I've loved BMW's since I was a kid. I had a '97 M3 and traded up to a '04 330Ci. However, I need some extra hauling space (dog) and am thinking of getting some towable toys. How well do the X5 / X3's tow stuff? I like the 3.0 X3 (manual), but would consider the 4.4 X5 if the extra oopmh is really needed. Definently a manual fan though.

How is the power? the brakes for that stuff? By towing I'm talking maybe a jet ski or 2, smaller sailboat or 17-21' boat or is the hitch more relagated to bike rack status?

Thanks.

I have an 03 4.4i with the towing pkg. rated at 6k lbs. I pull a 20 foot boat apprx 3500 lbs. with no problems brakes are great and power is a non issue the whole vehicle really impresses me. the only drawback is it drinks fuel like its going out of style while towing aprx 10 to 12 mpg highway while towing oh yeah the rear airbag suspension is heaven sent it wont squat like most other suvs and it rides so nice in comparison I had a 4wd tahoe prior to the x5 and it was so much rougher while towing than the x5. I say x5 with the 4.4
BigFish

I have to concur with bigfish, that's the gist of it.

fyi - more power is your friend when considering towing a boat etc. getting the 3.0 or either X3 will be a bad choice for you if you go anywhere near anything that looks like a hill.

If the X5 has a low gear, it'd be better off for towing but it doesn't so eh...

a low gear is extremely useful when pulling a boat out of the water since you want as much torque as possible to pull the boat and trailer out of the ocean/lake/river without losing grip or the water will claim your car. my ML430 is king in this department but I don't use it for towing anymore :)

-Ron

I'm afraid that I might start something with this comment (or at least show my ignorance about the X3/X5) but if they come in a choice of auto or manual trannies, you might want to take the auto if you are going to tow a lot.

I know a lot of people with disagree, but unless you have a lot of experience with towing, an auto helps absorb some of the driveline shock you'll experience.

what kind of things do you want to tow? my x5 3.0 can tow a 5000 pound boat.

I'm afraid that I might start something with this comment (or at least show my ignorance about the X3/X5) but if they come in a choice of auto or manual trannies, you might want to take the auto if you are going to tow a lot.

I know a lot of people with disagree, but unless you have a lot of experience with towing, an auto helps absorb some of the driveline shock you'll experience.
it also makes for pulling a boat out of a slip much easier rather then worrying about a slippery slip, clutch, throttle, traction etc.

what kind of things do you want to tow? my x5 3.0 can tow a 5000 pound boat.

You must have a super car since the max towing capacity on X3's is 3500lbs. I'd say you're pushing it with 5000lbs.

You must have a super car since the max towing capacity on X3's is 3500lbs. I'd say you're pushing it with 5000lbs.
Like it says x5 to me

Like it says x5 to me

My bad. It does say X5, which means it has a 6,000 lb. towing capacity.