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mgomel · 06-20-2019, 05:01 PM

Does anyone tow with a BMW X5? If so, did you have BMW install the necessary equipment?

I'm new here - in process of purchasing a 23CB Flying Cloud and just trying to figure out what I need to do in the way of the hitch, etc

Thanks.

jcl · 06-20-2019, 10:43 PM

Worth doing a search on X5 towing.

The X5 is an incredible tow vehicle. Several are posting here that have X5 tow vehicles. There have been multiple generations, and there are some differences between generations of the X5. Which generation are you planning on using?

You should plan on not purchasing the latest BMW dealer hitch with the removable ball as it does not accommodate weight distribution equipment. I would use an aftermarket hitch if it is a late model X5.

Plan on using the BMW wiring interface kit as it doesn’t just provide a connection for the trailer lights, it tells the vehicle computer when a trailer is connected and does things like turn off the rear park distance sensors, enables the trailer stability control mode in the vehicle dynamic stability control computer, and so on. I have installed multiple BMW hitches on different model years, but not on the newest model; I believe they are similar.

You will need a brake controller. It can be wired into the X5, or you can go with a wireless version.

mgomel · 06-21-2019, 07:17 AM

Thank you so much for the information. My BMW dealership here doesn't really seem very knowledgeable, which is a surprise to me.

I'm a little hesitant about going with after market products, but seeing that's the way most people go.

bono · 06-21-2019, 10:54 AM

Which model do you have? E70, F15, G05? I believe only F15 has the hitch that does not accommodate weight distribution. The latest model should be ok, maybe subject to reinforcing. I remember that Andy Thomson at Can Am mentioned somewhere here that he was setting up new X7. The hitch should be the same, so he should know if reinforcing is needed.

thewarden · 06-21-2019, 11:16 AM

I tow a 27FB with a Cayenne with no problems at all. The tongue weight of a 23FB is about 1/2 of the 27FB,(under 500lbs). I think you will find the X5 to be an exceptional TV for your 23FB. As jcl said, the newer BMW hitch does not allow for WD so it is best to go with an earlier model that has a hitch receiver.

As far as brake controllers, I went with this https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contr...sha/90250.html rather than going through the trouble of getting one wired in under the dash and it works great. Very easy to install and set up and when you are not using it the remote goes into the glove box.

bono · 06-21-2019, 11:35 AM

The newest BMW X5 (G05) has the hitch receiver. Only the previous model F15 used different solution.

gator.bigfoot · 06-21-2019, 12:16 PM

A colleague just bought one for towing a 27'. Andy at CanAm did the setup.

out of sight · 06-22-2019, 08:35 AM

European AWD SUV's were great tow vehicles, but they ceased to be so after the EPA forced diesel engines off the market.

mikextr · 06-22-2019, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by out of sight

European AWD SUV's were great tow vehicles, but they ceased to be so after the EPA forced diesel engines off the market.

My gasoline powered Cayenne Turbo does just fine, thank you. Dont know why a diesel would be any better.

out of sight · 06-22-2019, 10:19 AM

Lots of low-end torque on a diesel. No downshifting required. Just a much better towing engine.

Nothing feels better than low end torque. My next vehicle will be an electric which produces full torque at zero RPM. I'll have to keep my diesel for towing though unless they put in charge stations across rural America.

jcl · 06-22-2019, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by out of sight

Lots of low-end torque on a diesel. No downshifting required. Just a much better towing engine.

Nothing feels better than low end torque. My next vehicle will be an electric which produces full torque at zero RPM. I'll have to keep my diesel for towing though unless they put in charge stations across rural America.

My 3 litre gasoline BMW six cylinder made peak torque at 1300 rpm, thanks to the twin turbos and direct injection. That was several hundred rpm lower than the six cylinder diesel in the same model vehicle. The diesel also had significantly less power, due to the narrower engine rpm range. That narrower operating range creates more shifting on a diesel, not less, but that isn’t a problem with an automatic. Biggest downside was that the fuel pumps smelled. I got rid of my last diesel 16 years ago.

Flywheel torque only matters to armchair spec sheet racers. Wheel torque is what makes the vehicle go, and with modern multi speed transmissions high rim pull can be achieved easily.

out of sight · 06-22-2019, 12:56 PM

Newer diesels are much better, as are the newest gassers. But the gassers gobble fuel when towing. A diesel will pay for itself at about $1000 per 10,000 tow miles.

When I was younger I wanted my max torque at 5000 RPM. Now I enjoy towing 70 MPH at 1500 RPM. It hardly ever downshifts.

thewarden · 06-22-2019, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikextr

My gasoline powered Cayenne Turbo does just fine, thank you. Dont know why a diesel would be any better.

Mine as well.

thewarden · 06-22-2019, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by out of sight

Lots of low-end torque on a diesel. No downshifting required. Just a much better towing engine.

Nothing feels better than low end torque. My next vehicle will be an electric which produces full torque at zero RPM. I'll have to keep my diesel for towing though unless they put in charge stations across rural America.

My Porsche gasoline 4.8 twin turbo V8 makes plenty of low end TQ. Over 550 @ 2200 rpm.

mikextr · 06-24-2019, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewarden

My Porsche gasoline 4.8 twin turbo V8 makes plenty of low end TQ. Over 550 @ 2200 rpm.

With its huge torque plateau, your Cayenne will still be putting out over 500TQ at 5500 rpm. No diesel will do that.

thewarden · 06-24-2019, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikextr

With its huge torque plateau, your Cayenne will still be putting out over 500TQ at 5500 rpm. No diesel will do that.

It does pull very well.

bono · 06-24-2019, 04:02 PM

My next TV would be most likely BMW X5 V8, since no diesel option is available.

What is average mpg with your PC V8 when towing? I am getting 14-16 mph now with diesel and less aerodynamic SOB trailer.

mikextr · 06-24-2019, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bono

My next TV would be most likely BMW X5 V8, since no diesel option is available.

What is average mpg with your PC V8 when towing? I am getting 14-16 mph now with diesel and less aerodynamic SOB trailer.

Excellence choice on the X5 V8.
My Cayenne twin turbo V8 will average about 10mpg when towing.

bono · 06-24-2019, 10:47 PM

Thanks! It would be just a little bit less convenient in relation to the towing range. Currently, I have 250-300 miles range with 22 gal tank. With V8 it would be ca. 200 miles.

thewarden · 06-24-2019, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bono

My next TV would be most likely BMW X5 V8, since no diesel option is available.

What is average mpg with your PC V8 when towing? I am getting 14-16 mph now with diesel and less aerodynamic SOB trailer.

Worst I get is 10 mpg in the mountains and a best of close to 12 on the flats on the coast.