BMW 5 series as a tow car

Lynton
Lynton Forum Participant Posts: 50
edited June 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

Morning all, thought I would ask the question.   I Have the opportunity to buy a new BMW 5 series 520d luxury or SE saloon seems to be a good deal but i would appreciate any views from BM owners about how good or bad the car is for towing.

Thanks in advance

Tony

Comments

  • MiDor
    MiDor Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited June 2016 #2

    Hi Tony

    I would say the 5 series is one of the best tow cars available. would reccommend the auto box, i've stopped caravaning now but used to tow with a 320d coupe at around 91% weight and never had any problems at all. The 5 series being heavier will be superb.

    Best of luck

     Mike

  • birderbilly
    birderbilly Forum Participant Posts: 349
    100 Comments
    edited June 2016 #3

    Make sure you do your research re towbars as it can be a bit of an expensive minefield with the 5 series. Also Estate (Touring), if thats an option, is better as it has self levelling suspension. Fantastic engines tho.

  • Lynton
    Lynton Forum Participant Posts: 50
    edited June 2016 #4

    Thanks MiDor & biderbilly, note the point regarding towbars saw a discussion that mentioned even factory fitted towbars and electrics sometime wire the continental way basically leave out connection wire to fridge when driving and others so yes will check
    as BMW dealer saying factory fitted towbar.

  • MiDor
    MiDor Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited June 2016 #5

    BMW quoted £1500 to fit a Westfalia detachable towbar. Found the local independent where BMW take their cars to, as they do not fit them themselves. Had the same Westfalia fitted for £470

  • Whittakerr
    Whittakerr Club Member Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited June 2016 #6

    My last car was a 520D auto. Bought from new in 2010. Great car towing and solo. I had the factory fitted BMW electric towbar fitted. Cost about £850 and the wiring loom didn’t include the fridge supply, that was an extra that I wasn’t told about, but it
    didn’t bother me and I didn’t get it retro fitted.

    I changed my car last year to the Audi A6 S line. Another nice car but on balance the BMW gets my vote, especially when towing, the Audi is a bit “bouncy” for any rear seat passengers when towing.

  • bennetti
    bennetti Forum Participant Posts: 13
    edited June 2016 #7

    Yes, recommended. I've had two, an F10 and now an F11. Has all the attributes of a good tow car: heavy, powerful and stable. Proper feel-good quality interior.  520d also astonishingly economical given its size and performance.  Auto box is excellent and
    essential for resale value.  If, like me, you can't tolerate the idea of a 4x4 you'll struggle to find a better 'normal' towcar I think.  After-market detachable towbar with dedicated electrics about £650. 

     

    I've recently had my head turned by the new Superb and Passat, but they're just not heavy enough for my liking. Cars like the 5-series, E-class, A6, and V70 are a dying breed, I think. 

  • Lynton
    Lynton Forum Participant Posts: 50
    edited June 2016 #8

    Hi all Liking the comments and now leaning towrds the BMW even more.  Good to hear from other about its towing ability, thought it would be good.  I will check BMW as they say they will factory fit the towbar and electrics (think 850 was mentioned) but will
    defo check for the fridge loom as Lyn and I find that a useful feature to have the fridge on whilst travelling

  • Adingley84
    Adingley84 Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited June 2016 #9

    When people say a great tow car...how do they fair getting the van to a damp pitch? 

    I currently drive a subaru forester 2.5XT which is very powerful and permanent 4WD (AWD if being picky). Its supremely capable on road and off but will probably need replacing soon and really want a 5 series touring...but I'm so worried about getting stuck
    on a wet pitch it's unreal! 

    Any experiences? Please be honest rather than rose tinted.

  • Lynton
    Lynton Forum Participant Posts: 50
    edited June 2016 #10

    Well I bit the bullet ordered the BMW 5 520d with 8 speed auto with paddles 12 week wait Happy  As to damp patchs Adingley84, will alwys
    try hardstanding first.  Thanks all for you comments 

    Lyn Tony

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #11

     

    Any experiences? Please be honest rather than rose tinted.

    Until my current towcar, a permanent 4 wheel drive R Class Merc, I'd only towed with rear wheel drive large Vauxhalls and only had problems once on a particularly wet field. RWD is preferable to FWD as the caravan will be leaning on the driven wheels.

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