I'm a contractor and 5 years ago, I bought a used x5 35d and I've been towing a 6x12 cargo trailer loaded with tools, and materials 5 days a week without issue. I've got about 93,000 miles / 150,000 km towed so far and it's been pretty rock solid. I've always felt like the X5 platform IS the BMW Truck. I can't say if the X5M would have the same long term engine reliability but the rest of the components are certainly up to the task. My ODO is now 176k miles / 286k Km
Same. My 3.0 e53 has towed my track cars for the last 4-5 years. Combined weight with the GTR and trailer is 6200 lbs and I’ve towed it throughout the Smokie Mountains.
I bought my x5m this week, been watching your channel and your channel convinced me from 90% to 150% lol. I told the wife we need to maintain 5000 pounds. I have upgraded kw Coilovers adjustable suspension already so I think that’s a huge plus. I can adjust the auspension before traveling to accommodate the weight a little bit
Awesome production and content! I enjoyed watching the X hold its own in towing. Bro, you're living the life! Sweet rides (+RV trailer), hot girl, fun adventures near the coast. This is the American Dream! Enjoy in good health!
Bro thank you for making this. I just bought the x5m and the wife wants a camper. Been wondering how well it would tow it…wondering how well the stealth hitches are. You just showed me everything. I steered her away from a big camper because I don’t want to trash the x5m either so been looking at 4500 pound ones
I just got my X5, I live in Norway. not sure if this is right converted. But mine can pull 3500kg. With a LBS to KG converter on the internet, that is about 7726 to 7727 LBS.
/cool but where's your math on 11,000+ lbs? That camper trailer is less than 7. we just towed a 20' sea container with ours at 4800lb TW, tare weight, plus 2,000lb tandem trailer and the x5 didn't squat but that was a big load. I couldn't see us safely loading another ton or two even with great trailer brakes. Power wasn't the issue, safely riding at public road speeds were- so we kept it 20mph below the speed limit with flashers on and another car following with their flashers.
I just found your video and I want to say a big thank you! It helped me solve a mystery: what brake controller can be used with an X5. No one at the dealership knows. They say most people use a tow hitch for bike racks. I’ve ordered an X5 with a hitch to tow my 2,300 lb fiberglass camper. I’ll use the Curt controller that you showed in your video. Safe travels!
Glad I could help. I had the same issues trying to find one and determined it was either the Curt or the Prodigy RF but that requires a unit to be permanently mounted on the trailer and so doesn’t help when you rent multiple trailers.
Good video. I had no idea these could tow so much. We have an XC90 which is bigger but it doesn't have a V8. Ps. Did you put the wrong ending on the video? It was all about towing and you ended driving on the beach??? Talking about the safety of towing while filming while driving and holding a camera may be something you want to think about. :) Be safe out there.
in europe we have automatically brakes for the trailer. it applys brake by using the weight of the trailer onto the hitch. and then we have a line thats connected to the car so IF the trailer detaches from the car it will pull a handbrake on the trailer and it will stop itself
Here in the US, only U haul trailers are boat trailers have surge brakes which like you described, used the force on the tongue to activate trailer braking.
Oh man! That’s awesome to see, even on a X5. I’d be scared bc one of the best things about being in BMW is that at anytime I can take off. 😂 I do keep coasty when the fam is in the back. X5 SDrive. Might have to check out Outdoorsy.
Did you add the tow hitch or did your car already have it? I have a 2018 X5 and I bought it to tow a small trailer. I know nothing about towing. I plan on renting first. What all did you add to your X5 to tow a trailer?
I added the tow hitch after I purchased it. It’s the stealth hitch. For towing a trailer, you’ll need the hitch of course and also a way to power the lights. Additionally, it will need to be coded for towing mode. (Deactivates rear parking sensors, remote tailgate and enables the stability system to sense trailer sway) Stealth Hitch is constructed to it takes advantage of the European rating of 7700 instead of the US rating of 6000. Tongue weight max remains the same at 600 although with this trailer I was 60lbs over at 660. Here is the install video if you wanted to tackle this project yourself. ua-cam.com/video/0zUndPUsmeI/v-deo.html
The 7 way install was easy. The video is on my stealth hitch install. The tow mode, I had programmed by a 3rd party coder or your BMW dealer should be handle it.
i want to buy a x5 M50d for towing. 3.0 diesel with 4 turbos, 400 diesel hp. and can get it tuned to around 500hp with 850nm/640ft lbs torque. should be great for towing
I’m still looking at options like that and still keep the stealth hitch. The only thing I found that would allow me to utilize the stealth hitch with sway and weight distribution is the bike rack attachment that is a 2” receiver which has a weight limit of 600lbs but there’s a sticker that specifically says “Not for towing” it would be strictly off label.
