03-22-2018, 08:39 PM | #23 |
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For everyone saying to not tow a PWC with an F30 and leave it to a pick up, why?
F30's share the exact same ZF 8HP transmission that BMW puts in their X3,X4,X5 and X6. An F15 X5 35i has the exact same transmission and the exact same engine as a F30 335i, N55B30MO. This X5 has a 6,000 pound tow capacity. Pair that with xDrive and m sport brakes in a F30 335i how is it not a capable of pulling 1 PWC at 1,200 pounds, and in the PWC world thats on the heavy side. Last edited by brettn; 06-12-2018 at 11:54 PM.. |
03-23-2018, 08:04 AM | #25 |
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I had a Curt hitch on my previous car.
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09-23-2018, 04:51 PM | #26 |
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do all hitches require some modification to a stock component like the heat shield?
I'd like a hitch, but I like to.keep my car as original as.possible. cutting and removing prevents that. |
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09-23-2018, 04:55 PM | #27 | |
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But if you don't believe me (or manufacturer recommendations), please try it at highway speeds for more than an hour with a forward and rear facing dash cam and report back. |
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09-23-2018, 05:29 PM | #28 | |
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If your definition of highway speeds is 65-75mph then I agree. BMWNA will recommend against towing with an F30 because there is no special speed limit for car+trailer. It's not a function of the F30's capabilities (or lack thereof) to tow, but the difference in traffic laws. Regarding towing I quite like this article: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/tow-me-down-1609112611 |
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09-23-2018, 07:15 PM | #29 | |
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We have an X3 35i and a 335i. There's no way the 335i would be able to tow 2000 lbs the same way the X3 35i would on a highway. It's impossible. Now a PWC probably doesn't weigh anywhere near that. You could probably do okay using a 335i to tow 1 PWC. It's less than half the vehicle weight. |
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09-23-2018, 10:29 PM | #30 | |
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09-24-2018, 02:29 AM | #31 |
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I admit I was afraid of doing it the first time and used a pick up truck. Then I used our F31 to lower the seadoo in to the water. I kept the car running and it Worked like a champ as seen in one of my posts above. The ramp incline was adequate and I would not do it in places where there is no boat ramp. Gobs of grip and ease of use.
Highway use was easy as well. Towing at 75 mph in a diesel was easy and smooth. The car was also loaded to the gills with family, luggage and bikes atop. The total weight with the seadoo and the trailer was between 1000 and 1050 lbs. |
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09-24-2018, 03:25 AM | #32 | ||
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09-24-2018, 09:15 AM | #33 |
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Calling bs. Vast majority of trucks on the highways are travelling well under 75-85mph. Took an old car cross country doing 55-60mph with no problem at all. Just stay in the rightmost lane, be mindful of slower overtakes and look out for all the idiots on their phone.
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09-25-2018, 09:05 AM | #35 | |||
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You won't even get pulled over here unless you're doing 85+mph here on I-70. That's the general consensus from the state/local LEOs on one of the federal task forces here in MD. To get back on topic, I don't think a PWC + trailer will be unreasonably heavy for a sedan to tow. It's less than 50% of the weight of the sedan. However, if you think an F30 N55 can tow just as well as an X3 35i or a X5 35i/50i because it has enough or same amount power, you're out of your mind. If that was the case, than a sports car like a Porsche or Corvette should be able to tow just as well as a 1/2 ton or larger pickup truck. |
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09-25-2018, 03:35 PM | #36 |
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Trucks / SUV's are made for towing and are better suited, not cars. Just because a car may have enough power to tow something doesn't mean it should, there's more to it than that. Plus with people driving 90+ on the interstates when the speed limit is 70 - 75 and rule of thumb is 80, people on their phones, cutting others off, driving like they're in a Fast and Furious movie, etc., it's not very safe.
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10-23-2018, 06:15 PM | #37 |
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Obviously doesn't help you guys who need to fit an aftermarket hitch - but the BMW factory fit is a thing of beauty. One button press and it swings into view - press again to retract to goodness knows where. No filthy hands and no sign of it when not in use.
I tow a utility trailer (small) sometimes to save putting garden waste etc. in the car. I also occasionally tow a sailing dinghy. 4 Series has no problems although I find it better if I take the car out of auto and choose the gear myself - the auto box can't cope well with the changed profile. |
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10-24-2018, 08:08 PM | #38 | |
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10-26-2018, 12:10 PM | #39 | |
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10-26-2018, 01:25 PM | #40 |
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10-28-2018, 10:30 AM | #41 |
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I have the stealth hitch, which looks very similar to the invisihitch....did diy install....not very difficult....extremely happy with.....use it for a hitch bike rack...
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