Advice needed pls- BMW X1

[twindaddy]

Hi all
I'm no novice at towing or with regards to towing weights etc but just need someone else's thoughts here.

I currently tow with the defender but a change must occur and I've been offered a BMW X1. It's the highest output engine 23d in 4x4 automatic guise giving 200hp and 300 nm torque. It's kerb weight is around 1650kg which is about the same as my caravan. The X1 has a max towing capacity of 2000kg. When towing, I would not use the rear load space in the vehicle so would put a lot of weighty gear in there to up the vehicles weight by about 300kg (inc a small person in the front with me). This obviously changes the weight ratio but what does everyone think? I with the defender for example, although it can tow 3500kg (although only weighs 2200kg itself) it is not very powerful when up hill etc this bmw pulls like a steam train with its 200hp and the 300torque?

Thanks TD

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello TDaddy,

I would be careful about adding so much extra weight to the BMW. Cars do have load margins just like caravans, so it is possible to overload a car.
You would need to check the cars detailed specification for its Gross Vehicle Mass/Weight or MAM. and its axle load limits. Considering the extra load you want to add, the nose load of the caravan and any passengers and luggage you need to carry, you might find you have run out of load margin.

Adding the weight will change the real weight ratio, but it doesn't change the normal quoted ratio as that is based on paper values.

The maximum towed weight limit of a vehicle is not a simple formula based on the weight of the tow vehicle or its power output, or torque. The power and torque figures you normally see publish usually relate to engine output values, not the driven wheel values. These can be a game changer, as with the LR you may have ratios which give large tractive effort at the tyres but only at relatively low speeds. Such is the nature of a proper off road vehicle. The BMW is more likely to geared for on road conditions.

The majority of caravanners rarely need true off road capability , in which case the creature comforts of the BMW may be what you are looking for - but do check the vehicle's weight specifications and don't overload.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

TD

Your signature box says 'brood of 5'. Is that 5 kids plus 2 adults which would seem tight in a BMX X1?

 

[xtrailman]

Personally I think the OP will be perfectly ok.
Although towing at 100% isn't ideal I already tow at 90% myself, and actually find the CX-5 more stable than the previously 50kg heavier xtrail.

Stepping up in ratio to 90% I noticed that any power short falls where quickly noticed, the xtrail lack low end torque, the cx-5 addressed that even with higher gearing.

The x1 has enough power and torque, so provided the cars brakes are sufficiently powerful then I don't see a problem. Changing a rig can always throw up a shortfall so a good match isn't a guarantee.

Its been pointed out on other forums that the Europeans tow at much higher ratios than we do, and the casualty rate isn't reported to be any different to ours, ie no more overturned rigs.

What I do think is extremely important, and this is my own opinion, is the caravan should have dampers fitted, ATC fitted, and have an efficient braking system.

 

[chrisn7]

Although I have an X5 I am not familiar with the X1. I would assume that it is fitted with 3 rear seat belts in which case it is designed to take three adults, who could easily weigh say 75Kg each. As mentioned the noseweight counts as part of the load on the cars rear suspension. BMW are usually pretty good at providing various weights in the handbook, so hopefully they might provide a luggage compartment max weight, from which you will have to deduct the noseweight. Provided that the remainder plus non rear seat occupation is greater than your 300 kg, and you do not exceed the rear axle weight limit (handbook again) you may just about be ok. If you do have family in the rear seats, then I think its a no-no

 

[twindaddy]

Thanks all

The weights all worked out and were within max masses etc but I just couldn't visualise my 8metre unit behind it so I've moved on and carried on searchin.

I'm thinking of putting a towbar on my wife's Galaxy as its tow,limit is 1800kg, kerb weight of 1750kg so within the limits for our 1600kg van. My only concern, even empty with no passengers in the rear, the steering is very light so I'm concerned the steering will become non existent with the van on the back adding 90kg nose weight on the back of it!!!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Almost every other car will have light steering compared to the Defender! So dont worry on that count.

The galaxy in common with many other people carriers have their rear wheels set well back with a relatively short over hang compared to its length. This will minimise the effects of caravan nose load on the steering of the vehicle.

But I do most of my towing with a Renault Grand Espace, and one occasion with a well loaded twin axle trailer I did have trouble pulling away on a gravel covered incline, It needed a bit of help to get it all going, but it was perfectly fine on on the dirt track of the same incline.

I'm pretty sure you will find the Galaxy a very capable tow vehicle

 

[Keefanmaxx]

I tow with a 1.7 ecoflex engine Zafira at below the 85% guideline with no problems at all. I have to admit I was unsure if it would have enough 'grunt' to get moving, yet alone keep going but it's been fine. I have the Vauxhall dedicated tow-bar electrics which did involve a trip to the dealer to have the car on the diagnostics machine which, I was reliably informed, does remap the ECU to provide more power when a trailer is connected, but at a loss of fuel consumption.

I'm now looking to change the car, possibly moving to a 4x4, but not sure which one ...... BMW has been considered though!