Buying a pre-owned 35d: What to ask for re: towing?

[RADRACR]

What specific questions should I ask for if I want a 35d for towing? Am I looking for installed OEM equipment or is it practical to install required equipment afterward?

[Poppyboy]

Don't waste your $$$ paying the stealer to install for you. There are several threads, including on this forum, about how to identify and install a hitch yourself.

[RADRACR]

But is there a "tow package" that some X5s have and some don't? I've heard to make sure it has self-leveling suspension, etc. I'm looking for a checklist.

[Poppyboy]

Yes. Some have it, which includes wiring. The need for the self-leveling suspension depends really on what you're towing. Do a search on this forum. I believe there have been several conversations about it.

[RADRACR]

Probably but it's a straight forward question I'm hoping someone can answer in a few minutes before I spend 30 minutes searching for exactly what I need.

I'll be towing a car on a trailer. About 5500 lbs total.

[MountainStone]

I, too, am researching the purchase of a 35d for towing purposes. I've searched this forum and Google and can find no definitive answer on whether there is a factory 'tow package.'

ECS Tuning, among others, sells the OEM hitch and wiring for less than $500. There are numerous cheaper options for hitches and wiring if you don't need OEM parts.

The self-leveling rear suspension appeals to me but is not required for towing. Again, searching reveals no definite answer on which trucks receive that option. All third-row equipped trucks do, but it is clearly also available on vehicles that do not have the third row. Look under the rear of the truck to determine whether it has coil springs or air bags.

I can find no information on whether there are any other extras one would get if buying a truck with a factory-installed hitch/wiring, e.g.: transmission cooler, tow/haul mode that recalibrates transmission shift points and firmness, electronic sway control, transmission fluid temp gauge, etc.

Please do post your findings. And though it pains me to say, you might consider a Touareg or Cayenne as their tow rating is 7700lbs vs the X5's 6000.

Also, you might cruise over the the e90 forum and read up on the concerns they have with the 3.0L diesel. Lots of stories of carbon buildup and the damage it causes to the intake side of the engine. Much more expensive to fix than a simple walnut blast and there is a cascade of problems resulting from it (much worse than the carbon buildup on the gas direct-injected engines). Not trying to dissuade you, just want you to be informed.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by aestheticstorm

Probably but it's a straight forward question ....

... and it's a straight forward search.

And you'll learn something from it.

[blue dragon]

The misinformation in this thread is appalling. The 35D does not seem to have the same issue as the 335D when it comes to carbon buildup. There is no factory tow pacakge, unless the first owner was able to get the hitch installed at the port.

Self levelling suspension helps when towing but its not necessary (I'd want it if I was towing 5500 lbs though).

[007_e350]

Any car w 3rd Row Seats will have Self Levelling Suspension by default, so look for that if you have to have SLS -
W Self Levelling suspension you do run a risk of puncture and replacement - Springs are better (maint wise) - however w SLS the car feels much more planted / comfortable on high speed curves when not towing (I haven't towed yet)

I dont think SLS is something you can retrofit DIY - I'd recommend sport package, love those fat 214s, seats bolsters etc - goodluck w the search

[joe_planet]

IF you balance out the load properly on the trailer your tongue weight shouldnt exceed 500#, which is almost like having 2 fat passenger in the back. I'm more than certain the car can handle that lol

[MAK3N3]

Also, all X5's have transmission coolers from the factory.

[RADRACR]

ok, I'm getting a Curt Class III hitch installed at the body shop that's painting the trim. Are the necessary towing wires tucked up in there or do I need to purchase the Trailer Hitch Electrical Kit? Or do folks use something else? I've read about brake controllers and all that.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by RADRACR

ok, I'm getting a Curt Class III hitch installed at the body shop that's painting the trim. Are the necessary towing wires tucked up in there or do I need to purchase the Trailer Hitch Electrical Kit? Or do folks use something else? I've read about brake controllers and all that.

