X5 35d -- serious tow vehicle w/ a split personality?

[JCL]

Thanks for the comments. My experience was that I had no effective retarding force with my Passat 1.9 TDI and manual transmission, or my Landrover Discovery TD5, when compared to their gasoline-powered equivalents.

I agree that a 5000 lb trailer with functioning brakes is not an issue behind an X5, diesel or gasoline. It is just that as I live in the mountains, and often see Dodge, Ford, or GM diesel pickups pulling large loads equipped with some form of aftermarket engine brake to avoid brake overheating, that I would hesitate to call the X5d the ultimate tow vehicle. At reasonable loads I am sure it will be great.