It it uses the brake lights from the 7pin harness to know when to activate trailer braking. The amount of braking is sensed internally inside the curt unit. It’s unable way to measure pedal pressure or position. However since it’s proportional, the harder the tow vehicle is braking, means more brake power is sent to the trailer and it can adjust accordingly
Those 11,000Lb in Europe equals only 7100Lb in USA. That doesn't mean the car cannot tow the 11000lb, it simply means that US dot laws allow the same vehicle to only tow up to 7100lb in USA. The situation is similar with the new model of Volkswagen Tiguan which has a tow capacity of 5000Lb in Europe, but only allowed to tow 1500Lb in USA. I bet the Yankees don't want competitors for their F150, Silverados, Tahoe, Suburban, etc.
I just bought a kodiak by Dutchman and I have an X6 35i I’m so scared thanks for this Update: I’m about 500 lbs over because the tow capacity is 6000 and the kodiak is right at 5806 😩 then I just realized gotta factor in the hitch so I’m over capacity .
Flat Roads I left it in 8th. Occasionally I would need to drop to 7th gear if I was going through head winds but 8th gear did a good job at 60mph I did drop down to 4th to pass 5th wheel that went below 55 I was able to gain speed climbing and upshift back to 5th and eventually 6th gear
I have a 2015BMW X5 Xdrive 35i to tow 2019 NOBO 16.8 trailer with one axle about weight 4000Lbs, Definately need WDH to tow! Also cause some rear wheel sagging problem.For long term I don’t think its good for towing!
BMW’s cannot use weight distribution hitches. As long as you stay within vehicle tow ratings you won’t need it. 500lb tongue is the difficult part with a large trailer.
@@scottbelt8642 absolutely you can use weight distribution with BMW. There is nothing from BMW in manual that you cannot use WDH. Some armchair engineers read warning in the OE hitch instalation manual. The hitch is not tested for WDH. If you buy aftermarket hitch, you won't see any warning.
@@scottbelt8642 i spent hundreds of hours researching the topic. You won't see anything from BMW in manual on weight distribution. They just do not test WDH. These are cars designed in Germany and WDH are not allowed in Europe. BMW showed in many occasions that they do not care about people towing with their vehicles in the US. Simple as that. I am towing with X5 with WDH for the last 30k miles. Andy Thomson from Can Am is an expert in towing topic. If you want an expert opinion, call him. When Porsche set up Cayenne with Airstream in the US, they called him, even though Porsche has buildings full of engineers.
Couldn't disagree more about wear and tear as factor for choosing the tow vehicle. All vehicles will experience wear and tear based on relative added load and normal use. The X5M would have the same wear and tear as a truck with a similar tow capacity. Your referencing vehicles that are in a totally different class of vehicle with a substantially higher tow rating. Additionally, you wouldn't need the extended mirrors if you set your mirrors correctly. They're looking too far in, this is obvious from your cockpit cam that is looking at the mirror. They need to face outward more where you can barely see the trailing edge of your vehicle with the inner-most part of the mirror. Otherwise, great video and your content is very enjoyable.
Bro your worse then i am I drove my big 35 foot Pacearrow thru the sand I was like the only Class A ballsy man. But 11000 lbs dude your transmission is not going to like this at all. ESP BMW change out that fluid ASAP on or everytime you tow out. Keep that transmission happy. I would do that with my TITAN but not the Beamer man.
I'm a contractor and 5 years ago, I bought a used x5 35d and I've been towing a 6x12 cargo trailer loaded with tools, and materials 5 days a week without issue. I've got about 93,000 miles / 150,000 km towed so far and it's been pretty rock solid. I've always felt like the X5 platform IS the BMW Truck. I can't say if the X5M would have the same long term engine reliability but the rest of the components are certainly up to the task. My ODO is now 176k miles / 286k Km
Does it have the M57 Straight 6?
How much does your trailer weigh loaded up?
S63Tu motor gets over 400 miles and im at 800hp..its reliable
I have towed a 4500lb travel trailer on about 20 trips with my E53 X5 3.0L. Tows great.
Some are uneducated on how these tow! They are amazing!
Same. My 3.0 e53 has towed my track cars for the last 4-5 years. Combined weight with the GTR and trailer is 6200 lbs and I’ve towed it throughout the Smokie Mountains.
Just got my 2017 X5 50i and wanted to get an travel trailer to travel as a healthcare worker. I appreciate your video.
I bought my x5m this week, been watching your channel and your channel convinced me from 90% to 150% lol. I told the wife we need to maintain 5000 pounds. I have upgraded kw Coilovers adjustable suspension already so I think that’s a huge plus. I can adjust the auspension before traveling to accommodate the weight a little bit
Awesome production and content! I enjoyed watching the X hold its own in towing. Bro, you're living the life! Sweet rides (+RV trailer), hot girl, fun adventures near the coast. This is the American Dream! Enjoy in good health!
