[Dochere2]

Here's an LCI towing 4500lbs, with approximately 500lbs of TW, no assistance devices, wdh, etc. Almost no change in ride height front / rear.

[phoenixR34]

This thread is excellent. I currently tow with my 2017 Tacoma, but am thinking about selling it for a X5.

Right now I tow a 20ft (4500lb) single axle camper trailer, as well as an E46 M3 (3000lbs) + aluminum car trailer. Seems like either of these are no problem with the X5. I just want to make sure I'm looking at the correct version X5.

I am looking at 2016~2018, 3.0 I6 turbo engine in the X5. I assume that is ok? Sorry, I have owned a lot of BMW cars, but never a X5. Thanks again for all this info!

[bono]

No, this is forum for G05 (latest) model and you are targeting F15 model. Anyway, X5 will tow any of the loads you mentioned much better than Tacoma. 100% guaranteed.

The best would be if you install aftermarket hitch on your F15 in order to use weight distribution hitch. OE F15 hitch does not work with WDH. Of course, you would need to ignore the noise some folks are making in terms of using weight distribution hitch with BMW. Night and day difference when using WDH.

[Harv]

Originally Posted by beattiecj

WDH have read these are not recommended for bmw but will explore this regardless think it could make big improvement

This is basically a Germany thing. They are not used in Germany so there’s your statement. I used one for years of towing with my F15 35d with no adverse effects. I’m now using the same one with my G05 M50i and it works like it’s supposed to.

John

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by phoenixR34

This thread is excellent. I currently tow with my 2017 Tacoma, but am thinking about selling it for a X5.

Right now I tow a 20ft (4500lb) single axle camper trailer, as well as an E46 M3 (3000lbs) + aluminum car trailer. Seems like either of these are no problem with the X5. I just want to make sure I'm looking at the correct version X5.

I am looking at 2016~2018, 3.0 I6 turbo engine in the X5. I assume that is ok? Sorry, I have owned a lot of BMW cars, but never a X5. Thanks again for all this info!

Follow Bono’s advice here’s a good reference, I used to tow with an F15 2017 and it worked well.

BMW F15 Towing

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by Harv

This is basically a Germany thing. They are not used in Germany so there’s your statement. I used one for years of towing with my F15 35d with no adverse effects. I’m now using the same one with my G05 M50i and it works like it’s supposed to.

John

Excellent thanks John do you mind sharing which WDH you have used? Understood this may vary by application.

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by beattiecj

Hey all finally towed to the track with my new to me 50i also served as the camper too, it was pretty solid, if you are under 6ft tall.

Running an R&R 18ft aluminum trailer with the car, tires and other crap it come out to around 5k lbs, also using a curt eco Bluetooth brake controller.

Only real regret is not getting air suspension as the rear sags a bit much for my for my liking (empty and loaded trailer drop is around 3 to 4 inches haven’t officially measured). Think stiffer springs would help, don’t know the tongue weight as of yet.

Averaged 11mpg going slightly above 70mph speed limit. For reference my 2017 F15 got around 14mpg with a slightly lighter trailer same setup otherwise. Will update more typically will tow around 3,000 miles a year for various racing weekends along the east coast.

Will do a few refinements on setup and I’ll update.

Quick update on my original post a few weeks ago, finally did the tongue weight which came out to 650lbs which is 100 more than the BMW stated max of 550. Luckily moving the car back a bit and moving a set of tires into the car was able to get it down to 450. My initial test drive the x5 felt much better to drive e.g the bouncyness is gone and the sag is reduced as well.

For reference I used a tongue weight scale & measured it at the same height I tow the trailer with. Highly recommend people do this, it’s a pretty simple way to get the right towing setup.

My main gripe is I wish BMWs had the 10% tongue rule 720lbs would be much much better!