Towing a car with an X5 3.0?
 

Hi there-

This is my first post here. I apologize if this has already been covered in detail here, but the search function is not currently working for me for some reason.

In any case, I am interested in getting info on towing a car with an X5. We are currently shopping for a dual purpose daily driver/tow vehicle for my race car... I have an E30 that is around 2600 lbs or so that I will be towing on an open steel trailer... I was wondering if an X5 3.0 would serve as an adequate tow vehicle for this car. The trailer I would be pulling would most likely weigh in the neighborhood of 1500-1800 lbs. I know this fits into the tow capacity ratings for a 3.0, but I had some other questions:

-Should I only consider an X5 fitted with the factory tow package?

-Does the factory tow package already have provisions for connections to trailer brakes, etc?

-What trailer brake config would you recommend?

-Are the brakes/suspension on a 3.0 up to the task of towing a car?

Any other info I can gleen from y'all would be greatly appreciated! I was also considering an '05 or newer Pathfinder for the job, but we'd prefer to have an X5.

Thanks in advance-

The X5 tows great though I would suggest a 4.4 2005 or 2006.

They get about the same or better MPG and have more power.

You should use a BMW hitch which may be hard to get.

I used to tow the porsche with a 4runner and switched to the X5 - much better.

You can probably do it with a 3.0 but as the previous poster indicated, pretty much same MPG and more power with the 4.4. I opted for the '05 4.4.

Finding a X5 with the tow package is hard, but the factory hitch is readily available from dealers, now - ~$500. So find the car and add the hitch.

If this guy can tow a 5900 pound boat with his X5 3.0. I am pretty sure you will be fine towing your e30.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...t-awesome.html

jsears posted a link in the post above where I put up a picture of an M Coupe and open trailer behind a 3.0 5 speed. The 3.0 is fully up to the task.

There is no factory tow package in North America. There is an OEM hitch, but it is a dealer-installed item. Recommend you look at the OEM hitch due to issues in attaching to the unibody. It is a straightforward DIY install. OEM wiring is recommended as well, and can be purchased as part of the hitch. No trailer brakes are pre-wired; you can use surge brakes on the trailer, or an electric brake controller. Look at the How To link at the top of the page and read up on installing the hitch and brake controller.

Hey everyone, thanks so much for the great info!

My budget is the mid to high teens, so I'm not so sure I can get into an 05 or newer... Having said that, it seems that there are some decent looking 4.4's in my price range.

I talked to a mechanic buddy of mine, and he told me that although the 4.4 is a great motor, it does require significantly more expensive maintenance... Would you all agree? That was actually my initial reason for looking at the 3.0's, but I certainly am not against the 4.4 option.

He also mentioned to me a list of typical problem issues that would need to be addressed on a 4.4 if I wanted to keep it tip-top:

-Valley pan gasket replacement
-Intake manifold gasket replacements (4.2 hours labor because of location???)
-Typical cooling system component replacement (water pump, radiator, etc)

Has this been your experience, as well, on a 4.4?

Thanks again for all the help. I'm becoming even more confident now that this could make for a really cool tow vehicle. :)

EDIT: I called the local BMW dealer and they are quoting between $1000 and $1200 plus tax for the hitch install... Does this sound in line with the prices you've seen?

You can definitely tow with the 3.0. I towed my ski boat with my '01. And while it wasn't a rocket it was still very capable. The OEM hitch is the way to go. I installed mine myself and also the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller. The hitch is time consuming install, but if you are remotely handy with tools and using the instructions on this site, plus another pair of hands you can do it. Brake controller is a must as well. I have the 4.4i now and that thing just yanks the boat around easily. I am thrilled with the 4.4i and would recommend that engine for towing chores. But if you find a great 3.0i for a good price you will still have a good tow vehicle.