Thank you sir!
Bro thank you for making this. I just bought the x5m and the wife wants a camper. Been wondering how well it would tow it…wondering how well the stealth hitches are. You just showed me everything. I steered her away from a big camper because I don’t want to trash the x5m either so been looking at 4500 pound ones
I just got my X5, I live in Norway. not sure if this is right converted. But mine can pull 3500kg. With a LBS to KG converter on the internet, that is about 7726 to 7727 LBS.
/cool but where's your math on 11,000+ lbs? That camper trailer is less than 7. we just towed a 20' sea container with ours at 4800lb TW, tare weight, plus 2,000lb tandem trailer and the x5 didn't squat but that was a big load. I couldn't see us safely loading another ton or two even with great trailer brakes. Power wasn't the issue, safely riding at public road speeds were- so we kept it 20mph below the speed limit with flashers on and another car following with their flashers.
I just found your video and I want to say a big thank you! It helped me solve a mystery: what brake controller can be used with an X5. No one at the dealership knows. They say most people use a tow hitch for bike racks. I’ve ordered an X5 with a hitch to tow my 2,300 lb fiberglass camper. I’ll use the Curt controller that you showed in your video. Safe travels!
Glad I could help. I had the same issues trying to find one and determined it was either the Curt or the Prodigy RF but that requires a unit to be permanently mounted on the trailer and so doesn’t help when you rent multiple trailers.
You can tow on a tune but getting a custom tune specifically for towing would suit you. Engine can handle it
What’s the gas mileage when pulling it ??
Good video. I had no idea these could tow so much. We have an XC90 which is bigger but it doesn't have a V8. Ps. Did you put the wrong ending on the video? It was all about towing and you ended driving on the beach??? Talking about the safety of towing while filming while driving and holding a camera may be something you want to think about. :) Be safe out there.
in europe we have automatically brakes for the trailer. it applys brake by using the weight of the trailer onto the hitch. and then we have a line thats connected to the car so IF the trailer detaches from the car it will pull a handbrake on the trailer and it will stop itself
Here in the US, only U haul trailers are boat trailers have surge brakes which like you described, used the force on the tongue to activate trailer braking.
Great content, as always my brother 👍🏽👍🏽
Great vid 👍 keep them coming
That's a dope video bro
Oh man! That’s awesome to see, even on a X5. I’d be scared bc one of the best things about being in BMW is that at anytime I can take off. 😂 I do keep coasty when the fam is in the back. X5 SDrive. Might have to check out Outdoorsy.
Did you add the tow hitch or did your car already have it? I have a 2018 X5 and I bought it to tow a small trailer. I know nothing about towing. I plan on renting first. What all did you add to your X5 to tow a trailer?
On another note, I have owned my X5 for 2 months.
I added the tow hitch after I purchased it. It’s the stealth hitch.
For towing a trailer, you’ll need the hitch of course and also a way to power the lights.
Additionally, it will need to be coded for towing mode. (Deactivates rear parking sensors, remote tailgate and enables the stability system to sense trailer sway)
Stealth Hitch is constructed to it takes advantage of the European rating of 7700 instead of the US rating of 6000.
Tongue weight max remains the same at 600 although with this trailer I was 60lbs over at 660.
Here is the install video if you wanted to tackle this project yourself.
ua-cam.com/video/0zUndPUsmeI/v-deo.html
Now I gotta see if my x530e can do this
I'd be scared that brake controller would fall out!
No it’s actually hard to pull out by hand too
Can you do a tutorial on how to enable the tow mode and sensors to get it ready for towing? Also how did you install the 7 way?
The 7 way install was easy. The video is on my stealth hitch install.
The tow mode, I had programmed by a 3rd party coder or your BMW dealer should be handle it.
What settings do you have brake controller at bought same one
What is it under on BimmerCode for the lights?
i want to buy a x5 M50d for towing. 3.0 diesel with 4 turbos, 400 diesel hp. and can get it tuned to around 500hp with 850nm/640ft lbs torque. should be great for towing
With those numbers, that’s plenty for towing!
Would love to know if there is a way to add a sway bar maybe can convince my husband on a stealth hitch!
I’m still looking at options like that and still keep the stealth hitch. The only thing I found that would allow me to utilize the stealth hitch with sway and weight distribution is the bike rack attachment that is a 2” receiver which has a weight limit of 600lbs but there’s a sticker that specifically says “Not for towing” it would be strictly off label.
What was your mpg when you was towing. Interesting to know
I was getting 8-9 mpg depending on speed. I ranged from 60-68mph
Doesn't the Curt brake controller use the X5 brake pedal to control the trail brake?
It it uses the brake lights from the 7pin harness to know when to activate trailer braking. The amount of braking is sensed internally inside the curt unit. It’s unable way to measure pedal pressure or position.
