How would you build an Ultimate Towing Machine (E70)?
 

Trying to figure out the best way to go, as I'm going to make the jump to a fresher (but used) X5 for the upcoming season. Travel trailer is 22 feet and 4,500 pounds fully freighted. Usually have 4 bikes on the roof of the X5 as well. What would you pick for the ultimate towing machine?

1. X5M - seems like an obvious choice, as the power, braking, and handling are more than sufficent. Comes with rear air suspension and adaptive drive standard. Do I get a much better cooling system than the other choices? Hitches are available and there is a minimum of fuss on the install, right? Only downsides are lack of 3rd row, which would be nice to have, and low clearance might be an issue on dirt roads.

2. X5 50i M-Sport - seems like a good second runner up, but I think I've read that a hitch is not so easy on this one because of the bumper design. True? Might 8 speeds be better for me than the 6 speed X5M? Air suspension is standard here too. Would do a dinan chip tune.

3. X5 50i with Sport activity package, adaptive drive, and 3rd row (in order to get rear air suspension). I like this idea b/c I will avoid the larger fender flares of the X5M and M-sport and the rock chipping issue. This will be a rare one to find on the used market, but if I do, will the suspension system as I've spec'd it get me close to the capabilities of the M-Sport? Would also do a Dinan chip tune for this one.

The 35d was omitted as I need something that is a fairly decent substitute for my old M5 when not hooked to a trailer.

Any thoughts or considerations that I've missed would be helpful!

I wouldn't rule out the diesel so quickly. Compare the HP/TQ curves carefully. Maximum torque on the diesel is available almost off idle. The X5d is a workhorse, and when you are not hooked up trailer it is still very respectable. The twin turbo setup is amenable to tuning as well, so you have some room to grow once you've broken it in. Diesels love to work hard, hot and are built hella stout. Disclaimer: Admittedly I am biased, but I have owned and driven diesel products all over the world. Some I did not tow with, but even the smaller engines outperformed their petrol counterparts, and... a diesel is made for pulling. It is not easy settling on a vehicle that will intermittently be used for towing. Consider test driving a diesel, *knowing without question* it will be the ultimate towing machine. Question is whether you will love driving it every day. Best regards.

OK, thanks. I am going to have to give it a go again. I drove one a couple years ago, but probably didn't spend enough seat time. I didn't like the initial lag, but maybe that was my lack of diesel driving experience. Would be nice to hook it up to the camper and give it a go. I would have to find one out there with 3rd row (for air sus) and adaptive drive.

Adaptive drive is definitely a worthwhile option, especially in everyday driving. I use the AD in the Sport setting 95% of the time. Towing will always be a small percentage of the total driving time. I'm just suggesting you first TRY and "rule out" the diesel as a daily driver. Dare you. Best regards.

I tow a ski boat with my 2011 X35d and it doesn't break a sweat with it. Up hills it just flat hauls butt. With my V8 X5 I had it did a great job of pulling the boat as well, it was just a higher RPM experience in that versus the Diesel which obviously is lower RPM/high torque and much more enjoyable experience; plus mileage while towing still infinitely better than the V8 ever was. Again, seat of your pants experience is the key as mentioned before.

I'd not hesitate pulling the travel trailer either. If I had the $ an X5M would be quite fun as well...

I don't think u can put a hitch on the X5M or X50 with M ground effects. Also, you must get a brake controller. I tow right at 5000 lbs with my 2008 4.8 and with brake controller it is just awesome.


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I'm with you on the brake controllers. Both of our current X's have Prodigy controllers.

I had thought the X5M could take a hitch without a bumper cutout, but maybe I am wrong.

Well looks like you are correct. I didn't think they had listed a trailer hitch for the M models, but BMWUSA has one for the 2011 X5M. Go for it!!


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