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      12-19-2018, 12:48 PM   #1
Eddy@ApexWheels
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X7 towing discussion

The towing capacity has been stated as being 7500 pounds for the new X7 but I haven't seen tongue weights posted anywhere.

I have a new aluminum enclosed ATC trailer I want to tow but I'm concerned this is another SUV with wimpy tongue weight figures.

10-15% of a trailer's weight must be on the ball. That means 750 to 1125 pounds of tongue weight should be supported by the X7's towing capacity. If it's only 600 pounds or some other low number like the X5 then it doesn't even meet the minimum threshold required.

I have a weight distribution hitch I would install as well (which doesn't change the required tongue weight figure). Some vehicle systems/suspensions don't play nice with weight distribution hitches. Anyone know what BMW's official stance is for this vehicle?
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      01-04-2019, 09:16 PM   #2
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Is there an owner's manual posted yet where I can look this info up?
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      01-04-2019, 09:32 PM   #3
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I tried to look up a manual for an X5 with air suspension when you first posted because I thought it would be comparable, but I didn't have any luck. I'll check the X5 forums again.
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      01-28-2019, 08:04 PM   #4
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Does anyone know which towing hitch design the X7 will have.

The BMW UK site says it is hidden when not in use but they show two different designs.

The US and Canada build your own websites also show a different design.

The first two pics are from the BMW UK site and the last two are from the Canadian and US build your own websites.

The final pic is what it looks like without the tow hitch.

Are any of these pictures the correct design.
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      01-29-2019, 10:19 AM   #5
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I would guess the USA X7 has the standard box receiver, not the hidden j bar. Per tongue weight, the GLS has a 900lb tongue weight so maybe you'll get close.
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      01-29-2019, 11:43 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjcarls View Post
I would guess the USA X7 has the standard box receiver, not the hidden j bar. Per tongue weight, the GLS has a 900lb tongue weight so maybe you'll get close.
In the description for the tow hitch on the BMW Canada website it shows the same picture as the one on the UK website.I guess we won’t know for sure until the X7’s start arriving at dealerships.
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      01-29-2019, 03:22 PM   #7
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I highly doubt the $600 option is a hidden electronically adjustable tow hitch with stabilization monitor. That does sound cool and I am absolutely getting the hitch when we move into the X7. Whats in those cool pics is probably a $1500 option that will be available on year 2...... when they also announce the X7 can have the 50d LMAO.
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      01-30-2019, 02:25 PM   #8
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I've been informed through a friend that the tongue weight will be 606 lbs. which is way less then I was hoping to see for a car that claims to tow 7500 lbs total. That is only 8% of the weight on the tongue which is less than what's recommended by any trailer manufacturer I've ever come across, or any distributor that specializes in trailers/towing.
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      08-08-2019, 05:30 PM   #9
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I was told by a dealer that the BMW USA trailer hitch can be installed if the need arises after you purchase a build without one. Anyone have any experience with this, perhaps on an x5?
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      08-09-2019, 05:47 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CruiseControl View Post
I was told by a dealer that the BMW USA trailer hitch can be installed if the need arises after you purchase a build without one. Anyone have any experience with this, perhaps on an x5?
Out of curiosity, how much did they quote you? I priced out the parts individually and it came to $800+, and that did not include the body work/paint nor the vehicle coding. Also, did they confirm if the X7 comes pre-wired from the factory?
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      08-09-2019, 07:11 AM   #11
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I did not take it that far yet. My goal is to find a vehicle with a trailer hitch.
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      08-09-2019, 05:19 PM   #12
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How big is your trailer? I have an 18+2 x 102" wide V-nose ATC enclosed trailer. It weighs 3300# empty. I don't know what the tongue weight is but figuring the basic formula it will be between 450-500 lbs empty. I have an '18 F-350 SRW diesel I tow with but, not trying to be a Debbie Downer, it would be a real challenge to tow this trailer with my wife's X-7, if it were so equipped. First there's the width. I have the telescoping tow mirrors on my truck and while I can see fine it would be a challenge without them. Another thing you will need is a trailer brake controller. Probably need a WDH to throw some weight back on the front of the tow vehicle. Last, but not least ,my trailer is a little over 7'hi inside. There is a lot of drag, especially at highway speeds. Good luck and let us know how it does.
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      08-09-2019, 07:05 PM   #13
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I don't own a trailer but have a bike rack that I spent good money on and use often.
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      08-10-2019, 10:24 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FishOuttaWater View Post
How big is your trailer? I have an 18+2 x 102" wide V-nose ATC enclosed trailer. It weighs 3300# empty. I don't know what the tongue weight is but figuring the basic formula it will be between 450-500 lbs empty. I have an '18 F-350 SRW diesel I tow with but, not trying to be a Debbie Downer, it would be a real challenge to tow this trailer with my wife's X-7, if it were so equipped. First there's the width. I have the telescoping tow mirrors on my truck and while I can see fine it would be a challenge without them. Another thing you will need is a trailer brake controller. Probably need a WDH to throw some weight back on the front of the tow vehicle. Last, but not least ,my trailer is a little over 7'hi inside. There is a lot of drag, especially at highway speeds. Good luck and let us know how it does.
+1. I think your rig, fully loaded with a car (I am assuming), tools, wheels, etc. might be a bit much for the X7 to tow safely and efficiently too. My rig comes in at a very conservative 6000 lbs fully loaded (it also has a tire rack now on it - not pictured) and I would feel very comfortable towing my rig with the X7. My open car trailer is a bit small at 18 ft (15 ft deck) and I use a WDH as well. My current tow vehicle is a 2007 Ford Expedition EL with a higher towing capacity, but less powerful engine than the 40i. Not sure if the extended side mirrors would be necessary with an open trailer setup like mine. I don't need them with my Expedition, but the Expedition is a bit wider than the X7.


