X5 Towing Capacity
 

I have been trying to get some straight poop on the towing capacity of the X5 and have been getting some conflicting opinions. My question is:

I am looking to purchase a 23 foot Hybrid Expandable Trailer with a dry weight of 4,369 lbs. From the BMW specs I see that the X5 (with either engine) has a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. This would appear to suggest that I have about 1,400 pounds of available capacity for people and gear before maxing out the towing capacity of the X5.

I would like to hear from those of you who have done some towing and get your recommendations on engine size (and torque) and your overall impression of how well the vehicle performed.

Thanks

There are separate ratings you need to consider.

The towing capacity refers to the loaded weight of the trailer. My X5 was an E53, so I am more familiar with that model, but I understand that it is still 6000 lbs with the E70.

The GVW refers to the loaded weight of the vehicle alone. That is what you add your passengers and gear to (unless the gear is stowed in the trailer).

The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) refers to the combined weight of the two. It is often less than the GVW plus the maximum towing capacity. I don't have the figure for the E70, and don't recall seeing one published. In the absence of a published figure, I would use the GVW plus towing capacity.

The X5 is generally a pretty good tow vehicle. The 3.0 is adequate, the 4.8 has more power. People tow with both, and they have the same ratings. If you are hauling over mountain passes, or running right at capacity, the 4.8 has more grunt. Next year, the twin turbo gasoline engine, when available, will shrink the gap. The upcoming diesel is a potential, but I would tow with the twin turbo gasoline engine before towing with the diesel.

I guess I'm really looking for recommendations on towing with the 4.i with a 23 foot trailer or would I suffice with the 3.i. Kind of new at this and want to make sure I'm going after the right vehicle to pull.

Depends on how much towing you do; whether it's almost everyday or once a year makes difference...

Not everyday we are new to this regarding camping in a trailer..fresh out out of a tent..probably summer camping which would consist of mostly weekends and maybe a couple weeks here and there..looking to take a trip to the east coast next August.

Then the 3.0 liter engine should suit you just fine. Considering the fuel economy and the outrageously expensive Canadian price for the 4.8, you'll be in good hands with the 3.0 liter.

Ouch... 425 ft/lbs torque w/diesel and u choose a gas engine to tow? :bustingup I would choose the diesel without question :D

If I was towing 100% of the time (Class 8 on highway truck, for example) I would choose a diesel. For a daily driver that will tow a holiday camper several days or weeks per year, I would choose a gasoline engine. I did opt for the twin turbo, as I like the torque aspect over the NA, particularly at high elevation. Also, the torque peak on the 35i is at 1300 rpm, not the 1750 rpm of the 35d. Helps when starting out with a load. The additional peak torque you are referring to is more related to the twin turbos than it is to the type of fuel. Ever tow with a naturally aspirated diesel?