Hello-Potential New Owner/My Take on the X5d with a few questions

[JCL]

Originally Posted by F150 Duke

I googled the X5 towing capabilities and basically the i6, Diesel and V8 all have a 6,000lb towing capacity. I’d be under that, but close with 5,000lbs. The new i6 would be a lot less capable then my current truck at towing, which stinks and means I’d have to take it a lot easier, but it’d have better gas mileage when not towing and not have some of the new nuances of the diesel that I’m not yet used to.

The BMW towing limits are due to the chassis, and not the engine power. The X5 doesn't have a frame, it is a unibody, so that is the limiting factor. There used to be a difference due to transmissions as well (5 speed auto had a lower towing limit on the 3.0) but that is gone now with the new transmissions.

I haven't towed with an E70. I did tow quite a bit with an E53 (3.0, 225 hp), and still tow with an E83 (3.0si, 260 hp). I also have a 535 with essentially the same engine as the 35i, but I haven't towed with it.

I don't think there is any concern over towing with the 35i. It will tow better than the naturally aspirated V8 used to, due to the increased torque at low rpm. 5000 lbs is not pushing it, I towed 4000-4500 lbs with the E53 3.0 at 225 hp, and it was fine. It depends on how many mountain passes you are pulling the trailer over, but for local boat launching I don't see a downside with 225 hp, and you would have 300 hp plus a much better torque curve.

Friends and family with Ford, GM and Dodge diesel pickups, particularly the most recent models, get used to that kind of acceleration when towing. Yes, it will be different with the X5, but towing shouldn't be a drag racing activity anyway. Just my $0.02.

[F150 Duke]

Originally Posted by JCL

The BMW towing limits are due to the chassis, and not the engine power. The X5 doesn't have a frame, it is a unibody, so that is the limiting factor. There used to be a difference due to transmissions as well (5 speed auto had a lower towing limit on the 3.0) but that is gone now with the new transmissions.

I haven't towed with an E70. I did tow quite a bit with an E53 (3.0, 225 hp), and still tow with an E83 (3.0si, 260 hp). I also have a 535 with essentially the same engine as the 35i, but I haven't towed with it.

I don't think there is any concern over towing with the 35i. It will tow better than the naturally aspirated V8 used to, due to the increased torque at low rpm. 5000 lbs is not pushing it, I towed 4000-4500 lbs with the E53 3.0 at 225 hp, and it was fine. It depends on how many mountain passes you are pulling the trailer over, but for local boat launching I don't see a downside with 225 hp, and you would have 300 hp plus a much better torque curve.

Friends and family with Ford, GM and Dodge diesel pickups, particularly the most recent models, get used to that kind of acceleration when towing. Yes, it will be different with the X5, but towing shouldn't be a drag racing activity anyway. Just my $0.02.

Yeah I just finished about 15 more threads on towing and feeling better. I'm now leaning towards a new i6 or diesel. I'm leaning more towards the diesel since there is the $3,500 eco credit. $3,500 in the pocket would be nice, plus it has more torque. I priced one out the way I wanted (prem, tech, ipod connection, cold weather, prem sound, comfort access, heated rear seats, roof rails, running boards, auto high beams, all weather floor mats) and got a negotiated price of $56,295 after the eco credit. Not too shabby.