Towing on an X5

[bcoffin23]

Anyone here tow 3000-4000lb on their X5?

I have a miata race car and ram 2500 diesel long bed to tow it. New job means I need to get a daily (and sell the truck) and I am considering an X5, either the N52 or N55, haven't made up my mind yet.

Does anybody here tow something comparable on one of these? Any horror stories or considerations I should be taking into account?

I have owned a Z3, e90 328, and e92 335i coupe so am familiar to the BMW family.

[socale39]

Towed a full car trailer hauling a 71 chevelle with my 35d no problem. That included going up a very steep grade. Never questioned it's ability since.

[335dsleeper]

I've towed a lot of different vehicles, tractors, livestock and trailer types/sizes with the X5. I've never felt sketched out, or concerned or really questioned it at all. In fact, I feel more comfortable towing in the X5 than I did in my 05 PSD Excursion.

It's a phenomenal tow vehicle! It has the power, stability and brakes to match!

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1497476795

[bcoffin23]

Thank you for the responses. How much better is the diesel at towing vs the gas?

The towing capability looks to be ~1500 greater, but are there reinforced components in the diesels to better cater to towing?

[335dsleeper]

I'm not sure about the E70's but, I also had a 4.8is that I towed an enclosed 24ft trailer and an E46m3 track car without any issue. I think it's safe to say the X5, diesel and petrol are pretty decent tow rigs.

Originally Posted by bcoffin23

Thank you for the responses. How much better is the diesel at towing vs the gas?

The towing capability looks to be ~1500 greater, but are there reinforced components in the diesels to better cater to towing?

[bcoffin23]

Originally Posted by 335dsleeper

I'm not sure about the E70's but, I also had a 4.8is that I towed an enclosed 24ft trailer and an E46m3 track car without any issue. I think it's safe to say the X5, diesel and petrol are pretty decent tow rigs.

Cool thanks! From what I am reading, it really comes down to the chassis for towing capability over the engine.

Sure, towing over 6k on a 3.0L may not be ideal, but I am reading the X5 chassis can tow ~5k regardless of engine size.

Not sure if that is forum science or reality, but BMW brochure seems to confirm.

[335dsleeper]

I think you'll be presently surprised with the X5's ability as a tow rig.

Originally Posted by bcoffin23

Cool thanks! From what I am reading, it really comes down to the chassis for towing capability over the engine.

Sure, towing over 6k on a 3.0L may not be ideal, but I am reading the X5 chassis can tow ~5k regardless of engine size.

Not sure if that is forum science or reality, but BMW brochure seems to confirm.

[VEEDUBB1]

perfect .... a towing topic. I was just about to ask....

Has anyone towed a 26 foot cruiser boat on a tandem trailer? Wifey had a mishap with her 06 e90 325xi ( selling the car as a whole for parts pm me if interested don't reply here ) so shes thinking of a 2010 ish x5 and I'm thinking of a boat.

[JoeyBimX5din]

Originally Posted by 335dsleeper

I've towed a lot of different vehicles, tractors, livestock and trailer types/sizes with the X5. I've never felt sketched out, or concerned or really questioned it at all. In fact, I feel more comfortable towing in the X5 than I did in my 05 PSD Excursion.

It's a phenomenal tow vehicle! It has the power, stability and brakes to match!

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1497476795

I have driven my personal X5 and so many Excursions. What in the world makes your opinion sway this way? Is this a 6.0 related thing? An excursion should, and most likely would out tow 2 X5's.

[335dsleeper]

The Excursion is a big, heavy truck with a short wheelbase compared to the similarly rated pickups. It's squeerly, had massive body roll and was not an impressive tow machine when compared to 3/4 ton pickups. This has been identified and discussed all over internet for years. The Excursion leaves a lot to be desired. It's max towing capacity is 11k, which is nothing by today's standards.

I never said or suggested the Excursion couldn't tow or couldn't tow more than the X5, I simply said I feel more comfortable towing with my X5 than i did with my Excursion. The X5 is much more nimble, has much better brakes and the much wider tires keeps her from wandering and just gives a much better, more controlled and planted feel.

I put 130k miles on my Excursion, which included towing a variety of trailers in a variety of terrain all over the Country, most notably a 10k lb toyhauler. I've also put just under 100k on my X5 doing the same and that is my opinion.

Would I attempt to tow 11k with the X5? Nope. But, knowing what i know now, I wouldn't with the excursion either. If I had to pick between my X5 or my Excursion to tow my 335d to and from the track... I'd pick the X5 any day of the week.

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

I have driven my personal X5 and so many Excursions. What in the world makes your opinion sway this way? Is this a 6.0 related thing? An excursion should, and most likely would out tow 2 X5's.

[JoeyBimX5din]

Originally Posted by 335dsleeper

The Excursion is a big, heavy truck with a short wheelbase compared to the similarly rated pickups. It's squeerly, had massive body roll and was not an impressive tow machine when compared to 3/4 ton pickups. This has been identified and discussed all over internet for years. The Excursion leaves a lot to be desired. It's max towing capacity is 11k, which is nothing by today's standards.

I never said or suggested the Excursion couldn't tow or couldn't tow more than the X5, I simply said I feel more comfortable towing with my X5 than i did with my Excursion. The X5 is much more nimble, has much better brakes and the much wider tires keeps her from wandering and just gives a much better, more controlled and planted feel.

I put 130k miles on my Excursion, which included towing a variety of trailers in a variety of terrain all over the Country, most notably a 10k lb toyhauler. I've also put just under 100k on my X5 doing the same and that is my opinion.

Would I attempt to tow 11k with the X5? Nope. But, knowing what i know now, I wouldn't with the excursion either. If I had to pick between my X5 or my Excursion to tow my 335d to and from the track... I'd pick the X5 any day of the week.

You are entitled to your opinion. I agree with you that the x5 has better brakes. The excursions wheel base is almost identical to a regular cab long bed super duty, so I do not believe its wheelbase hurts it towing prowess. My opinion is the extra weight makes a better tow vehicle, I also do not share your opinion that the excursion was 'floaty' they drove and drive nearly similar to 1st gen super duty trucks, and IMO they drive well, for 6500lb + trucks. I believe the high quality driving dynamics of your X5 make it far more appealing of a driver, that I do agree with on top of the brake comparison.

[335dsleeper]

Op, I apologize for the OT discussion. You'll be fine towing with you X5 and believe you'll be impressed with how it pulls.

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

You are entitled to your opinion. I agree with you that the x5 has better brakes. The excursions wheel base is almost identical to a regular cab long bed super duty, so I do not believe its wheelbase hurts it towing prowess. My opinion is the extra weight makes a better tow vehicle, I also do not share your opinion that the excursion was 'floaty' they drove and drive nearly similar to 1st gen super duty trucks, and IMO they drive well, for 6500lb + trucks. I believe the high quality driving dynamics of your X5 make it far more appealing of a driver, that I do agree with on top of the brake comparison.