3.0i and towing

[puddinboo]

just wondering if you guys tow anything with the 3.0I engine. how strong is that transmission and engine. also do you need some type of tow package to keep the tranny cool?

[LeiZ]

Towing a 6'x10' utility trailer w/o any problem. Usually under 3,000 lbs. Just replaced the tranny oil with Royal Purple (just my preference), and so far so good. Knocking on all woods.

Originally Posted by puddinboo

just wondering if you guys tow anything with the 3.0I engine. how strong is that transmission and engine. also do you need some type of tow package to keep the tranny cool?

[chrisn7]

I tow a 1900Kg caravan and its fine in factory set up in UK climate. One thing I would say is leave it in auto - if you switch to manual, its possible to overheat the box without realising. That is, until it suddenly shifts down, and stays that way with the engine revving, until its cooled off

[puddinboo]

what about a 24' camper trailor? just curious

[chrisn7]

The caravan I mentioned is just over 26', but it's the trailer weight that matters rather than length. Normally better not to exceed the cars kerbweight of around 2000kg

[puddinboo]

ok cool ill keep that in mind

[Meinhold]

I have 03 x5 3.0, I have towed an 19 foot open trailer with 5 dirt bikes on it with no problems at speeds of 60 to 65 mph and still got 17 miles to the gallon.

[srmmmm]

My normal towing is a 1200-1300 pound PWC rig, at least 3000 miles per year. I hardly ever know it's back there. Heaviest thing I've towed is a 1970 Firebird body - probably 4000 pounds with the U-Haul auto transport trailer. Never noticed any difficulty, but I keep the transmission in "sport" mode to bump up the shift points.

I've never changed the transmission fluid either

2002 X5 3.0 304,600 miles
2014 428i 19,000 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

[kiwistu]

No problem with the 3.0. It revs a bit to keep up with traffic compared to a V8 when going up hill - it loved it!

I borrowed a buddies boat last summer, was a bit worried about towing it, handled it well.

Google whangamata - lovely place BTW :-)

[puddinboo]

thank you all for the input so far. thinking about getting a trailor hitch, as long as it doesnt look ugly back there .