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  #1  
Old 09-18-2014, 12:42 AM
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Towing: 35i vs 35d

So I am fortunate enough to have two E70 X5s: One is a 2013 35i and one is a 2011 35d. We ordered the 2013 new and will likely keep it a long, long time as it has all the options we wanted (including AD) and is in great condition since we have had it since new (my wife is the primary driver). I liked it so much I searched for a 35d and purchased a CPO at a decent price in the color combo I wanted.

So....I am planning on having an invisihitch installed that I am planning on towing about a 4500-5000 lb boat behind. I assume the 35d will be better at pulling the boat, but I also know I will likely have the 35i for much longer. I don't really feel like putting a hitch on the 35d, but then having to go to the hassle of taking the hitch off and getting it installed on the 35i (with all of the harness wiring, coding, etc) after a few years.

So, how much better would the 35d be at towing a 5000 lb boat. Any opinions? Any first hand experience with both?
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  #2  
Old 09-18-2014, 07:44 AM
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I'll let you know how my 2011 35d trailers a 2100# U-haul trailer with my 2007 M6 on it from Mississippi to Wisconsin (1200 miles) in a few days. The X is rated to tow 6000# and I'll be at about 5800#. The diesel has 400+ Ft # of torque I believe which is much more than your gas X5. It took me less than 2 hours to install the hitch the other day and it's less time consuming than most people think.
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Old 09-18-2014, 09:52 AM
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Both will pull it fine. The 35d may do better on towing fuel economy if you are towing a lot and that matters in your case.

Engine torque doesn't much matter, for all the press it gets. It is hp that gets you up the hill at a given speed. While the diesel has good low end torque, so does the 35i, it is a characteristic of the turbos more than the combustion cycle. While the diesel has higher peak torque, you are fortunate to have a transmission so wheel torque will be higher on the 35i than the 35d, at a given speed.

Does your 35i have the 8 speed? That would matter more than the engine, to me at least.

Short story, whichever one makes the most sense for you.
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Old 09-18-2014, 10:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dnadrifter View Post

So, how much better would the 35d be at towing a 5000 lb boat. Any opinions? Any first hand experience with both?
The truth is,you will not know until you test both.
My '03 4.6is used to tow #6500 car on a trailer on occasions and never struggled even on a steep grades,usually getting around 14 mpg on a flats.But was really struggling with my 21" Sea Ray 210SD,which is around twice as high and wide as the X5.Should be around #5500 with the trailer and some stuff inside.I was getting 9-10 Mpg.The air resistance is the key factor here.
The '12 X5D pulls the boat in a very commanding matter,5th and 6th gear and 15-16 Mpg.That is where the diesel shines really and i hardly have to go over 1500 RPM.
I cant say how the 30i will be,my guess is it will be at least a few Mpg down and it may need more high RPM and more downshifting.Regardless of the 8 speed tranny you cant tow the boat on 8th gear with 1500 RPM with the gas.But if you decide to try i'll be glad to hear your impressions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lambeau View Post
I'll let you know how my 2011 35d trailers a 2100# U-haul trailer with my 2007 M6 on it from Mississippi to Wisconsin (1200 miles) in a few days. The X is rated to tow 6000# and I'll be at about 5800#. The diesel has 400+ Ft # of torque I believe which is much more than your gas X5. It took me less than 2 hours to install the hitch the other day and it's less time consuming than most people think.
Sorry,but there is no way M6 on a heavy U-haul trailer could be under #6000.But that is fine,I did tow up to #6500 at occasions and the X5 feels always in command.
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Old 09-18-2014, 11:00 AM
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I think it will be over 6K and watch your tongue weight.
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Old 09-18-2014, 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by bawareca View Post

Sorry,but there is no way M6 on a heavy U-haul trailer could be under #6000.But that is fine,I did tow up to #6500 at occasions and the X5 feels always in command.
2007 BMW M6 Specs

The curb weight of a 2007 M6 coupe is 3909#. I've removed over 120# from the exhaust system, 12# with an aluminum flywheel, 4# of exhaust shielding (Yes, 2 Mufflers deleted at 44# each) + resonators deleted and other exhaust mods. The weight is around 3725#. Trailer 2153# with a total weight of around 5920#. Yes, the fuel tank is empty. When reserving the U-Haul trailer it requires you to input the towed vehicle and the tow vehicle to compute if it's acceptable and the combination does fall within U-haul weight standards. To make the M6 as light as possible I'm removing the battery, air pump, and tool kit from the trunk and putting that in the X. That'll be another 75#. Every # will help. You are correct bawareca, even if it was 6500# it would probably still be OK. The M6 is very aerodynamic so that'll help for less wind resistance down the highway also.

I'll note the RPM at various highway speeds when I begin the trip tomorrow.
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Old 09-18-2014, 11:34 AM
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You did good,adding some lightness to the M6 Still the actual weight could be a tad more than you expect.You will be amazed how competent towing machine the X5 is and the people laughing at it have no idea of it's qualities.My diesel have no SLS on the back and I load the cars with a rearwards bias,more often the rear end first.U-haul trailer is very nose heavy(for safety reasons,of course)and if your X5 has no SLS you may consider loading the M6 backwards.
Good luck with your trip.
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Old 09-18-2014, 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by JCL View Post
Engine torque doesn't much matter, for all the press it gets. It is hp that gets you up the hill at a given speed.
I think it is completely opposite. It is the torque that sustains a given speed uphill. Horsepower is what accelerates.
I always use this analogy for horsepower vs. torque:
Horsepower = quick ninja. Torque = sumo wrestler.
A ninja is hella quick, but won't be as quick with a heavy backpack on it's back. A sumo wrestler is slow and steady empty handed, and won't even feel that backpack.

That's in line with how people who tow with 35ds describe it: acceleration is pretty much the same with or without a boat attached.
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Old 09-18-2014, 02:27 PM
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Diesel, no ifs and or buts about it.
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Old 09-18-2014, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by seattle View Post
I think it is completely opposite. It is the torque that sustains a given speed uphill. Horsepower is what accelerates.
I always use this analogy for horsepower vs. torque:
Horsepower = quick ninja. Torque = sumo wrestler.
A ninja is hella quick, but won't be as quick with a heavy backpack on it's back. A sumo wrestler is slow and steady empty handed, and won't even feel that backpack.

That's in line with how people who tow with 35ds describe it: acceleration is pretty much the same with or without a boat attached.
This is a very true analogy.
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