Wanted to Introduce myself...

[sunir]

Hi I'm new to this forum. Wanted to introduce myself. I am actually in the market (or soon will be) for an X5. I am in the process of consolidating my current daily driver (BMW e46 3 Series) and my truck ('01 Cummins TD 24V - Longbed Quad Cab - Sport eds. with only 50K miles) by selling both of these and replaceing them with an X5 that I can drive everyday and tow with when I need to tow my race car and open deck 18' trailer. I figured since I don't drive the truck often this would be the best thing to do, my load is only 6 - 7 thousand pounds fully loaded so that should be fine I would think with the X5.

Now some questions and advise requested...

1) what type of X5 should I be looking at? Keep in mind this will be mostly for daily driving but also towing a handful of times a year in various conditions (rain, crosswinds, mountains etc...etc...) I was told at least a 4.4, or 4.6 may be good...the 4.8 has more grunt but may cost me more MPG for the daily driver end of things.

2) what are some pitfalls to look out for...? what should I look at when checking these vehicles out? I'm a long time bimmer guy and member of BMW CCA but never dealt with the X5 before.

3) what years should I look into? What years should I avoid? and why? What options are desirable?

4) Is there a towing forum?

5) How do I set the X5 to tow my load? Any shops in MD that can get me fitted with a class III hitch? I use a Tekonsha brake controller as well so can I still use that or should I go all BMW parts and installation to get it set up?

6) Anything else I might be missing, or anything you'd like to share...I'm a newbie when it comes to the X5 so I am here to learn...

thanks so much and I look forward to making some new friends and learning about this unique vehicle!

Sunir

[c4racer]

I beleive the X5 is rated to tow 6K, but I bet it could tow more. that is including passenger and cargo in the truck btw.

Definately you need a V8.

4.6is was made 2002-2003 and has an Alpina built 340hp motor - it is quite the hot rod with very agressive engine, throttle and transmission tuning.

4.8is is the hottest model from 2004-2006 and has a BMW built 350hp motor that makes a bit more tq and also has slightly improved efficiency vs. the 4.6

Both "is" models also get the fantastic looking body work and 20" wheels with 315 rear rubber. They are also fully loaded units with nav, heated seats, etc. etc. Mine has napa leather which I find a lot nicer too - that may only come with the comfort seat option, I'm not sure about that.

4.4i is the standard V8 model. the 04-06 went to a 6speed trans and these are slight improved fuel economy vs. the 01-03 models. I would think if you go with the standard 4.4i getting a 04-06 is for sure the way to go.

But if you want the hot rod, then look for an "is" - pretty much you can't go wrong with either a 4.8 or 4.6. That is what I would do, but depends if you want the hot rod or not. It will cost you a couple mpg's if that matters to ya. Way more fun to drive tho.

I have the BMW hitch on mine and recommend it. Very nice set-up. I have not towed with mine, but it was used to tow a M3 on an open car trailer by the previous owner. He said it towed that load with ease.

[sunir]

Nice info C4racer... yeah I think the 4.4 or 4.6 may fit the bill...my budget is like $15K - say $25K but would really like to be around the $20K ballpark if I can help it. At the end of the day, it'll be used more for daily driver duty than tow but when it does I'd want the truck to perform well...I'm used to a mighty Cummins diesel which can tow a house but too big for a daily driver lol!

Keep the advice coming guys and thanks once again

[villajoe]

Here's a nice one for you...

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...37k-miles.html

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by villajoe

Here's a nice one for you...

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...37k-miles.html

+1 Joe has a really nice 4.6is with low mileage. That's a rare find. I have an 04 4.4i, and my mom drives an 02 4.6is, so I can honestly tell you about the difference. The 4.4 has lots of power, it just doesn't give me the wow factor the 4.6 does. When I step on it, it goes, but when I get into the 4.6 I actually feel a huge difference. As for MPG, my mom and I are getting exactly the same--but remember I probably drive more aggressively than her.

Id go for the 4.6is. Besides, when you tow to the track, youll end up getting compliments on both cars! All enthusiasts are obsessed with the 4.6is--and they have reason to be

[taosx5]

Sunir, let me add my .05 worth. I have two X5s both 03s one is a 4.4 owned since new and the other is a 4.6 purchased over a year ago with 60K miles. They both could do the job you are looking for. The 4.4 has a higher gear ration than the 4.6 so gas mileage will be better. I can run 75 mph at 2500 rpm with 4.4 and about 3000 with the 4.6 so it is pretty torqueie. Expect to spend a little more on maintenance with the 4.6. The one offered on this forum sounds like a great car, low mileage and well taken care of.

The 4.6 has a much higher fun quotient. Answers to other questions in bold below.

Originally Posted by sunir

Hi I'm new to this forum. Wanted to introduce myself. I am actually in the market (or soon will be) for an X5. I am in the process of consolidating my current daily driver (BMW e46 3 Series) and my truck ('01 Cummins TD 24V - Longbed Quad Cab - Sport eds. with only 50K miles) by selling both of these and replaceing them with an X5 that I can drive everyday and tow with when I need to tow my race car and open deck 18' trailer. I figured since I don't drive the truck often this would be the best thing to do, my load is only 6 - 7 thousand pounds fully loaded so that should be fine I would think with the X5.

