Just bought a 2008 X5 4.8 for towing a full size 23' travel trailer. Travel trailer is around 5500 lbs. The 4.8 tows it effortlessly and the E70 is a hugely stable platform.

I would imagine that "only" towing a 3000 lb trailer should be fine with a 6 or 8 cyl model. It's not that much weight, IMO.

- JP

As mentioned earlier in this thread, the 35i should get the job done. On the other hand the 35d makes it effortless.

I used to tow my 240SX racecar on a trailer with a 3.3L Nissan Xterra. It did its job but there were better ways to move 3000 lbs. The X5d suits my lifestyle perfectly and it is capable as a tow rig. I towed my motorcycle with little effort. When I drove 200 miles to deliver a complete engine and transmission I hardly felt it. It was like I had a car full of big people. Fuel economy towing the engine from Houston to San Antonio was around 20 mpg. I was going 80-85 mph on Interstate 10, however.

In two weeks I'll be moving my race car from storage to my new garage, so the X5 will see towing duty once again. I love the versatility of my E70.