Just wondering, I am looking at a X5 3.0l to buy later this year even with all there problems.
Just wanted to know how many LBS you can tow with a X5 3.0L or the V8.

You think the Auto tranny's with a aux oil cooler should hold up.
Correct me if I am wrong but I remember reading that the V8 X5 could haul 5-7000 LBS.
Apreciate any info

Ok, I will answer my own question.
In the catalog it states 2700KG so thats a little over 5300lbs.
Anybody have any experince on the durability of the drivetrain
transmission, Transfercase ect... if taken care of???

that seems low, it's supposed to be 6500lb capacity but maybe that is just the 4.4L

I tow with mine, and have towed with an older 01 4.4L as have and do a lot of my friends. Pulls real easy and it only eats up brakes, sway links, and other front end parts from what I hear. Mine is brand new though and bought for towing so I can't really confirm any wear yet. But it pulls the 2200lb car and 900 lb trailer like nothing, even full of gear and a couple extra sets of tires.

Hope this helps.

Both 3.0 and 4.4 are rated for 6000lb towing capacity! The auto tranny already have an oil cooler built-in from the factory...unless you want to put in a bigger one?

the tow capacity is base more on the platform/chassis than engine size. the ratings might be different because in the US, the vehicle classification changes base on tow rating.

the tow capacity is base more on the platform/chassis than engine size. the ratings might be different because in the US, the vehicle classification changes base on tow rating.

Is this the towing capacity difference between the X3 and X5 with the 3 liter engine? The X3 is rated for about 3000lbs and the X5 6500lbs.

Is this the towing capacity difference between the X3 and X5 with the 3 liter engine? The X3 is rated for about 3000lbs and the X5 6500lbs.
pretty simple answer actually, towing capacity has to do with the chassis more than anything. motor really doesn't play much part in the rating. Brakes and suspension do have a pretty important role in the actual rating though. Towing capacity is the load the truck can control not how much weight it can pull uphill.
-Dan

So then...the price difference and towing capacity difference between the X3 and X5 is a beefier chassis?

I agree on what diffsonline said.

So, if need to tow more, the engine will roll more (higher rpm) to raise "torque". Of course, in such sense, enginer needs to work "more" to tow "more".

If I exaggerate a little bit, even "Civic" engine can tow quite a lot, but, the engine will run at high RPM for quite long to bring it up to speed so to speak...
Of course, if you tow the things with Civic engine A LOT, it will die pretty soon... theoretically...

Now, one thing I want to point out "MORE" is, one should also consider how much the transmission can hold up.

It will be mostly "chasis" including all those body frame + brakes and "TRANSMISSION" which will be mostly directly affected/heated up by "towing".

Then, since "TRANSMISSION" is one of the most sophisticated components, when you tow something severely, it will get eventually "shot".

If you know more about "towing" theory/experience, search for those US truck forums (F150, Silverado, Dodge RAM forums...). Their Engines are lasting forever but Transmission is replaced in quite short interval for regularly towing heavy things....

just my 2 cents...

I agree on what diffsonline said.

So, if need to tow more, the engine will roll more (higher rpm) to raise "torque". Of course, in such sense, enginer needs to work "more" to tow "more".

If I exaggerate a little bit, even "Civic" engine can tow quite a lot, but, the engine will run at high RPM for quite long to bring it up to speed so to speak...
Of course, if you tow the things with Civic engine A LOT, it will die pretty soon... theoretically...

Now, one thing I want to point out "MORE" is, one should also consider how much the transmission can hold up.

It will be mostly "chasis" including all those body frame + brakes and "TRANSMISSION" which will be mostly directly affected/heated up by "towing".

Then, since "TRANSMISSION" is one of the most sophisticated components, when you tow something severely, it will get eventually "shot".

If you know more about "towing" theory/experience, search for those US truck forums (F150, Silverado, Dodge RAM forums...). Their Engines are lasting forever but Transmission is replaced in quite short interval for regularly towing heavy things....

just my 2 cents...

I understand/agree with the above and what diffsonline said. I guess what I was looking for was what more do you get with an X5 3l than the X3 3l for the increased price as far as towing capacity/capability? I don't know why moving up to an X5 doubles the towing capacity when the engine is the same. Is it a heavier chasis, bigger brakes, better transmission, all of the above, something else? If the 3 liter engine can handle pulling 6000lbs. than why isn't the X3 rated as such?

I understand/agree with the above and what diffsonline said. I guess what I was looking for was what more do you get with an X5 3l than the X3 3l for the increased price as far as towing capacity/capability? I don't know why moving up to an X5 doubles the towing capacity when the engine is the same. Is it a heavier chasis, bigger brakes, better transmission, all of the above, something else? If the 3 liter engine can handle pulling 6000lbs. than why isn't the X3 rated as such?
Why can an f350 tow more than a lamborghini? The Lambo has more motor right?
Chassis and wheelbase determine everything.
-Dan

we tow a 5500 pound boat with our x5 3.0

I'm wondering the same thing now as my wife and I are debating between a 3.0L and 4.4L X5. Due to budget reasons, the X5 3.0 is more along our lines. The heaviest thing we will be towing is my M3 on a trailer. About 4000lbs I'd guess.

Anyone have any other input on X5 3.0L's pulling a car plus trailer?

I'm wondering the same thing now as my wife and I are debating between a 3.0L and 4.4L X5. Due to budget reasons, the X5 3.0 is more along our lines. The heaviest thing we will be towing is my M3 on a trailer. About 4000lbs I'd guess.

Anyone have any other input on X5 3.0L's pulling a car plus trailer?

I am thinking of eventuall doing the same thing. The x5 3.o makes more economic sense as a daily due to fuel prices and better mileage, but I do not think it can handle the job of towing 4000+ lbs on a consistent basis.

I am thinking of eventuall doing the same thing. The x5 3.o makes more economic sense as a daily due to fuel prices and better mileage, but I do not think it can handle the job of towing 4000+ lbs on a consistent basis.
I agree. I would only be using the X5 to tow once at month, at the most. I definitely wouldn't a regular thing for me. And you're right about the gas prices. The X5 would be my wife's primary car, so the 3.0L makes more sense in that respect.

Guys, before you get the 3.0l for gas mileage, look at BMW's fuel rating's, Bi believe the 4.4l gets 1mpg better than the 3.0L. But that's not saying much, we have a 2004 3.0L and that thing sucks gas, 17.9 mpg overall.

My dad tows his 6500 pound boat with no problem what so ever.

Both 3.0 and 4.4 are rated for 6000lb towing capacity! The auto tranny already have an oil cooler built-in from the factory...unless you want to put in a bigger one?
A bigger tranny cooler would just help the tranny live longer.


Trucks have torque, Lambos have HP.
Towing requires torque.