Who Says The BMW X5 Can't Tow?

[@seanpfire]

We just got back from our first camp adventure with our 5000lb, dry weight 21’ trailer with my new 2023 x5 40i. Performed very well. Your video helped me finalize my purchase decision. Load distribution bars and sway control are a must for overall control. I purchased the Curt wireless controller for no mess setup. And a coyote X5 manual, while in tow mode the car has computer controlled sway protection. Thanks for the videos.

[@eddiemcars]

That’s really good to hear! I’m curious, do you have air suspension? I’ve been looking at G05’s and debating if I should try to find the 2 axle air.

[@michaelbrooks9462]

Hey what setup did you use. I am planning a trip. I have a 2014 x5 35i

[@antonioprado8068]

​@Eddie M Cars deciding between a2021 x7 m50i or navigator black label to pull my 26ft 7300lb boat. I currently tow it with a 2005 v8 4runner which does the job but hate the way past 60mph. How do I know if it's tow package ready from dealer since I'm looking at pre-owned

[@svenostrowski]

Just put a hitch and wiring on my 2012 X5. I have been driving and Towing with Trucks and SUV’s my whole life. Boats, Sled Trailer 4 place enclosed, open Trailer with 4 Street Bikes long distance. My Best most stable Tow Vehicle has been the Touareg VW TDI, my upgrade vehicle is the X5 I just purchased. I’m sure it’s going to be just fine Towing what I have. I agree with you 100%. Some people just don’t understand it and that’s fine. Some of my other vehicles were Full Size Suburban, Sequoia, F250, F 150, Silverado, Ram 1500.

[@aidenp5768]

Ive towed with my 19 year old X5, and even till this day, still has people shook. X5 been good at towing since it was launched 20 years ago, people this surprised? I think the luxury sporty brand image overshadows the true capabilities an x5 can have.

[@eddiemcars]

Certainly under estimated. The payload is for mine is only 1100 lbs. but the truck I want (TRX) is only 1300 with towing limit at 8,100 lbs so the benefit isn’t there to get rid of my SUV.

[@lsxcline8205]

Lol thank you. I bought a F85 same Color as yours but orange int. Anyway I live in Wv and i bought the M for more for performance and for the brakes, I plan on towing my corvette to no prep drag races and Wv road definitely demand HP and good brakes. I had a 18 1500 Silverado and power wise it could not cut it. I haven’t towed with the x5 yet but I got told all the same things you need a 2500 diesel to tow around here. I can’t wait to prove them wrong.

[@magic280z]

Tongue weight is really your enemy with the stealth hitch. Other than that you have a v8 with I’m pretty sure the ZF.8hp90 trans which is what is in a Ram 2500 with the 6.4 v8. Ram 1500 with the 5.7 has the 8hp70/75. Most 1500 trucks are pushing closer to 6000lbs now unloaded so they have you on weight and wheelbase. You have air suspension with self leveling which also helps. Realistically your hitch is the main weak point in your setup. You probably have better breaks than most 1500s probably even 2500s. Realistically as long as you have a brake controller the trailer should be doing its own braking.

[@eddiemcars]

I agree. With the low tongue weight, it makes it nearly impossible to reach the tow limit and keep the 10% rule of hitch weight vs maximum tow weight. Currently I have a Range Rover Sport with 1,700 lbs of available payload and 7716lbs of tow capacity. According to the owners manual, Land Rover factors in a 330lb tongue weight in the tow capacity and requires that any pound over 331 should be subtracted from the payload. Even at a 700lb tongue weight, it leaves enough of payload on the table for my needs which is hard to justify a 1/2 truck. If I need more than this, a 3/4 ton would be ideal.

[@Baka_Oppai]

I live full time in a trailer and travel all over the US. My first tow vehicle was a 2020 x5 and now I just traded up to a 2024 x5. My trailer is double slide 26' not a problem. Once Im going I can hardly even tell its back there normal driving.

[@anthonyrobinson7596]

Great points on the towing with the X5M. BTW, what was the issue with the "drive train malfunction"?, you mentioned changing the oil, was that it?

[@nature10879]

It was the spark plugs and coils. i think he made a whole video about it. It solved the problem. He said the coils and spark plugs were due after I think 40k miles. He had to use the right one because of the tune he has on the x5m. U can check the video on his profile.

[@eddiemcars]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJironija7OCack

[@vincentl5363]

Thanks for posting this. Its nice to know that there are tow rigs that can tow 7000 pounds and handle more like a car than a truck.

[@LukeTPZ]

60mph towing in the UK. I think most of Europe is 100kph (62mph).

[@MrRayonwilson]

If you did it with no problem what's to talk about good sets 👌 I like it

[@eddiemcars]

Thanks! I think the misconception is you need a truck to pull anything larger than a pop up trailer. I was surprised what I was reading of all of the bad advice given.