Now some questions and advise requested...

1) what type of X5 should I be looking at? Keep in mind this will be mostly for daily driving but also towing a handful of times a year in various conditions (rain, crosswinds, mountains etc...etc...) I was told at least a 4.4, or 4.6 may be good...the 4.8 has more grunt but may cost me more MPG for the daily driver end of things. The 4.8 is more refined than the 4.6 but consider the 4.6 to be unleashed.

2) what are some pitfalls to look out for...? what should I look at when checking these vehicles out? I'm a long time bimmer guy and member of BMW CCA but never dealt with the X5 before. Common ailements are CVC joints need to be replaced and if let gone so will the axle. The overflow tank will need replaced at 70K. The 4.6 is notorius for torque converter replacement after 60K miles. This forum talks about others.

3) what years should I look into? What years should I avoid? and why? What options are desirable? 03s have depreciated a lot, newer models yes but not nearly as much. More electronic upgrades on models 04 and 05, then again in 06.

4) Is there a towing forum? Lots of threads on this forum on towing. If you DIY, you can get a hitch like draw tite, and a wiring module for under $400, if not then go to dealer and have them install OEM for $1600 or more is my guess. Or better yet find one with a hitch.

5) How do I set the X5 to tow my load? Any shops in MD that can get me fitted with a class III hitch? I use a Tekonsha brake controller as well so can I still use that or should I go all BMW parts and installation to get it set up? I built my own hitch for the 4.4 only because I was going to use it to haul mtn/road bikes with a receiver rack, not for towing. I used the draw tite hitch and installed myself for the 4.6 because I sometimes tow a trailer for my dirt bike and taking my ski boat a couple of miles to and from the boat ramp a few times a year. I never get over 30 in this app. The draw tite is rated for 6K and I believe so is the X5 but I would not go over 3K due to stopping capabilities. With 3 dirt bikes, gear, and weight of trailier I am at less than 1500 lbs and it is like it isn't even there.

6) Anything else I might be missing, or anything you'd like to share...I'm a newbie when it comes to the X5 so I am here to learn... If you are looking for overall practicality, there are probably many choices out there like a Chev Tahoe, or Dodge Durango, and on and on. But if you march to the beat of your own drum go with a 4.6is or 4.8is.

thanks so much and I look forward to making some new friends and learning about this unique vehicle! Good luck!!

Sunir

[admranger]

Funny, I sold my big diesel truck and enclosed trailer (and racecar, sadly) within the last 12 months. Bought an X5 (April) and installed a hitch (factory - only way to go) with the intention of towing again something in the future.

X5 has a very short overhang so if you search "towing" here, you will get a ton of threads about people towing silly big loads (think big Airstream). However, I'd advise an aluminum trailer as that 6k lbs limit would be looked at as the "recommended" limit, should you have an accident and end up in civil court (heaven forbid criminal court).

The X5 is a more maintenance intensive beasty than the Dodge. It does have the soul of a BMW, and I can't think of driving any other marque sport activity/utility vehicle.

Do some digging with the search function, read the threads (the hitch install threads too). You'll find a lot of answers. Some you may not have even thought of!

[sunir]

thanks guys looks like I do have a lot to learn and the X5 is capable of meeting my needs, as a dialy driver to replace my e46 3 series and provide me the towing I want (replacing my beloved Cummins TD...god I'm gonna miss this truck...could pull a tree stump clear outta the ground...built tranny, triple disc TC, smarty tuned, MBRP exhaust, injectors etc...it's an incredible machine!)

Keep the advice coming fellas...and villajoe that's a mighty fine truck you have posted...I am interested. I will need to sell my Cummins and my e46 before I can buy the X5...would you be interested in any sort of trade perhaps?

[villajoe]

I have 4 cars, trying to downsize

I had an E46 328i, 2 E39's (540 and M5), a 4.4 X5 and now the 4.6...trust me, you will love the X5's performance over the E46!

[JCL]

Strongly recommend 2004 onwards. That takes you out of the 4.6 option, but either the 4.4 or 4.8 are good. An extra gear, the x-drive AWD system, and the engine power and efficiency upgrades all make it worthwhile.

Only consider the OE BMW hitch. While the Drawtite hitch itself may be rated for 6000 lbs, the X5 is only rated to tow 6000 lbs with the OE hitch. It is easy to build a receiver, but what matters here is how it attaches to the unibody X5. The BMW hitch ties into the longitudinal box sections in the unibody, replacing the collapsible bumper struts, instead of just bolting to the rear pan.

I would use OE electrics as well, as I like the fact that they are integrated, they turn off the rear PDC when the trailer is connected, and you get the benefit of the BMW Trailer Stability Control function in the dynamic stability control. This mode uses individual brake applications on the tow vehicle to stabilize trailer sway if necessary. If you get the OE hitch, you can get the electics and hitch in a kit that is cheaper than buying them separately.

The OE electrics don't include trailer brake controls. BMW doesn't make a system for you here. Use a Prodigy, or other. Read the article on this site on installing an electric brake control, as the vehicle isn't pre-wired for it.

Any specific towing questions, fire away. Good luck in your search.