Towing with X5

[ibkevman]

I'm looking for some advice on which X5 is best for towing a trailer. Here's some background for reference:

• I have a 6x12 single axle v-nose that I use to haul 2 racing sportbikes plus generator, EZUPs, toolboxes, gear, etc.
• Estimating trailer to weigh 3,000 with all stuff in it and probably another 1,000 for people/coolers/etc. so let's focus the conversation at 4,000 added weight
• I previously had a 2006 X5 4.4 that did an OK job of towing it. It didn't like being in 6th gear but if I manually shifted it according to wind/hills it did the job

What I'm trying to decide now is do I need a V8 (4.8 or 5.0) or will a 3.5 get the job done. It looks like the towing capacity is around 6,000 or so for each but I'm curious to hear some actual results noted from members here. I know this isn't the IDEAL tow vehicle but I just don't want a Tahoe/Yukon to drive around the 90% of the time I don't have a trailer behind.


Thanks in advance for any opinions/experiences.

[digdesign]

A 3.5 would certainly pull your trailer but if you weren't happy with the 4.4 I don't think the 3.5 will be much different.

How often and how far are you towing? If it's only a couple of times a year the 3.5 might not be so bad, but have you considered a Diesel? That would be my first choice.

Also, I would recommend getting one with a load leveling suspension if you can. It's not a must have, but when I was searching I decided to get one with and I'm really glad I did. I personally prefer to not have the rear sag at all.

Discussion about standard vs load leveling suspension here
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...uspension.html

There's a towing thread here
Towing Photos with X5. - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

[JCL]

Both the 35i and 35d are 3.0 engines, not 3.5 litres.

I think the 35i would be fine. Better low end torque than the 4.4 you used to have, with maximum torque available from 1200 rpm IIRC. The new 8 speed transmission would be a benefit as well. If the transmission hunts on hills manually shift it to the lower gear. That isn't evidence of a problem, that is the correct technique.

I'd take the 35i over the 35d but either would work. If you want a V8, fine, but base that on your 90% usage, as towing won't require it.

[ibkevman]

I'm not doing any cross country runs with it. Most would be 3 hours and some would be 5 hours. The 35i would make more sense for the 90% of the time I'm commuting or running around town.

[JCL]

Then that 90% is what should guide your selection

[ibkevman]

Yeah, I understand that. I thought along those lines when I bought a new Highlander and it sucks towing. I'm hoping to avoid a similar mistake in buying another BMW. I know it won't tow like a 3/4 ton truck, but I'd like it to do at least as good as the 4.4i did.

[bawareca]

Originally Posted by ibkevman

Yeah, I understand that. I thought along those lines when I bought a new Highlander and it sucks towing. I'm hoping to avoid a similar mistake in buying another BMW. I know it won't tow like a 3/4 ton truck, but I'd like it to do at least as good as the 4.4i did.

X5 E53 is very competent vehicle for towing.I have never towed with 3/4 or 1 ton truck,but i can bet that my 4.6is had a better handling,better brakes and better acceleration than most,with 6-7000 lbs trailer that is.E70 35D is Ok handling wise,but mine rally suffers from the lack of a SLS.Brakes are good and I can climb very steep hills with 65 mph,5th gear @1600 rpm.Getting 18-19 mpg towing doesnt hurt either.My guess is that 35i wont be far off that numbers either.
If only E53 diesel was available here .....

[Jyohay]

Don't see why the diesel isn't the way to go. And a simple tune like jbd would give it a huge tq bump.
I just dynod with my 35xdrive gas model today on an e30 Cobb map 333hp 524tq. Enough tq to tow whatever

[beamertruck]

I tow 8k without issues sometimes on my 2006 X5 4.4i

[KnudsonsM3]

Originally Posted by Jyohay

Don't see why the diesel isn't the way to go. And a simple tune like jbd would give it a huge tq bump.
I just dynod with my 35xdrive gas model today on an e30 Cobb map 333hp 524tq. Enough tq to tow whatever

Oh do I want that tune. How did it affect your mpg?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk