50i Tow Capacity

[NERO X]

Sorry if this is a repeat, but couldn't find it anywhere.

What is the towing capacity of the 50i? Higher than the 35i? I'll be using a Stealth hitch.

Also, how about the integrated sway control; does it control well enough or should I plan extra control on the hitch?

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by NERO X

Sorry if this is a repeat, but couldn't find it anywhere.

What is the towing capacity of the 50i? Higher than the 35i? I'll be using a Stealth hitch.

Also, how about the integrated sway control; does it control well enough or should I plan extra control on the hitch?

Depends on the hitch but yes the 50i can tow easier but idk about more per say as that is usually based on the strength of the vehicle and the 35 and 50 are the same physically.

The stealth hitch should tell you the rating of whatever you're buying but I believe it's something like 6500 or 7500 depending on what you read. Just make sure the crossbeam and hitch you get can do that.

Also a 2 min google search told me all of this. You should try it some time!

[perry8912]

I have a 50i, Msport, that I pulled my Sea Hunt 255 with (total weight 7100 pounds) through Rocky Mountains and it towed just fine. My car also has the self leveling air suspension which eliminated the rear end squat

[ajshanny]

Not sure what you plan to tow, but the main limiting factor is likely going to be tongue weight, depending on what hitch you install. In Europe the X5 is rated to tow 7,700 lbs. Here in the US, the X5 is rated to tow about 6,000 lbs. I believe the difference between these two ratings is attributable to the fact that the heaviest tow hitch sold by BMW in the US is only rated for 6,000 lbs., and I understand that a heavier duty hitch is sold by BMW in Europe. However, the max tongue weight for the X5 is only about 600 lbs., so safely towing more than 6,000 lbs. would arguably require more tongue weight than than what the X5 is rated to handle. I understand that some X5 owners have successfully towed more than 6,000 lbs., but I don't think I would try that. It would require either exceeding the max tongue weight rating or setting up the trailer with tongue weight less than 10 percent of the weight of the load. According to many folks here in the US, such a setup is not within the generally accepted safety requirements for towing.

[kendrick07]

It is rated for 5952 pounds, pretty much 6000. It's the same as the xDrive35i.

Just towed with mine for the first time today and it worked great.

[nate670]

Originally Posted by NERO X

Sorry if this is a repeat, but couldn't find it anywhere.

What is the towing capacity of the 50i? Higher than the 35i? I'll be using a Stealth hitch.

Also, how about the integrated sway control; does it control well enough or should I plan extra control on the hitch?

I have the Class II hitch rated at 3500lbs, you can also purchase the Class III for 6000lbs.

[Harv]

Originally Posted by kendrick07

Just towed with mine for the first time today and it worked great.

What are you using for a brake controller? Wired or did you use that RF one?

John

[redline9001]

Payload will be the real problem, since you, the wife, the dog, kids and gear all count towards payload just not the trailer.

Normally you can get any where near max tow capacity cause you run out of payload.

[kendrick07]

Originally Posted by Harv

What are you using for a brake controller? Wired or did you use that RF one?

John

Neither, it only has surge brakes.

[NERO X]

I installed the Stealth Hitch and they said max is 7,700 lbs with 600 lb max tongue.

[CatalinP]

Originally Posted by ajshanny

In Europe the X5 is rated to tow 7,700 lbs. Here in the US, the X5 is rated to tow about 6,000 lbs. I believe the difference between these two ratings is attributable to the fact that the heaviest tow hitch sold by BMW in the US is only rated for 6,000 lbs., and I understand that a heavier duty hitch is sold by BMW in Europe.

In Europe there is an option you can tick when ordering the car, is called
S233A Increased towing capability, up to 3.5 tons / 7700 lbs.

Not sure if it is available in the US.

[redline9001]

Originally Posted by NERO X

I installed the Stealth Hitch and they said max is 7,700 lbs with 600 lb max tongue.

With the tongue weight of 600lbs means that your max tow is closer to 6k, and tongue wait is only one factor in payload. I am going to have to look and see if I can find what payload is... the more options a vehicle has the lower the payload will be.

[BettyWhite]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

In Europe there is an option you can tick when ordering the car, is called
S233A Increased towing capability, up to 3.5 tons / 7700 lbs.

Not sure if it is available in the US.

The Stealth Hitch is rated at 7,700 lbs as well. It is tested by Euro standards as well as US Standards. But the rating includes with trailer brakes use. BMW nor Stealth Hitches recommend using any type of load control/sway control with their hitches.