How's the towing with the X3

I am considering purchasing an X3. Last summer we bought a 04 Ford Sportrac to pull our boat (17' Ski Nautique, approx 3K lbs). We are considering trading our Ford for the X3. Do you guys think that it will pull it to the lake (15mi.) and out of the water. I haven't yet tried the ford to pull it out of the water because it still lacks LSD. Any thought would be appreciated.

TIA,

B

X3 doesn't have LSD...

Hello,

I found the following information on the bmw web site at: http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/X3/30i/techdata.htm

Tongue weight/Trailer-towing capacity 350/3500(Class 2) lbs

Does this help?

I know that it doesn't have LSD, but it should do well with X-drive...or am I incorrect?

B

IMHO, you'd be playing too close to the limits.
Just get a 2004 ML320 (loaded) for the same price of a new X3 and you'll have towing for 5000lb, a true frame, true 4WD and a low range that's just awsome, all of which is missing in the X3.

Thanks for the advice. The reason we are looking at the BMW is the free maintanance, but as I understand MB is no longer offering this. We did look at used ML's but could never find one in our price range. We are looking for $400/mo. lease. I do agree the 3500lb limit is close to the boats weight and the ML seems more suited for the job. I still have that BMW itch as my sister in law and best friend are both in 3-series, and I just love the "driving experience" offered up by the BMW. My only quam is the innability to locate a manual. I am in Texas, and it seems that all the manuals are up north.

I am going from a 328ci to an X3 3.0 strictly because I'm a new boat owner.
I have driven BMW's since Iwas 17, so an X3 is a natural choice.
BMW even has a picture of an X3 towing a ski boat in their marketing brochure.

I have a 21 ft Malibu ski boat. its apprx 2300lbs.

This thread about the X3 not being able to tow a boat such as the one describe really concerns me.

I am litterarally within hours of getting into a new lease on an X3 3.0.

Where can I find more tests or general towing information and tests?

thanks

I would think that your BU weighs much more than my 17' Nauty. Who knows though, if it will tow your big BU then it will certainly tow our measly little Tique.

B

found this at

http://maritimes.autohunter.ca/articles/bmw_x3.html


Numerous additional storage compartments and boxes round off the superior functionality of the X3 with a service load, depending on the engine, of up to 500 kilos (1,100 lb). Unladen weight is between 1,740 kg/3,837 lb (X3 2.5i) and 1,850 kg/4,079 lb (X3 3.0d). And if you wish to take along even heavier and bulkier sports equipment or any other kind of trailer, the optional towing hook on the X3 2.5 is homologated for trailers weighing up to 1,800 kg (3,969 lb), the two three-litre models even being able to tow 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) on a trailer equipped with brakes.

Originally Posted by bredi

found this at

http://maritimes.autohunter.ca/articles/bmw_x3.html


Numerous additional storage compartments and boxes round off the superior functionality of the X3 with a service load, depending on the engine, of up to 500 kilos (1,100 lb). Unladen weight is between 1,740 kg/3,837 lb (X3 2.5i) and 1,850 kg/4,079 lb (X3 3.0d). And if you wish to take along even heavier and bulkier sports equipment or any other kind of trailer, the optional towing hook on the X3 2.5 is homologated for trailers weighing up to 1,800 kg (3,969 lb), the two three-litre models even being able to tow 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) on a trailer equipped with brakes.

Keep in mind that the article was written before the X3 was available.

There are some towing specs from BMW here:

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/X3/30i/techdata.htm

Originally Posted by bredi

I am going from a 328ci to an X3 3.0 strictly because I'm a new boat owner.
I have driven BMW's since Iwas 17, so an X3 is a natural choice.
BMW even has a picture of an X3 towing a ski boat in their marketing brochure.

I have a 21 ft Malibu ski boat. its apprx 2300lbs.

This thread about the X3 not being able to tow a boat such as the one describe really concerns me.

I am litterarally within hours of getting into a new lease on an X3 3.0.

Where can I find more tests or general towing information and tests?

thanks

The boat may weigh 2300 but how much does the trailer weigh? Are you accounting for fuel and gear on/in the boat?

I think you will be fine either way but just allow yourself plenty of room for stopping.

thanks. I actually didn't think about the weight of the gas.

the boat 2300
trailer apprx 500
crap on boat, water beer etc. 250
gas? 150


3200 lbs. out of 3500 towing capacity.

Do I also need to factor in cargo and payload inside the car?
or do they factor the payload at maximum when getting the towing cabability?

what minimum specs would make a good towing vehicle?
engine, weight, brakes, torque, etc.


your right about this being close.

this may not work for me...