BMW X5
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and BaileyI have used my 2006 BMW x5 3.0d auto to tow my Bailey Pegasus GT65 Verona for 4 years and it has performed brilliantly. It's stable has excellent handling and braking with ample power in all situations.I once inadvertently descended a very steep dead end road marked unsuitable for caravans, and had to turn around and ascend with a fair degree of trepidation. The car pulled us up with ease!
BMW X5 30xd and SwiftExact Car is BMW X5 3.0d M Sport.
Exact Caravan is Swift 635 Fairway Dealer Special 2017 with quad motor movers fitted and weight limit increased to 2000kg by Swift.
The X5 was a dealer demo car with 1500 miles on the clock but didn't have tow bar fitted. Dealer wanted lottery win to fit removable BMW tow bar and I found out that BMW fit Westfalia tow bars so got independent tow bar specialist (PF Jreones) to fit it with 13 pin electrics using BMW bespoke wiring kit (doesn't invalidate warranty). Only thing they couldn't do was enable the Tow Bar zoom feature on the reversing camera, really useful for error free hitching. BMW refused to enable it as they didn't fit the tow bar and wouldn't accept the liability ???? Independent BMW dealer could code it but wanted £70 + VAT. I bought ODB reader from Amazon for £17 and downloaded Bimmercode for £20, did the job myself, dead easy.
The weight limit upgraded on the 635 as the quad movers added to the mass and gave very little load margin. Upgrade was simply a new rating plate to stick over the old one and a new NICC certificate. The Alko chassis is rated at 2200kg so there is plenty of margin. The only difference is the tyres need inflating to 36psi instead of 30.
The X5 pulls like a train and never suffers from overheating our struggle on hills. The downside is the MPG drops from a normal 34 to a paltry 24 when towing. That's the price you pay for towing 1840kg of caravan (confirmed on a weigh bridge). The car sits well on the road and is not pushed around by the van, suspension on comfort setting seems the best. Sport makes the ride too hard for my taste but might suit some.
Highly recommended as a tow car and solo it is the dogs!!!!
BMW X5 30xd and SwiftCar is X5 sd M sport remapped to 348bhp, caravan is Swift Ace Pioneer 6 berth. The X5 is by far the best tow vehicle I have ever had. We have the 7 seat model and have towed all over France with family of four and grandparents. The stability of the X5 is outstanding, the increased torque makes towing an absolute breeze. I would highly recommend, MPG low 20's when towing.
BMW X5 3.0d and BaileyWhere to start, with self levelling suspension, from the out side, looking at vehicle did not even look as though was towing at all. On driving, could not even tell there was a caravan on the back, on flat motorways acceleration not really affected. mpg not really affected,when driving high speed, sometimes would forget vehicle was towing, was a dream to drive with. no snaking issues felt, at any speed.
a totally brilliant vehicle to tow with.
BMW X5 3.0i aut. and LunarPurchased this set up after my Isuzu broke down with gear box trouble
Vehicle is now a BMW X5 E53 Sport 2005, what a great car, it has a lot of use full accessories to help with driving etc.
Caravan is a Lunar 640 EW 2005 van. This unit is twin wheeled The two together are a great unit to pull
I travel around Wales, Somerset, Dorset, Devon Cornwall and at all times it pulls perfectly.
I am getting around 26 mpg which is great as my old Isuzu was only returning 18 to 22 mpg
I now have a very comfortable set up and recommend to all
BMW X5 3.0sd [5-seats] and LunarJust returned from from France towing my 2014 Lunar Delta RS and I am pleased to say the BMW X5 sd is the best towcar I have ever owned. With the power and torque of the engine, auto height control the outfit was completely stable when overtaking HGV's and I averaged 25 mpg on the French A roads! Excellent.
BMW X5 4.4i and KnausMy 4.4i V8 (E53) X5 Sport package- manages to pull the Knaus with ease. Autobox at times stay's in 5th gear before dropping down to 6th with a significant decrease in rev's. MPG on average whilst towing is 18mpg. My X5 has been LPG converted with zero difference in performance compared to Petrol function.