[@didafm]

The Ram 1500 Longhorn is a good option. They ride extremely nice.

[@TheVacFam]

You gave me the extra confidence to buy my x5m and my camper within the same week! I bought the stealth hitch and the wiring harness kit also in the same week. I had to tell the wife though that we are sticking to a smaller travel trailer and she’s happy. Still has two bunks and a big bed with an inside kitchen and and outdoor kitchen. Dry weight is only 4600 pounds. I stayed under the 6000 pound limit by 1000 pounds and also I’ve heard the x5 can tow up to 7500 ish. I won’t be going more than 2 hours away 80% of the time. I have a boat I’ll be towing as well but I only live 5 miles from the lake if that lol. I’ve got your back sir! Now if I can only find you on other social medias to get your back on things!

[@TheVacFam]

I have two trucks that my x5m replaced along with my 5 series with the n54. A plow truck and a dodge daytona. I may keep my dodge daytona we will see

[@TheVacFam]

When my wife called camper world….they told us just to stay about 1000 pounds underneath the rating so we don’t trash the vehicle. Looks like your shopping at the wrong place sir. She told me the guy was ranting and raving about how lucky we are to have one and how incredible of a vehicle it is!

[@eddiemcars]

It depends on the salesman I think. When I visited Camping World the guy asked me about my tow vehicle and he tried to show me trailers that were 4,000 lbs. I was going to be pulling with an Infiniti FX35 at the time with a weight off 3500 lb max and salesman kept assuring me that those numbers are guidelines and not a hard stop. I didn’t feel comfortable exceeding because that vehicle struggled with my 1500lb cargo trailer at highway speeds. After I decided on the X5, I went back years later and this guy is trying to sway me towards pop-up trailers. Lmao 🤣 I said, look dude. My limited is 7700 lbs and I can tow a 5,000lbs trailer fine. My advice is be careful with the stealth hitch. It Increases your tow rating but limits you on getting a WD hitch.

[@307postonjames]

We’ll spend 5 years stationed in Europe, I’ve seen my far share of BMW, Mercedes, Audi and VW SUV’s towing like we tow with pickup trucks. I’ve even seen smaller crossover style vehicles towing things that in my stateside mindset and ignorance I would say shouldn’t be done. This all with no breakdowns, accidents or swaying going on.

[@eddiemcars]

Yeah. Properly setup I think it can be done. The American mindset that you need a 3/4 ton truck to pull anything other than a pop up trailer. Those trucks of course have those a purpose.

[@jcerna7226]

I 100% understand where you’re coming from with the experience you’ve had. At the end of the day it’s going to truly come down to understand GVWR and payload capacities . If you’re within the parameters then good, but if you are way off then it’s just a matter of time before something goes wrong. Just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. My wife and kids are everything to me, so why would I put them in a situation where something can go terribly wrong if it can be avoided. Once again, towing numbers exist for a reason.

[@eddiemcars]

That’s true. I agree you have to look at the numbers. Most people look at the length and size of the trailer and assume it’s overweight or overloading the X5. The limiting factor with the X5 is the payload. When I looked at the Ram TRX, I saw it only came with a 1300 lb payload and only 8,100 towing capacity. I wouldn’t gain a whole lot with that truck. I know it wasn’t designed for towing, but I drew my conclusions if I wanted a truck for that purpose, it needs to be a 3/4 ton. Otherwise for shorter trips and occasional usage, the X5 will do just fine. I think if you can make the numbers work in your favor then go ahead. I also believe engineers have a buffer so if you’re within 80% of your max weight it’s not a hard stop if you hit 100% and suddenly the transmission falls out or the front wheels come off the ground. It’s hard to explain it here because each situation is unique and it takes a little common sense. I also have experience working with landscaping company when I was younger, as I’ve towed some heavy equipment with 3/4 ton trucks and 1/2 ton. Some equipment was much easier and there was some where you absolutely needs that bigger truck.

[@michaelbrooks9462]

I agree with you. I was just thinking about getting a truck but it’s was like why do I need it. I have the room if fold down rear seats and it I need more just trailer it. So I have a 35i x5 that I am going to build the motor up fueling and tune maybe turbo upgrade. But I am talking it on a trip going to tow 23 ft trailer up the east coast. Now I am going put air ride at all four corners (aftermarket) and I am going to up e70 xm big brakes as and upgrade. Along with larger sway bar from xM and brake controller I should be set. any links for load distribution hitch and sway kit that would be great. But you are not crazy X5 all the way. I am thinking of adding an x7 to my fleet.

[@eddiemcars]

I think unless you do hauling all the time and need a dedicated 4wd for ground clearance or more payload the X5 does just fine. But even then I feel like if you want those things, a 3/4 ton would be better suited.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

I have been towing my 5500# trailer with a 2014 Mercedes GL diesel without any issues and am now looking at a M5 diesel to get a newer diesel vehicle. With a towing package, larger alternator and radiator, it should do just fine. Both have about the same 3.5 ton towing capacity and are heavy enough so the tail should not be wagging the dog.

