[Bmw2023rv]

Originally Posted by jmciver

I mean that the rear parking sensors, which also serve as proximity sensors during normal driving, may not be happy with the trailer so close to the back of the X7 if not disabled (like they would normally be when using the factory trailer socket connection). I have never tested this on the road of course, but this behavior makes sense based on the rear parking sensor behavior when I hook up my trailer, and the X7 is not in reverse with the trailer plug still disconnected.

As far as disabling the auto leveling, I described how to do that a few posts above when I described how to disable the air suspension. When the air suspension is disabled, the auto leveling function is disabled since it is the air suspension that controls the auto leveling. But there is no need to disable the air suspension for normal trailer hookup - I only did that for tongue weight measurement. But I do put the X7 at the lowest ride height as that aids with trailer hookup…

My bad if I missed it but the only think you explained is how to manually put it in trailer mode, is that what you meant? I wasn't sure if that only disables the manual adjustments from the panel or it also disables auto adjustments.

Is there anyway I can DM you or you DM me I would like to talk over a few things if you don't mind.

[bono]

Not X7, but E70 35d... regarding WDH - I believe that BMW completely ignores US customers who tow with BMW. First, they do not test the vehicles with WDH (just imagine a German engineer sitting in Munich, who would be task with WDH test - WDH are not allowed in Europe... so there is first problem...) and, second, they also either did / do not offer factory option for hitches, where in the ROW they do. Item 1 and 2 are related - US specs for towing are completely ignored by BMW.

I've been towing this trailer for over 30k towing miles. It tows absolutely beautiful - super stable. In my option, the most important element of good experience is proper / quality hitch. I am using ProPride, which is the most expensive and the best hitch on the market. It ELIMINATES the sway, not only manages as other hitches do.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by bereleah

My bad if I missed it but the only think you explained is how to manually put it in trailer mode, is that what you meant? I wasn't sure if that only disables the manual adjustments from the panel or it also disables auto adjustments.

Is there anyway I can DM you or you DM me I would like to talk over a few things if you don't mind.

To put the X7 in manual trailer mode, you use the iDrive menu. To disable the air suspension (and by definition the auto leveling) you use the ride height switch on the center console as I described a few posts above.

If you want to chat a bit more offline, you can DM me here on the forums …

[Tr4ckD4ys]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

I hadn't heard that cruise control is disabled when a trailer is connected

I can attest that my cruise control is working with a trailer attached. My advanced cruise control with active lane keeping is not. Only the distance control.

Also I will keep people posted on how it goes with towing my 5900lbs trailer (loaded) coming in at 600lbs tongue weight (loaded) with a conventional BulletProof 2" hitch and 2-5/16 ball. Theoretically the factory hitch option includes an electronic reactive anti sway control. I've towed this thing with my X5 40i and it worked "ok". Wondering if the longer wheelbase and heavier engine in the front of the X7 M50i will feel better.

[Bmw2023rv]

Originally Posted by jmciver

To put the X7 in manual trailer mode, you use the iDrive menu. To disable the air suspension (and by definition the auto leveling) you use the ride height switch on the center console as I described a few posts above.

If you want to chat a bit more offline, you can DM me here on the forums …

Thanks but for some reason I can't figure out how to DM you lol.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by bereleah

Thanks but for some reason I can't figure out how to DM you lol.

Just click on my screen name above my avatar …..

[Bmw2023rv]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Just click on my screen name above my avatar …..

I did and I don't have the option to DM maybe because it's a new account, can you please try to DM me.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by bereleah

I did and I don't have the option to DM maybe because it's a new account, can you please try to DM me.

You’re right, your account is still too new unfortunately, so I can’t either….

[Dave SA]

PinkNinja400Guy thanks for that very encouraging idea. I hope you will share your experience when you try this next week.

[Dave SA]

Tr4ckD4ys you seem to be the only one who retains cruise control when towing. Would you let us know what kind of brake controller setup you are using? Maybe you're on to something here.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Dave SA

Tr4ckD4ys you seem to be the only one who retains cruise control when towing. Would you let us know what kind of brake controller setup you are using? Maybe you're on to something here.

I wouldn't say he is the only one as it is built in functionality when towing with the X7 . That said, I personally don't use "standard" cruise control while towing in order to stay more alert. But we all have our own personal preferences…

[Dave SA]

I believe when you plug in a brake controller the X7 switches to trailer mode and eliminates your use of any cruise control. This is what I am experiencing on my 2022. I have not heard of anyone else being able to have cruise control available. Please confirm if you know anything to the contrary thanks

[Tr4ckD4ys]

Originally Posted by Dave SA

I believe when you plug in a brake controller the X7 switches to trailer mode and eliminates your use of any cruise control. This is what I am experiencing on my 2022. I have not heard of anyone else being able to have cruise control available. Please confirm if you know anything to the contrary thanks

Will confirm (with proof or evidence against) this Sunday when I'm pulling my trailer out of storage. My comment was, to be fair, a reference to my 2019 X5 and is 3 years old.

[bono]

I am using cruise control when towing with E70 all the time. I noticed it is much safer, as I cruise at 65 mph vs without cruise control I caught myself towing 75-80 mph.