Acceleration is amazing with or without the caravan and must remember its there at times. X5 is such a wide vehicle that the original wing mirrors without the extenders are great. Highly recommend the x5 with the 19'' tyres.
BMW X5 3.0d [7-seats] and AdriaThanks to previous reviews I chose the BMW X5 3.0d to pull an Adria Thames. Combo is superb! Was a little concerned with the Adria choice due to the single axle set up & over 8ft wide....How wrong was I to be.....the unit is a perfect match with no deviation even when trapped between HGV' s. The motor pulls like a train while still returning a very respectable 25+ mpg....would recommend the combo to anyone
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and HobbyI have found my X5 very good with the Hobby 650 Uff and need to take care not to over speed as this increases fuel consumption we have just changed caravans next is a jeep upgrade to a younger X5
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and Compassmy m-sport X5 is the perfect towcar. effortless and stable,this car always stays in control.mpg when towing 26-28. previously towed a heavier twin axle with ease.
BMW X5 4.6is and LunarTowing a 1200Kg lunar lexon with X5 4.6is. During a 100mile trip on dual and country roads the rig handled well and posed no problems moving from a hill start. Computer was reading 17mpg after returning home which is the same as the urban cycle despite the added weight.The car on it's own on the same journey it was showing 28mpg with a light foot.
BMW X5 30d and BessacarrWe have a Bessacar 645 and have found the car performance ok. We up graded the ventilator system on the advice of the BMW garage but on towing to Germany had problems on a short 23 mile journey in heavy traffic. The warning light came on to say engine over heated please stop. This resulted in BMW in Holland having to do a temporary bi-pass which enabled us to continue our holiday. The car is still under warranty, however the BMW garage in UK feel the caravan is to heavy for the car!!!
We have been told that a fuse has gone in the main ventilation system box and they are to send for a part.
We are trying to decide whether or not this is the car for us despite having had previous X5. At the moment a little disappointed and have lost confidence.
Hopefully we may be persuaded otherwise...we wait to see.
BMW X5 4.8is and CoachmanJust back from a trip to the French Alps. The X5 is a very satbel towcar with a good amount of pulling power. We did 2600 miles of which 2100 were towing and the car did an average of 19MPG. We drove mostly none tool roads and went up a lot of the big hills even towing.
BMW X5 30d and GeistWhat a fabulous effortless tow car. Tows like there is nothing on the back, the new 8 speed auto provides instant power on any road. Set the cruise control to 60MPH and it stays there downhill and up dale in top gear, even on the longest motorway inclines. With the 18" wheels the ride is smooth and compliant at all times. I averaged 25.9 MPG on a 600 round trip from Cumbria to Somerset, no complaints with that at all. This has to be one of the most perfect tow cars there is on the road today.
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and BaileyThis outfit is perfect. Have put tuning box on X5 to increase torque get about 22-24 towing with amazing performance. Luxury motoring done safely. recommended.
BMW X5 30d and SwiftI have found the X5 3.0d to be a great tow car. The Swift is a large twin axle caravan but you always feel the car is in control and has plenty of power to make towing as effortless as possible. The ride is firm but comfortable, long trips are a pleasure and I would definitely recommend this vehicle.
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and AbbeyTowing with the 2004 X5 3.0d Sport is effortless with an average of 22-24MPG uk rising to 26MPG in France and Spain its simply superb. I leave in cruise control when i can at 55-60 but have also overtaken at higher speed and the outfit is stable as a rock.
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and ElddisLike most x5 owners,sometimes forget the caravan is on the back.Effortless and stable.I previously towed with a 2004 Disco 2 and never thought it could be bettered.The BMW is better.MPG when towing about 24.
BMW X5 4.4i and HobbyJust towed a Hobby 650 with an X5 4.4 petrol 2005, pretty easy tow by all accounts, the narrow roads in the highlands were the most worry with the wide caravan. 150miles and half a tank of gas, but did it with ease.
BMW X5 30d and JurgensThis is an absolutely awesome combination. All aspects of towing are as close to perfect as possible and as such can find oneself cruising at speeds one should not generally entertain with a close to 4 ton rig. I could not be happier!