I believe all the pre-wiring is in place….have you run your VIN through a decoder? Mine shows '8SL - preparation for trailer tow hitch'

I went with the Execuhitch (didn't want the receiver to show when not in use) but only the bike rack version, so no wiring. Hopefully someone else here can chime in.

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by RADRACR

ok, I'm getting a Curt Class III hitch installed at the body shop that's painting the trim. Are the necessary towing wires tucked up in there or do I need to purchase the Trailer Hitch Electrical Kit? Or do folks use something else? I've read about brake controllers and all that.

Unless you purchased the OE hitch wiring harness which comes with the AHM module, there isn't wiring tucked in there.

[infamousdiz]

its 1200 for hitch and install at bmw. towed boats most of my life would not get an non oem hitch(on a BMW...chevy pick up.U-Haul.) but that's just 15 years of dragging a 6-7k pound boat around, what do I know. you are in for a surprise when you tow with an X5..... It does not a have a traditional frame meaning you hear everything and it reverberates throughout the cab, it is not terrible it just shocked the shit out of me when I first towed with it. The x5 is a great hauler super amount of power and breaking very stable and I was pushing the limits.

had a hitch put on my X5 4.8 and the X5M paid twice,

[RADRACR]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Unless you purchased the OE hitch wiring harness which comes with the AHM module, there isn't wiring tucked in there.

Are you referring to this kit?

Is it something I can install myself (does it plug into a pre-installed harness somewhere at the rear?) or is it a more involved install that I would need the dealer to do?

[rennis]

Originally Posted by infamousdiz

you are in for a surprise when you tow with an X5..... It does not a have a traditional frame meaning you hear everything and it reverberates throughout the cab, it is not terrible it just shocked the shit out of me when I first towed with it. The x5 is a great hauler super amount of power and breaking very stable and I was pushing the limits.

All unibody SUVs are like this. I've towed with a Jeep GC and noise was even worse.

One thing anyone towing with a unibody SUV should get for towing is a silent pin for the drawbar. It cuts that noise in half, and then some. Best $25 I've spent on any vehicle in a long time.

Sounds like this conversation has been put to bed? But if not: Yes the X5 can tow, and yes I'd definitely prefer air suspension in the rear if you're going to tow.

[infamousdiz]

Originally Posted by rennis

All unibody SUVs are like this. I've towed with a Jeep GC and noise was even worse.

One thing anyone towing with a unibody SUV should get for towing is a silent pin for the drawbar. It cuts that noise in half, and then some. Best $25 I've spent on any vehicle in a long time.

Sounds like this conversation has been put to bed? But if not: Yes the X5 can tow, and yes I'd definitely prefer air suspension in the rear if you're going to tow.

The first time I heard that bang from the hitch and receiver I thought bumper ripped in half. Any play in the hitch you hear

[smass]

I wrap a little duct tape around the draw bar before I put it in the receiver. It is silent. It also keeps things from scraping up and getting rusty.

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by RADRACR

Are you referring to this kit?

Is it something I can install myself (does it plug into a pre-installed harness somewhere at the rear?) or is it a more involved install that I would need the dealer to do?

Thats the kit, and you can definitely do it yourself. I did. Then get Okee (codemycar@gmail.com) to code your car so it knows there is a hitch present. Then it will turn off the rear PDC when there is something plugged into the hitch. You will also get the stability program activated for sway control, and you get the trailer bulb checks so you know if a bulb is burned out.

If you need run a brake controller, there is a 4 pin plug on that harness for the brake controller. You could also just run a prodigy wireless and avoid the hassle of snaking the brake controller harness from the back to the front of the car.

[amgraham]

First post but this seems like an appropriate point to join in...

I very recently purchased a 2011 CPO X5 x35d. Diesels with the third row, CPO, are pretty few and far between, at least around here. Fortunately we found one with Sport Activity, Cold Weather, Premium, Premium Sound, Rear Climate, Tech, Heated Rear Seats and Side View. Nicely equipped... I had an M Coupe a few years ago so getting another BMW to replace my 06 Jeep Commander was a nice treat. Oh yeah... Alpine White with Cinnamon.