[Tr4ckD4ys]

Confirming functioning cruise control (not lane keep assist or assisted drive). Also, with conventional bumper towing on a bulletproof 2" hitch and vehicle set up level to the trailer, I had an amazingly easy towing experience that made me wonder if any trailer was even attached (the trailer comes in at 6000k lbs and 590lbs tongue weight when loaded, 26 ft long. 2022 Imagine XLS 22 MLE). No sign of sway, no harsh movements or anything. Car tows amazing even without WD and staying within BMW recommended specs and setup.

[Bmw2023rv]

Originally Posted by jmciver

To put the X7 in manual trailer mode, you use the iDrive menu. To disable the air suspension (and by definition the auto leveling) you use the ride height switch on the center console as I described a few posts above.

If you want to chat a bit more offline, you can DM me here on the forums …

So I have gone back read all your comments and I don't see where you explained how to disable the auto leveling using the ride switch, im sorry if I missed it again but do you mind explaining it to me.

In addition when plugging your trailer into thr 7 way and the vehicle goes into trailer mode does that mean it won't auto leveling? Also do you plug in after the sway bars are on or before?

[Dave SA]

Tr4ckD4ys thank you for the follow up.

Maybe you can advise me as I am using the Echo (by Curt) controller and when I connect the trailer the cruise is disabled.

May I ask what brake controller setup you are using? And is it plugged into the 7 pin connector?

Or are you doing something on a setup menu that enables the cruise?

Could this be something new on the latest X7's? Mine is only about 6 weeks old and this is really pixxing me off.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by bereleah

So I have gone back read all your comments and I don't see where you explained how to disable the auto leveling using the ride switch, im sorry if I missed it again but do you mind explaining it to me.

In addition when plugging your trailer into thr 7 way and the vehicle goes into trailer mode does that mean it won't auto leveling? Also do you plug in after the sway bars are on or before?

Read post #125, bottom of the 1st paragraph. That is how you disable the air suspension, which also disables auto leveling since the air suspension controls the auto leveling. As I stated previously, I ONLY disabled the air suspension when I was measuring the tongue weight of my trailer (which I only needed to do during my initial trailer setup since I only use one trailer). So under normal trailer use, I DO NOT disable the air suspension as it is not necessary.

The X7 air suspension system will always auto level under any driving condition if needed (which is helpful if you are carrying heavy cargo/people as well), and also when in trailer mode, as long as the air suspension is active. It should not matter when you plug in the trailer connector during trailer hookup, but that is usually my last step after all of the trailer mechanical hook-ups are done mainly out of convenience.

[Bmw2023rv]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Read post #125, bottom of the 1st paragraph. That is how you disable the air suspension, which also disables auto leveling since the air suspension controls the auto leveling. As I stated previously, I ONLY disabled the air suspension when I was measuring the tongue weight of my trailer (which I only needed to do during my initial trailer setup since I only use one trailer). So under normal trailer use, I DO NOT disable the air suspension as it is not necessary.

The X7 air suspension system will always auto level under any driving condition if needed (which is helpful if you are carrying heavy cargo/people as well), and also when in trailer mode, as long as the air suspension is active. It should not matter when you plug in the trailer connector during trailer hookup, but that is usually my last step after all of the trailer mechanical hook-ups are done mainly out of convenience.

I see it now, so the issue I'm experiencing when the auto level is on is when I hook up my trailer the vehicle will auto level bringing everything where it needs to be, but once I install the WD bars it raises it like an inch higher where it needs to be. What's the solution?

[jmciver]

I don't see a problem with what you are describing (although a picture of your connected setup could help verify). Assuming your trailer and X7 are just about level when hooked up (including connecting the WDH bars), the auto leveling system should not do much other than some fine adjustments.

What you don't want to have is the hitch connection between trailer and X7 either sagging (typically too much tongue weight), or up too high (typically not enough tongue weight/poor weight distribution). Also, keep in mind that these fine adjustments can also occur while you are driving/towing as well.

Below is a pic of my setup, fully loaded, with all WDH hookups connected, and electrical connections made up (and the air suspension active). The X7 and the trailer are nice and level.

[Dave SA]

Tr4ckD4ys thank you for the follow up.

Maybe you'd be kind enough to advise me as I am using the Echo (by Curt) controller and when I connect the trailer the cruise is disabled.

May I ask what brake controller setup you are using? And is it plugged into the 7 pin connector?

Or are you doing something on a setup menu that enables the cruise?

Could this be something new on the latest X7's? Mine is only about 6 weeks old and this is really pixxing me off.

Towing long distance with no cruise is not fun.

[bono]

Generally, you should set up weight distribution hitch (at least for the first time) with the air suspension off. I am not sure how it work with X7 (i.e. whether there is a jack / tire mode), but only this way you could assess the impact of weight distribution. If the auto leveling is on, you will not see the impact.

Also, you should go to CAT scale to see the numbers, i.e. what is transferred to the front axle / trailer axles. Auto leveling system may provide a false illusion that everything is set up correctly. Air bags do not transfer any weight.

Originally Posted by bereleah

I see it now, so the issue I'm experiencing when the auto level is on is when I hook up my trailer the vehicle will auto level bringing everything where it needs to be, but once I install the WD bars it raises it like an inch higher where it needs to be. What's the solution?