BMW X5 30d and CaravanThe X5 30d tows my Coachman 655 Twin Axle like a dream. You almost forget that it is on the back.
Considering changing to an Audi Q7 and I really hope that this is as good.
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and ElddisThis outfit is a perfect match t-esp works fantastic fuel consumption aprox 28mpg uphill is no struggle and 4x4 is a gondsend on slippy sites
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and GeistWe have towed our Geist Active 564 with the X5 3.0d Sport for 2 years. France Spain and UK.
The car is fantastic a towing and sometimes you forget it is behind you. Self levelling suspension and great power keeps the caravan straight even when overtaking.
Fantastic and so is the Geist
BMW X5 3.0d [7-seats] and SterlingStability superb .
Power .Best i have towed with without compromise.
25 mpg long distance towing.
Forget 20in wheelson your x5.
Put 18in wheels on with all weather tyres and you can virtually take a large caravan anywhere a land criser or land rover will go with better economy and much better reliability. Initial cost expensive so keep x5 10yrs and you will be more than happy with total expenditure of your bm incomparison with other tow cars.
BMW X5 3.0d [7-seats] and Sterlingsuperb towing with no deviation even with passing coaches. 24mpg towing all over UK and to med in spain. Can highly recommend both x5 o.0d se and sterling explorer. Recommend 18in. wheels and all weather run flats on x5 due to any relacement tyres only £180 as against £300 to £420 on 20 in wheels and you are better prepared for winter and any mud.
BMW X5 3.0d and LunarAbsolutely brilliant, 22mpg when towing doesn't struggle at all. I don't know it’s on the back
BMW X5 4.4i and AbbeyI've recently had our x5 fitted with the detachable tow bar and been away a few times now a brilliant car to tow with, as stated by many others you have to remember the caravan is still there as for fuel economy will it made little difference to the 19 mpg i get anyway around town. A very smooth ride kids loved the dvds and play station
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and SterlingThis is an excellent outfit comparison site.
I have had my X5 3.0d Sport super chipped, it now produces approx 265bhp and nearly 600NM of torque - well worth the money (£500)!
My van is a 2009 and fitted with the latest shock absorbers and ATC.
I must say the X5 hauls nearly 1,900kg of caravan with ease and grace. It's very very stable at high speed to a point you forget it's on the back as the speedo creeps well above the allowed speed limit without realising -oops!
I think the van shockers have made a real big difference too, compared to my previous van 2006 Elddis Crusader it feels much more stable.
Thanks and regards.
BMW X5 3.0d aut. and Knausfirst of all, congratulations on your valuable site. Very helpful.
My personal experience of driving this outfit (BMW X5 3.0d + Knaus Sudwind 400FD) is that most of the times I have to keep control not to go over 120/139 Kph.
Never had a problem of caravan trying to get out of control.
Car is fitted with dettachable factory mounted towball and I was told that when this is ordered the car comes with a built-in program to automatically compensate for odd behaviours from the caravan. However I never felt that such a system kicked in.
Regards
BMW X5 3.0i aut. and Swiftthe x5 tows the van as if its not even there, powers up hills and easily accelerates to overtake if needed but beware expect an average mpg of around 12-14 miles but other than that brilliant .
BMW X5 3.0sd [5-seats] and Swiftthe X5 drives more like a top saloon than a 4x4, ride is first class, power is awesome ( it's as fast as my 323i convertible ) towing is a doddle, you'd be pushed to find better.
BMW X5 3.0d [7-seats] and SterlingAn excellent Tow Vehicle, with exceptional levels of comfort which makes long journeys a pleasure. With 235 through bread German Horses under the bonnet it makes towing even an 1800 kg Caravan seem quite effortless. Whilst like say a Land Rover, it’s not a renowned for it’s off road ability, contrary to popular belief it does cope with damp grass so it will survive most Caravan Parks.
BMW X5 4.6is and LunarWhat can I say? PERFECT. Stable & Efortless tow. However this X5 is very costly to run unfortunatley!!!!
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