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      09-07-2017, 03:51 PM   #1
augerpro
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Towing with an X3

Looking to replace my M235 and old Dakota with one vehicle. Must be able to do light towing up to the limit of the factory hitch (3500 lb). For this reason I was leaning towards the GLC with air suspension that auto levels by changing effective spring rate. But MB is determined to so screw up their options this year I can no longer get any of the combos I like.

If I get an X3 how do they tow with 3k lbs behind them? Does the back really sag?
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      09-07-2017, 04:30 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by augerpro View Post
Looking to replace my M235 and old Dakota with one vehicle. Must be able to do light towing up to the limit of the factory hitch (3500 lb). If I get an X3 how do they tow with 3k lbs behind them? Does the back really sag?
A great question, Brandon, but I'm not sure any of us will know until we see the G01 iterations with the factory-installed versions. A trailer hitch is important for us as well, but like you we now only need it for light-duty hauling since we sold our boat. The ability to order a trailer hitch was one of the reasons we chose the MB ML350 over BMW's offerings some years ago, though. I felt if a Mnfr places a hitch at the factory they have performed their due diligence and designed it with those physics in mind (my assumption which could be incorrect).

As this will be the first X series with a factory-installed option (I think I'm right on this), then I think they will have designed the G01 well enough to incorporate the rear end loads that might not have been considered in the previous versions.

My take only, but I'm glad they are finally offering such!
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      09-08-2017, 06:14 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by augerpro View Post
Looking to replace my M235 and old Dakota with one vehicle. Must be able to do light towing up to the limit of the factory hitch (3500 lb). For this reason I was leaning towards the GLC with air suspension that auto levels by changing effective spring rate. But MB is determined to so screw up their options this year I can no longer get any of the combos I like.

If I get an X3 how do they tow with 3k lbs behind them? Does the back really sag?
They advertised a 4400 lb towing capacity in the flyer I got in the mail the other day.
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      09-08-2017, 02:01 PM   #4
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They advertised a 4400 lb towing capacity in the flyer I got in the mail the other day.
Yes but the factory hitches are Class 2, so 3500 limit.
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      09-12-2017, 02:26 PM   #5
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No trailer hitch in M40i?

Dealer was able to place my order however he cannot add trailer hitch. States either order guide is wrong and cannot get it on M40i or hitch is not yet available for M40i. He will check again when order goes to 150 status. Currently its 111 status. I sure hope I can get it.
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      09-12-2017, 04:01 PM   #6
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Dealer was able to place my order however he cannot add trailer hitch. ... I sure hope I can get it.
Same information I received a few weeks ago as well, Headwind. I've been a little busy with Hurricane Irma so haven't had a chance to inquire recently, but will. I suspect since this is the first X to be getting the factory-installed hitch that there may be a few glitches with the ordering but not sure why with current software abilities. If anyone finds out, please share.
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      09-12-2017, 07:02 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Headwind View Post
Dealer was able to place my order however he cannot add trailer hitch. States either order guide is wrong and cannot get it on M40i or hitch is not yet available for M40i. He will check again when order goes to 150 status. Currently its 111 status. I sure hope I can get it.
Have your CA try again today. We had the same issue Friday, but was fixed yesterday.
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      09-15-2017, 04:34 PM   #8
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Re: the trailer hitch on the M40i

It is now my understanding that initial production runs of the G01 X3 M40i allocated to Dealers (which our order is) may be too early for the trailer hitch option. It will be done - just not for these initial models off the line. We have made the decision to proceed with our order without the trailer hitch so as not to lose our early production placement, and will probably get one factory-installed when we trade in our other X3 35i for another M40i next year. Either that, or we can consider an install on this one once we have it.
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      09-15-2017, 05:00 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Max Well View Post
It is now my understanding that initial production runs of the G01 X3 M40i allocated to Dealers (which our order is) may be too early for the trailer hitch option. It will be done - just not for these initial models off the line. We have made the decision to proceed with our order without the trailer hitch so as not to lose our early production placement, and will probably get one factory-installed when we trade in our other X3 35i for another M40i next year. Either that, or we can consider an install on this one once we have it.
Interesting. Good to know.
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      09-15-2017, 06:54 PM   #10
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Well CA was able to switch up order and add it today. Thanks so much SamS!!
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      09-15-2017, 07:30 PM   #11
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Well CA was able to switch up order and add it today. Thanks so much SamS!!
Yes, I think those in the Order Status 111 can opt to add one. We were given that option but that would have delayed us at least 4-6 weeks, and I'd really like to trade our 2012 in as soon as possible. We're at OS 112, so that group of production vehicles is probably the batch unable to add the hitch. Right now, for us, earlier receipt of our X3 M40i is more important than the hitch, but we'll be getting it on the next one for sure.
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      09-29-2017, 03:10 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by augerpro View Post
Yes but the factory hitches are Class 2, so 3500 limit.

so do we know if it's 3500 or 4400? I couldn't find anything on the specs section bmwna.com
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      09-29-2017, 03:31 PM   #13
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Quote:
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Yes but the factory hitches are Class 2, so 3500 limit.
Where did you get this info?

Everything I'm reading calls for a 2 inch receiver with 4,400 pounds.

Class 2 seems fairly small for the weight and wheelbase of the x3... but I could be wrong. They could throw a class 2 hitch with 2inch receiver to be on the safe side.
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      10-01-2017, 10:52 PM   #14
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Quote:
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Where did you get this info?

Everything I'm reading calls for a 2 inch receiver with 4,400 pounds.

Class 2 seems fairly small for the weight and wheelbase of the x3... but I could be wrong. They could throw a class 2 hitch with 2inch receiver to be on the safe side.
It was Class 2 for last year's model IIRC. Audi and MB are the same.
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      10-01-2017, 11:06 PM   #15
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I might be wrong about the MY18. From the literature I see 2" mentioned and 440 lb tongue weight. Both are above Class 2 specs although there is no requirement that a Class 2 can only be 1 1/4". Still the tongue weight it is more than C2 spec, although less then C3, I suppose because it was at the limit of the vehicle already. Looks promising. I'm probably getting an SQ5 so kind of a bummer since I'm positive that is only Class 2.
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