[HeliumAce]

Hi all, new to the forum and have a few questions. My family recently purchased a used Alto 1743 trailer from Safari Condo (17ft, ~1800lbs dry weight) and we are in the market for a tow vehicle. First time towers so learning as we go but our goal is to remain a single car family. We're searching for a TV that offers sufficient towing capacity without sacrifising fuel efficiency for daily life. There are not too many options that fit this criteria and the X3 30e currently tops our list (we've also explored the Volvo XC60 PHEV and the Lexus RX 450h hybrid).

Regarding towing setup, I've been working through the listed in-stock X3 inventory (Canada) in an effort to avoid manufacturing delays. There are quite a few cars that match our preferences (options, color, etc) but none include the OEM hitch reciever. Questions:

• What are the biggest benefits of going with the OEM vs after-market receiver?
• Can the OEM receiver be added post-build/post-purchase?
• Is the OEM receiver compatible with a WD hitch?
• Are there any specific downsides to using the OEM hitch?

Unrelated to towing, any tips on assessing fair market value / negotiating room for an X3 like this one? https://virtualshowroom.bmw.ca/en/Ne...53482&rid=6120

All new territory for us so appreciate any help we can get.

Many thanks in advance!

[FredBa]

I tow a 3,200 empty, 3,600lbs loaded trailer with my 30e equipped with factory hitch. It's a 21ft single axle. I use a Curt Echo brake controller.

Positive:

- The payload on the xDrive30e (yellow sticker) is well north of 900lbs, which is really good for a car of this size. It should be plenty for your trailer and kids.
- Gas mileage is around 15mpg at 65mph towing which is decent.
- Going down mountains is a dream with regenerative braking
- Factory hitch automatically switches to "tow mode" when a trailer is plugged in. Zoom mode on the rear camera works well when backing up to a trailer.

Negative:
- Small gas tank. Expect to stop for gas every 150mi or so. I start looking at 25% fuel remaining because it goes down quickly.

I recommend a WDH for your own and your family's safety. Get one that is not rated too high (max 6,000lbs) as the bars need to bend, they can't be too stiff.
Please note that like most European car manufacturers BMW does not approve the use of WDH. However, do not listen to the unavoidable unsolicited advice from folks who don't tow. Thousands of people use WDH with BMWs without any issues.
Follow the WDH instructions and don't get into angled driveways or gas stations with WD bars on. I always take them off before going into a campground as I don't know what kind of angles to expect.

I've driven around 4,000mi so far over mountains, in thunderstorms with crosswinds etc. The X3 is a great and reliable tow vehicle. That said, if I lived in the burbs I'd probably spring for an X5 45e.

[sbt007]

What is the wait time for factory order? It is way easier (and cheaper) to order it when compared to retrofitting one. Not quite sure if the electronics work the same with an aftermarket hitch. Some here have done a stealth hitch for the M40i.

[M40i4me]

I went for the OEM hitch on both my X3 and X5. So far I just tow my 8 foot utility trailer for Home Deot trips. I like that everything is integrated and the fact that the rear camera focuses directly on the trailer hitch for easy hook up.

[SFNorm]

Hi, I’m also new to the forum having joined just to be able to respond to you. We have an Alto 1723 that we tow with a X3 30e. It’s a great combination. The turbo four has all the power you need at low rpm even when the battery is discharged. With 20,000 miles on our 30e we have averaged 37.5 mpg including 3000 miles of trailer towing and many 500 mile round trips to our cabin at 4,300 feet. We get around 18mpg at 62 towing, but you should get about 15% more because the 1743 is actually more aerodynamic than the 1743. The factory hitch has no downsides and several upsides some of which have been mentioned. It is compatible with a load leveling and sway control hitch with I consider a required safety feature. It can be added after purchase by yourself if you are comfortable working on cars. I added one to our old X3 and helped my son on one as well. The dealer charges more than the cost of the hitch for installation in California. Try to have the tow package prep at least because that provides automatic interconnection with the tow mode and automatic disconnect from conflicting driver assistance when towing. We special ordered ours to get the hitch and the executive package included brighter adaptive lighting which is great in the dark forest.

[TJNies]

Just to mention, your dealer can add the OEM trailer hitch to an existing build. It's quite a bit more expensive than getting it from the factory though ($550 USD vs $2000).

[HStuartP]

I have a new 2024 x3 30e with a tow package. Any advice on brake controllers. Do standard controllers just plug and play. Anything I need to watch out for?
Appreciate any help.
Stuart