However since it’s proportional, the harder the tow vehicle is braking, means more brake power is sent to the trailer and it can adjust accordingly
Awesome! What fluids do you plan on using/replacing ?
The T-case and rear diff for sure! Thanks to your guide I have the confidence to tackle this!
I tow a 26' trailer with 2 slides with my 2024 X5. I see nothing wrong here.
Those 11,000Lb in Europe equals only 7100Lb in USA. That doesn't mean the car cannot tow the 11000lb, it simply means that US dot laws allow the same vehicle to only tow up to 7100lb in USA. The situation is similar with the new model of Volkswagen Tiguan which has a tow capacity of 5000Lb in Europe, but only allowed to tow 1500Lb in USA. I bet the Yankees don't want competitors for their F150, Silverados, Tahoe, Suburban, etc.
The 11,000 was including the X5 and the trailer combined weight.
I agree. Here in the USA, you are expected to only tow with an HD Pickup.
How long was the drive ?
5 hours
@@eddiemcars im trying to toe my 2016 528i from Arizona to east texas which is an 18 hour drive. Will my 2016 x5 35i make it ?
I just bought a kodiak by Dutchman and I have an X6 35i I’m so scared thanks for this
Update: I’m about 500 lbs over because the tow capacity is 6000 and the kodiak is right at 5806 😩 then I just realized gotta factor in the hitch so I’m over capacity .
Is this 5806 loaded or dry weight?
@@eddiemcars dry with hitch
Do you keep in 6th gear or limit gears
Flat Roads I left it in 8th.
Occasionally I would need to drop to 7th gear if I was going through head winds but 8th gear did a good job at 60mph
I did drop down to 4th to pass 5th wheel that went below 55
I was able to gain speed climbing and upshift back to 5th and eventually 6th gear
hey man is that the original color of the car or is it a wrap?
Yes, that’s the original paint color. Donnington Grey Metallic
it doesnt say what tempeture your transmission is running
I remember it staying in the 170-180F range. Since the M is capable and designed to be ran on a track the increased cooling capacity helps.
👍👍👍👍👍
I have a 2015BMW X5 Xdrive 35i to tow 2019 NOBO 16.8 trailer with one axle about weight 4000Lbs, Definately need WDH to tow! Also cause some rear wheel sagging problem.For long term I don’t think its good for towing!
BMW’s cannot use weight distribution hitches. As long as you stay within vehicle tow ratings you won’t need it. 500lb tongue is the difficult part with a large trailer.
@@scottbelt8642 absolutely you can use weight distribution with BMW. There is nothing from BMW in manual that you cannot use WDH. Some armchair engineers read warning in the OE hitch instalation manual. The hitch is not tested for WDH. If you buy aftermarket hitch, you won't see any warning.
@@kobra997 you might want to actually check with BMW as well as all of the wd hitch manufacturers. They will all verify what I said.
@@scottbelt8642 i spent hundreds of hours researching the topic. You won't see anything from BMW in manual on weight distribution. They just do not test WDH. These are cars designed in Germany and WDH are not allowed in Europe. BMW showed in many occasions that they do not care about people towing with their vehicles in the US. Simple as that. I am towing with X5 with WDH for the last 30k miles. Andy Thomson from Can Am is an expert in towing topic. If you want an expert opinion, call him. When Porsche set up Cayenne with Airstream in the US, they called him, even though Porsche has buildings full of engineers.
I hear so much about WDH and no WDH. I’m going to get to the bottom of this.
Couldn't disagree more about wear and tear as factor for choosing the tow vehicle. All vehicles will experience wear and tear based on relative added load and normal use. The X5M would have the same wear and tear as a truck with a similar tow capacity. Your referencing vehicles that are in a totally different class of vehicle with a substantially higher tow rating. Additionally, you wouldn't need the extended mirrors if you set your mirrors correctly. They're looking too far in, this is obvious from your cockpit cam that is looking at the mirror. They need to face outward more where you can barely see the trailing edge of your vehicle with the inner-most part of the mirror.
Otherwise, great video and your content is very enjoyable.
I'm buying des 4 my Wifey
Becareful your suppension bro!!!
I did chaged already
The air suspension did its job and leveled everything
Bro your worse then i am I drove my big 35 foot Pacearrow thru the sand I was like the only Class A ballsy man. But 11000 lbs dude your transmission is not going to like this at all. ESP BMW change out that fluid ASAP on or everytime you tow out. Keep that transmission happy. I would do that with my TITAN but not the Beamer man.
The is 11,000 including the weight of X5.
5500 for the trailer which is within the 7700 tow rating for the X5.
These same transmissions have been used in pickup trucks rated to tow more for many years now. It's fine.
Bmw's uses 8hp zf Its the same as the dodge ram pick up trucks ZF transmission 👍