Automatic Transmission Cooler & Tow Package !
 

I am investigating how to add an additional transmission cooler to help the automatic transmission better dissipate heat when we tow with our 2006 X3 3.0i

So far we tow a 1,900 small T@B trailer
which should not present any problem for the X3 but I still think it would be beneficial to increase the cooling capacity of the transmission for longer life.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...B/IMG_7729.JPG

I have read some folks advise against additional transmission cooling, due to internal temperature switches and too low temperature as a result, but I am willing to bet that more cooling will help more than it will hurt in our case.

It would be great to hear from some folks that have gone down this path (and possibly upgraded). Reading many, many pages of posts here has not been that enlightening.

The one thread that I found really interesting in understanding tow packages was in the Dodge Durango forums which I will share here: Crap. Don't have the tow package. What to do?

It talks about added transmission coolers, bigger alternators, rear shocks that are auto leveling and of course electric brake controllers + a hitch. These factory upgrades upped the tow capacity of the Durango from 3,500lbs to 6,000 which blew me away.

I'd like to think something similar could be done for the X3. Have a look and let me know what you think !

I'm interested in hearing some feedback on this as well.

Can you tell me what kind of gas mileage you get when towing the TAB?

Brian in Austin

I wouldn't worry about an additional cooler. I've been towing for 10 years with no additional transmission cooler and the original transmission fluid.

2002 X5 (E53) 3.0 309,000 miles

That's impressive. Didn't think the X vehicles had it in them to go 300K, especially while towing. What have you been towing?

Brian in Austin

1300 lb PWC/trailer package 3000 miles per year. The occasional utility trailer 2000-2500 pounds.

Not very heavy trailers, but, its still impressive that you have that many miles on that transmission and transfer case. I'm surprised when any automatic trans lasts even 200k let alone 300K+