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      08-18-2019, 09:02 PM   #15
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I tow 6000lbs+ 24 foot boat with 2019 X5 with air suspension and it’s doing just fine. Getting factory hitch is no brainer.
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      08-24-2019, 02:58 PM   #16
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I'm not sure why this is anything new, unless the Australian hitch has been restricted to now, but apparently "3.5 ton towing capacity" now possible in Australia.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/08/22/b...-in-australia/
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      09-20-2023, 11:56 AM   #17
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Is anyone know more about self parking RV with the trailer assist on x7 2024
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      09-27-2023, 08:14 PM   #18
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UHaul installed my hitch, am I screwed?

So I am having a last-minute move to Florida and need to tow a 6x12 UHaul. I have a 2022 BMW X7 m50.

They said they would install the hitch on the car, and did, but it is not the factory option. I didn't even think of it.

How bad is this?

1. I don't seem to have a trailer mode option at all
2. Will this prevent me from towing?
3. I am going to be well under the gross weight max weight of the box trailer which is 4400 lbs.

I have not really found an answer or seen if anywhere where someone has done this and what happened.

Thank you in advance for any help or advice.
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      09-28-2023, 04:08 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Akira71 View Post
So I am having a last-minute move to Florida and need to tow a 6x12 UHaul. I have a 2022 BMW X7 m50.

They said they would install the hitch on the car, and did, but it is not the factory option. I didn't even think of it.

How bad is this?

1. I don't seem to have a trailer mode option at all
2. Will this prevent me from towing?
3. I am going to be well under the gross weight max weight of the box trailer which is 4400 lbs.

I have not really found an answer or seen if anywhere where someone has done this and what happened.

Thank you in advance for any help or advice.
1. Trailer mode has to be coded. You'll need to find a knowledgeable shop that can do that if you really want it.
2. No, the missing trailer mode won't prevent you from towing. But has the wiring harness been installed? It adds a 7 pin outlet so your trailer's lights and brakes work?
3. You'll need to dig into specs to make sure you don't overload your hitch, the rear axle and the car in general. If everything is within spec, then you're good.

UPD: Refer to this thread for more information https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1833185
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      09-28-2023, 06:32 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sharp View Post
1. Trailer mode has to be coded. You'll need to find a knowledgeable shop that can do that if you really want it.
2. No, the missing trailer mode won't prevent you from towing. But has the wiring harness been installed? It adds a 7 pin outlet so your trailer's lights and brakes work?
3. You'll need to dig into specs to make sure you don't overload your hitch, the rear axle and the car in general. If everything is within spec, then you're good.

UPD: Refer to this thread for more information https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1833185

Thank you! This was the info I needed.

1. If it is not needed I won't push for it, but I will check around in case.
2. Yes all the wiring is there and it was tested good.
3. The hitch system was also tested and is good to go for my needs. It is better than what my max is rated for the vehicle and I am towing.

Again, I really appreciate your response and the link!
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      10-05-2023, 07:56 AM   #21
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Found out that the presence of a factory hitch means you lose the "kick to open" tailgate feature. So sad, but life is about choices, no?
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      10-05-2023, 10:42 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jrgrant View Post
Found out that the presence of a factory hitch means you lose the "kick to open" tailgate feature. So sad, but life is about choices, no?
I never use this feature anyways
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