[@pugs1377]

Hahahaha. Bubbas gonna bubba. I learned euro cars are under rated for towing. I towed over 4klbs with my old Volvo 940 wagon and it stopped and towed fine. I've pulled full sized pickups out of snowy ditches with my Volvo xc70(non turbo) and it didn't brake a sweat. I don't have a hitch on my x5 yet but I will. I tow a car on a trailer ocasonally and would have no quams doing it with the x5.

[@kobra997]

Towing Jayco 28DSBH (33 ft tongue to bumper)with X5 35d. Easy, rock solid towing. The key is the hitch. I am using propride which eliminates sway. It is funny how many towing experts there are around. Then you drive and you see that over 50% of trucks are incorrectly set up when towing. Your X5 will tow better than ANY half ton truck on the market. Just make sure the hitch is properly set up.

[@eddiemcars]

I agree. Once you get the hitch dialed in, it should tow like a dream. I see a lot of people upgrade their 1/2 ton trucks to 3/4 ton and they’re surprised they are still having sway problems. A larger truck won't fix a bad towing setup.

[@kobra997]

@CometVR4 a larger vehicle with a bad hitch setup will only mask issues. I have been towing with X5 for over 40k towing miles. Rockies, Sierra, etc. Absolutely, pleasure to drive. Since you mentioned Can AM (real experts, not arm chair engineers), they say X5 and porsche cayenne are champs in terms of the handling when towing.

[@michaelkaine345]

Got lazy and pulled a trailer from New York to Georgia using 5w 20 GTX and my x5 is now burning 1 to 2 qt oil every 1k mls or so. I've used 5w 40 with oil saver for the last 3 years, almost 80k mls with the same 20ft toy hauler with no issue, the one time I slack this happened happened

[@consentidocomunwithcommons7698]

I’m going straight to the point “””” Bmw x5 /x6. Both are MADE IT to tow no matter is xdrive is better but even the Sdrive RWD he can tow easy easy 😆 a RV a Boats all that with no problem Simple ••• NOT recommended and carful down the hill just go right lane always and up hill to Straight street like Florida is a joke 😅 those 3.0 Liter and v8 are powerful like crazy “””

[@AEOffroad]

What kind of hitch did you get? I noticed a rise on it. I was wondering the specs of the rise? Thanks.

[@mrj.r.3172]

Hey E, your garage floors? Did you get them online and install yourself? Any insight? Thanks.

[@eddiemcars]

I got them from Swisstraks.com. I like them! Installed myself! kzbin.info/www/bejne/haPVYqKYhsSCmbs

[@mrj.r.3172]

@@eddiemcars Thanks man!

[@KalchykDen]

Good point Ed

[@didafm]

Your Civic Type R is my dream car

[@eddiemcars]

Thanks man! One of my favorite Honda’s I’ve owned!

[@didafm]

@@eddiemcars how does it compare to your 9th gen civic si?

[@eddiemcars]

@@didafm the 9th Gen was good. Great handling. Great shifter, LSD. The Type R is all of those things but 10x. I can’t hit the limits on the street because it handles that well. It’s balanced perfectly. I wish there was a better sound from the engine. The turbos wash a lot of the sound out other than hearing the artificial sound coming through the audio system. I miss hearing the VTEC cross over but I enjoy the low end power and how it sticks to the road.

[@hcc9587]

10 year E70 owner and in same argument…do I really need a truck? I have a truck

[@T3merity]

What do you use for trailer brake control when pulling heavier loads?

[@eddiemcars]

I use a Curt Echo wireless brake controller amzn.to/3Rj6v0H

[@garyvanremortel5218]

What are the suspension differences on the 3rd row seating option vs the standard? I thought there was some stabilizing anti-sway feature at work. I have the 3rd row seating option with the 3rd row seat assembly removed on my 2014 X50i. I have the hitch and towing module, but haven't yet rented a travel trailer.

[@eddiemcars]

The suspension difference is that the 3rd row comes with air suspension in the rear that helps prevent rear end squat. The M’s also come with similar suspension. The others unless they opted for air suspension comes with coil springs which is doable with the rights setup. Even when renting the guys are looking at me 👀 should I even rent this to you? Lol. The towing module has a built-in anti sway control but those systems are reactive as opposed to having an anti-sway setup. When you plug into a trailer, the rear parking sensors will be automatically disabled and “towing mode” will be active. You won’t see anything in the dash indicating towing mode but the transmission shifts sooner and ECOPro doesn’t allow coasting when towing.

[@John_C10]

Is there a tow/haul mode?

[@mcbmwx5msport428]

hello friend I hope you are in good health and with the blessing of God always friend I have a BMW x5 f15 2016 sport package it is a wonderful car you want to buy the f85 I would like to know your experience with your f85 thanks