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BMW 320D touring as tow car

G

Geoff_374455192

Hi, This is my first post on the forum, we have a Lunar Sunbeam which has a MIRO of 17.75CWT which I calc to 887.5kgs approx. We have towed it twice with a Mazda Tribute 2.0l petrol, which is fine on the flat, but really struggles up long hills, ie Ewloe hill into N Wales and just after St Asaph on the A55 coming east. We also have a 2003 BMW 320D Touring 5 speed manual 150bhp, the figures add up OK it way below the 85% as is the Mazda. So before I splash out on towbar and electrics for the BMW does anyone have experince of using a 320d for towing. Many thanks to all who reply
 
Hi Geoff,

I'm not sure you understand the way the towing ratio is calculated.It always uses the MTPLM of the caravan divided by the kerbweight weight of the tow vehicle, all multplied by 100 to convert it percent.

It produces a consistent worst case figure, and that makes it useful for comparisons.

You quote the caravans MIRO not MTPLM, and as such your percentage fugue bears no usable consistency with other outfits.

From the information I can gather the Mazda, Tribute, has a stated kerbweight of 1365(for the 2.0 L 2Wheeldrive) and 1435Kg for the 4x4 version. Both models have a 1500Kg max towing limit

I do not have the data for the Lunar, but with a MIRO of 888Kg it is likely to have 250Kg payload bringing the figure up to 1138Kg

This is within the Tribute towing capacity but it gives towing ratio of 83% (2WD) or 79% (4WD) These are good figures.

My Brother has a BMW 330D and whilst the engine is more powerful the short rear overhang configuration of the car seems to give good control over caravans and trailers.

You really need owners with the same car to be sure of its ability.
 
Hi geoff,I tow a fleetwood (max weight 1460kg)with a 2005 320d auto touring.At the max weight it is a 89% match but I don't load it to the max so am pulling about 1400kg.Recently back from Wales (lots of hills)and had no problems at all and tow at 60mph where roads permit.If you go ahead with the towbar make sure you ask for the correct towbar electrics ie fridge connection,as BMW do two types.You will not be disapointed with cars towing ability.Hope this helps,

Alan
 
Thanks for the replies, will go ahead and fit towbar as I am well below your Fleetwood weight, will make sure I get the correct electrics fitted also - Geoff
 
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