual trans, installed the $500 OEM hitch and wiring harness (very beefy), and hooked her up.

She pulls See Truth very nicely and stops her ever better!! All performance is better than with the Chevy Suburban, especially the stopping.

Yes, the rear of the car was closer to the salt water than I would like, so I installed a 2' trailer extension, and that has resolved the issue.

This X5 does not have the self leveling suspension, but carries the 550# tongue weight well. She seems to ride level (reference pics) and have logged ~ 3000 miles and 25 launches with no issues or handling concerns. Pulls the heavy load right up the wet ramps . . . and some of them have been steep!!

Changed ALL the oils a few months ago (engine and 4 tranny oils) and glad I did. Will change the tranny oils every 50k or so despite BMW's claim to lifetime oils.

What a machine. I call it my German Sports Tractor.

"Fish On!" - Darrell

[JCL]

Looks great