I knew I'd need a hitch and debated between the OEM and the Execuhitch. Although I'm not a fan of cutting the bumper and installed hitches on two of my previous vehicles, the dealer made it convenient and reasonable by doing it for $1017, including tax, at the time of purchase. I knew that I'd have to have the ECU coded but didn't realize I had options for that so I figured I'd have to go to the dealer anyway. The OEM hitch might be more desirable to other buyers down the road. Who knows. The dealer did a nice job of it and the end caps, etc. on the cutout make it look as nice as it can, I guess.

I don't plan on towing over 6000 but it's my understanding that all X5s are rated the same, from the factory, no tow package required, as others have indicated. It's also my understanding (and I could be wrong so feel free to tell me) that for most markets outside NA, the X5 is rated at 7500 lbs. From what I can tell, the US number would seem to be based on the hitch rating itself. In the US, the guideline is 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue. In other markets, they use a lower percentage. Europe is actually only 4%, I'm pretty sure. It's not so much that the hitch is different but 4% of 7500 lbs < 10% of 6000 lbs if the hitch is limited to 600 lbs. I think the vehicle is perfectly capable of "pulling" 7500 lbs but trailering guidelines in NA dictate the 6000 lb max due to the 600 lb tongue weight.

I only tow a utility trailer with compact diesel tractor with a front loader or some ATVs and occasionally a small travel trailer. I'm confident the OEM will work fine for that and hopefully I'll get more than the 11.3 mpg I'd get in the Commander with the Hemi when dragging that stuff around.

I realize that you've made your decision and good luck. I know the thread may seem exhausted to some but thought I'd introduce myself here and weigh in, no pun intended.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by amgraham

First post but this seems like an appropriate point to join in...

I very recently purchased a 2011 CPO X5 x35d. Diesels with the third row, CPO, are pretty few and far between, at least around here. Fortunately we found one with Sport Activity, Cold Weather, Premium, Premium Sound, Rear Climate, Tech, Heated Rear Seats and Side View. Nicely equipped... I had an M Coupe a few years ago so getting another BMW to replace my 06 Jeep Commander was a nice treat. Oh yeah... Alpine White with Cinnamon.

I knew I'd need a hitch and debated between the OEM and the Execuhitch. Although I'm not a fan of cutting the bumper and installed hitches on two of my previous vehicles, the dealer made it convenient and reasonable by doing it for $1017, including tax, at the time of purchase. I knew that I'd have to have the ECU coded but didn't realize I had options for that so I figured I'd have to go to the dealer anyway. The OEM hitch might be more desirable to other buyers down the road. Who knows. The dealer did a nice job of it and the end caps, etc. on the cutout make it look as nice as it can, I guess.

I don't plan on towing over 6000 but it's my understanding that all X5s are rated the same, from the factory, no tow package required, as others have indicated. It's also my understanding (and I could be wrong so feel free to tell me) that for most markets outside NA, the X5 is rated at 7500 lbs. From what I can tell, the US number would seem to be based on the hitch rating itself. In the US, the guideline is 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue. In other markets, they use a lower percentage. Europe is actually only 4%, I'm pretty sure. It's not so much that the hitch is different but 4% of 7500 lbs < 10% of 6000 lbs if the hitch is limited to 600 lbs. I think the vehicle is perfectly capable of "pulling" 7500 lbs but trailering guidelines in NA dictate the 6000 lb max due to the 600 lb tongue weight.

I only tow a utility trailer with compact diesel tractor with a front loader or some ATVs and occasionally a small travel trailer. I'm confident the OEM will work fine for that and hopefully I'll get more than the 11.3 mpg I'd get in the Commander with the Hemi when dragging that stuff around.

I realize that you've made your decision and good luck. I know the thread may seem exhausted to some but thought I'd introduce myself here and weigh in, no pun intended.

hmm great thoughts on this. I too am debating on which hitch I want. Do you have a picture of your install?