[Crypto2k3]

Hi,

I'm brand new to this forum and to BMW. I sold my 2014 WRX hatch and bought a 2019 X3 m40i. I'm waiting for it to be delivered.

I have a question about towing capacity. Has anyone tried towing a small car with the m40i? I have a Honda S2000 that I'm hoping to tow around 450 miles every so often. I ordered the m40i with the factory tow hitch. My question is a) is towing a car a good idea with the m40i? b) do I need anything special beyond the factory hitch to do so? The Honda weighs 2900 lbs or so and I think I've read that it can tow around 4400 lbs.

Thanks all!

[Dandle]

I regularly tow a caravan that weighs 3500lbs and it tows it brilliantly. I can't answer the question on your tow hitch as its different to the European hitch which factory fitted is rated to 2400kg(5250 lbs).

[cgroves]

The 2" receiver hitch is rated at 4400pds on the Canadian models. I suspect the US number is the same.

[Crypto2k3]

Originally Posted by cgroves

The 2" receiver hitch is rated at 4400pds on the Canadian models. I suspect the US number is the same.

Originally Posted by cgroves

The 2" receiver hitch is rated at 4400pds on the Canadian models. I suspect the US number is the same.

Thanks. I've been reading some folks use break controllers. Do I need anything like that or can I just hook up a trailer and go?

[cgroves]

A controller is a REALLY good idea on anything over 2000pds, the only good way to stop a trailer that starts swaying is a burst of trailer brake pressure. The X3 is supposed to have some dynamic stability features for settling down trailers but I still wouldn't skip a good controller.
Each state/province has different rules on the max unbraked trailer weight. My understanding is that the wiring is already there it just needs to be connected from under the dash to a brake controller.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfEt4Ja111w

Plus tow a car on a low trailer, not the one in the video that puts the CG 3ft in the air.

[sc68z28]

My Camaro is 3020 lbs + trailer 1530lbs. Tongue weight 460 to 475 lbs.
Tows great with a weight distribution hitch.



---Bill.

[yllwwgn]

Originally Posted by sc68z28

My Camaro is 3020 lbs + trailer 1530lbs. Tongue weight 460 to 475 lbs.
Tows great with a weight distribution hitch.



---Bill.

Hands down the best G01 X3 pic on the forums! Love it 👍

[QDP]

Its about the safety, the tow load and short wheelbase tow problems cornering.
2" ball hitch works great!

[AlekSC]

Nah, can't tow lol

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Crypto2k3

Thanks. I've been reading some folks use break controllers. Do I need anything like that or can I just hook up a trailer and go?

Trailer brakes are required on anything over 2k lbs total is my understanding. You state may vary (doubt it).

You can get wireless ones, but I have hard that they can be difficult to pair sometimes with our vehicles (BMWs). Pairing when hooked to a friend's pickup and then moving over to the X3 is one way to make them work if you run into this problem.

With the factory tow hitch and wiring, you also get the coding that has the DSC working with the understanding that there is a trailer back there when the 7 pin connector is in use. Very handy though with the short overhang, unless you don't load your trailer correctly, you shouldn't need it to intervene except in an emergency.

[FredBa]

I tow a 3,600lbs travel trailer with the X3.
Would highly recommend the Curt Echo wireless brake controller. Works perfectly if you remember to turn the daylight running lights on first, plug the Echo into the car second, lastly the trailer plug into the Echo socket. If you reverse the second and third step, it doesn't pair.

The specs of the factory hitch are 4,400lbs max, 440lbs max tongue weight and the door sticker for payload which should be north of 900lbs, really nice for a vehicle of this size.

[moonshine]

Towing capacity is on the VIN plate on the RHS (driver side in the UK) door shut.
My 2018 x3 m40d towing capacity is rated at 2000kg, I.e difference between 2550kg laden weight and 4550kg total train weight with the aftermarket detachable Tow hitch rated at 100kg nose weight