Towing post...what do you think?
 

I will start by saying I searched and read all I could about the X5 and towing. I just wanted to get some opinions from some members.
I am looking to buy a used 04/05 X5 3.0 and plan to tow with it.

Here is what I plan to tow:
3600lb boat/trailer/gear/fuel/etc.
The single axle trailer has surge brakes.
We normally tow only on the summer weekends to the boat ramp that is about 20 mins away. The roads here are flat and are at sea level.
We take 1 trip a summer to a lake house about 3 hours away.

Is this going to be too much for the X5 3.0 to handle?

Thank you in advance for your input.

Go for it. Just be sure the X has an OEM hitch. You'll do fine.

Dave

no worries, i tow a car hauler with mine :)

X5 3.0 will be fine
 

But I'd never tow a 3600+ lb trailer on a single axle. Just me I guess.

Do you have the 3.0?
Thanks

My girlfriend tows close to 5,00 pounds (race car and trailer) with hers. It's a 4.4 and not the 3.0 but on flat level ground I wouldn't think you'd have any issues.

Keep an eye on the trans temps if you can, and I would suggest changing the fluid.

The 3.0 and 4.4 are both rated to tow 6000lbs. I wouldn't worry about it, esp if you have flat roads. You absolutely need to use the BMW hitch if you're going to two that much though.

I am planning on getting the BMW hitch just to make sure no issues.
Thanks for the information so far. It has been helpful.
Sounds like I will be ok.

Masterhitch has a class III hitch for both the X5 and X,3 rated for 6k for an X5 and 3.5K LBS for the X3 (same hitch but the X3 isnt rated for 6k lbs is why the difference), its about 400.00 installed complete with electrical harness.

Here is the class IV hitch I've been using. Works great, lasts long..

http://web.mac.com/sjsamaha/Site/BMW_X5.html#37

X5 3.0 sport
 

I've been towing a 2500 pound double jetski trailer for thousands
of miles, no issues. Sometimes the BMW doesn't have enough guts
to pull the trailer out of a steep ramp. But when I turn the AC off
it is enough of a help to do it.

I am getting a 4x4 Tundra for future towing and using BMW as backup.

I used aftermarket hitch, no BMW electrical interface. I did have some
bulb warning issues so I switched out the Trailer lights for LED's which
have very little current draw and it has worked fine. BMW can keep their
$200 part....................

what do you tow?