new member with a few questioins

[coloexpat]

I have jsut placed an order for a 2012 35D and I had a couple of questions.

I will be using the X5 to tow a kart racing trailer, the trailer weighs between 2300-2400 KG loaded. I have been able to determine the X5 can tow 2700 KG but, it also has the option of towing 3500 KG.

Is there a special code (package) I need to order to have the ability to tow 3500? If so, what is the code? My dealer (Pentagon Car Sales) does not know anything about this.

I have seen the X5 diesel with and without the air leveling suspension. Is it the air leveling suspension that enables the higher rate of towing? Which package gets you the air suspension?

I have read the thread about the towing hitches but I have a question regarding the Euro hitch in particular. Since I live in Germany and will be towing here I plan on using the factory "swan" style hitch. There are two models to choose from, one is electric (code 3AC) and the other is manual (code 235) both allow 3.5 T. Has anyone acutally used the factory european hitch? If so, how were you able to conver the american wiring to the european wiring? Once it has been coded to operate correctly does the programming remain after the car is updated during a service or, would this have to be recoded every time?

Here's my build in a nutshell. Pictures to follow once I receive it.
exterior color (can't decide between)
B06 OR, 300

interior
LUSW
4AD

options
320
456
ZAP
ZCW
ZPP
ZPS
ZTP
2LE
328
6NR

I saw on one post that the "soft close" doors would be available on the 2012 models. Is this an option that I must choose? I do not see it listed in the options I have to select from. Would this be included in one of the packages I have chosen?

I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get it (should be week 49 or 50)

Thanks for reading the long first post. Looking forward to learning from and sharing with you all in the future.

Jeff

[JCL]

I often use the UK web site since it provides configurations similar to the rest of Europe, but is in English. www.bmw.co.uk

The increased towing capacity code is 233. In the UK, it is a no-cost mandatory option with the electric hitch, code 3AC. Given that it is a no-cost option, I suspect that it doesn't have anything to do with air suspension. That wouldn't be free IMO.

Now a potential problem. That code appears on the web site as being specific to the SE model (I looked at the 30D). There is no 35d in the UK. The issue appears to be around interference with the various rear aprons. Not saying it wouldn't work, just that it may not be a legitimate order combination with your 35d.

The coding that is required for a US model (and probably similar for a Euro model) is simply to get the vehicle to recognize that the trailer wiring module is connected. It is like a plug and play device that is sitting there but not recognized. (similar to a CD player in Windows that sometimes doesn't get recognized when installed). There is no logic in the reprogramming to provide new functionality, that functionality is already in the vehicle. There may be issues in getting a Euro vehicle to recognize US wiring, and vice versa. I would look to other expats for that info.

Since it is a US model, why wouldn't you just get the US hitch and wiring, keeping it all in the family so to speak? That would be the simplest from the vehicle standpoint.

[coloexpat]

Thanks for the towing capacity code. I will ask my salesman on Monday about adding this to my order. I hope that I am actually able to order this. Since it is a free upgrade when ordering the hitch as compared to air leveling suspension. I wonder how you get the air suspension. I wonder if you get air suspension when you order the 3rd row seating. I do not want the 3rd row seating so I am going to have to do some more research to find out how I can get the air suspension.

I am trying to use the European hitch purely for aesthetic reasons. I do not like the fact a square must be cut into the bumper over to allow room for the receiver. In addition, you always see the receiver when not in use. I much prefer the option of either, pushing a button and the trailer neck just drops down (electric) or, manually installing the trailer neck. With either option you will not see the receiver when not in use.

I read a post where the OP had installed an "exuhitch"? It was stated in that post the X5 has been pre-wired for trailer towing and, the wiring is located in the RR of the truck. It is my hope to purchase from a Euro dealer the hitch, install it, plug the wiring in and, then take to the dealer for coding.

Back to the towing capacity thing real quick. Do you know what you get when you order code 233? To me it would make sense that if you from the ability to tow 2.7T to 3.5T there would be additional oil coolers for the tranny and possibly the diff as well as an increase in cooling capacity. I would be curious to hear from anyone with code 233 to see if they could provide some insight.

[JCL]

The higher capacity was only ever a Euro issue, it never impacted North American models. And it didn't cost money. There are no more coolers, or anything like that. There may be different software, ie shift points, I don't know.

Towing capacities are based on vehicle capabilities, and local regulations. Since it is a no cost option only available in certain jurisdictions, and based only on those facts, I don't think the vehicle is any different, I think it may just be labelled differently. One clue is that the standard towing capacity of 2.7t is stated simply, whereas the 3.5t capacity is limited to 12% grades. It may be as simple as a different label.

It would be interesting to know, however. One member here (from the UK) posted that the higher limit was simply a paperwork exercise, but I haven't seen other details of that.

The vehicle is pre-wired for the BMW trailer towing module and harness. You buy those from the dealer, and the vehicle has a place to plug them in. The vehicle also has some pre-wiring for trailer brakes; it still requires that you purchase a trailer brake controller, but the installation is easier than it was on previous models. If you have surge brakes on your trailer you won't require the electric trailer brake controller.

There are a few threads where members have installed Euro hitches on NA models. In those cases they purchased the NA wiring kit separately, to match their vehicles (which still required coding).

Personally, I like the fact that you can always see the hitch receiver. Form follows function. The rear apron can be trimmed so it is neat and tidy. That is what I did on my E53 and my X3.