[M3ditate]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Why, what happened to the tow hitch wiring after July 2020?

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Why, what happened to the tow hitch wiring after July 2020?

According to the ordering guide, it's not there anymore. Maybe production constraints?

[MB21]

Originally Posted by TXSchnee

Was looking at C&D online and noticed a new entry in their long term X7 M50i. I didn't see this posted here, and it is about towing so thought some may find it interesting. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-maintenance/

[SIZE="4"]Our 2020 BMW X7 M50i Pulls Its Weight, Literally and Metaphorically[/SIZE]

The X7 continues its near-perfect streak of accolades from our staff, even with a car and trailer in tow.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-maintenance/

I have seen it posted in some other thread, anyhow thanks! We all curious how it goes as with COVID my driving reduced significantly. After 1 year and 2 months I have 7800mi typically I would do 10-12k a year.

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by M3ditate

According to the ordering guide, it's not there anymore. Maybe production constraints?

Interesting, where are you seeing this about the tow hitch pre-wiring? I can't find this mentioned in the ordering guide. (before or after July 2020)

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Saejin

And don't forget about 1/4 of the emissions footprint.

Regardless, the next few years will probably be the end of the all gasoline engines with a move towards hybrid and all electric. I'd say by 2030 you'd be hard pressed to find anything with an engine like the M50i has now. Could be a good thing...torque from an all electric vehicle is instant.

Might want to pick an M car between now and then if you still want the full blown air-breather engines.

As this thread is about towing, that brings up a good question. We know the hit on MPG for towing, how would towing impact range in an all electric or hybrid?

No it won't!

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by Saejin

Wow, so you're not seeing 20s on the highway. Low MPG doesn't bother too much around the city, but this will be a road trip vehicle for us and I thought it would at least get low to mid 20s cruising.

Anyone else?

Don't expect pleasant MPG numbers when you get your M50i. I get 13'ish in the city (although I drive in sport a lot) and 18-19 highway. On a 1600 mile road trip (solo), I did get 22-25 highway.

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by Wanderer73

Don't expect pleasant MPG numbers when you get your M50i. I get 13'ish in the city (although I drive in sport a lot) and 18-19 highway. On a 1600 mile road trip (solo), I did get 22-25 highway.

Honestly that's not bad. I get similar in my QX80 which is basically a $99,000 Nissan Armada for $45,000.

[shameson]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Interesting, where are you seeing this about the tow hitch pre-wiring? I can't find this mentioned in the ordering guide. (before or after July 2020)

Its option 8SL. It's present on the 2020 order guides for X5 or X7 as a standard option, but missing on the 2021 order guides.

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by shameson

Its option 8SL. It's present on the 2020 order guides for X5 or X7 as a standard option, but missing on the 2021 order guides.

Huh... whaddya know. You're right. Never noticed that before. And in MY2019, option 8SL specified towing limit is 5400 lbs, whereas 3AC towing hitch is rated at 7200 lbs.

Soooo... MY2021 no longer is prewired for tow?

[city1991]

Originally Posted by houbmw

IMO, I think that belongs to the Lincoln Navigator.

I agree. New Navi is gorgeous!

[city1991]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Not important, nor anywhere in the scope of any BMW, but I recall 1990's Geo Metros getting MPG's in the 40's.

They were 3 cylinders and could barely make it up hills.

[Joemac8]

Originally Posted by Saejin

Not sure about the 40i as I think the mild hybrid took this option away, but there's an Econ mode right? Is anyone using that?

I had it in my XC90 and it helped gain 2-3MPG.

Not a huge deal for me, but would like to get at least what is advertised by BMW...low 20s for highway.

I have a 2019, 40i with 21K miles. I only drive in Econ mode as old farts don’t need vroom.(can’t hear it anyway) I drive 75% highway at 75mph. The other 25% is city. I have always been a lead footed driver. My average mpg since I got the vehicle is 23.7. YMMV

[freshxdough]

2021 is not prewired for towing unless the vehicle is ordered from factory with tow hitch.

2019/2020 just released OEM factory hitch parts and can be installed with additional wire harness and control unit so long as the vehicle has option code for prewire. The prewire connector is in the RR behind the trunk panel.

Just installed one on an X7 40i M Sport but we needed an additional trim piece and it would not work. Also the bottom body painted portion on the bumper needs to be cut as well. I believe if it was not M Sport it would work better as the bumper shape and trim pieces are different.

Everything is plug and play with the harness and control unit. Then programming retrofit adds towing functionality in the idrive. The towing capacity is ~5900 LBS and tongue weight is 606 LBS.

The kick feature for the tail gate is completely removed (sensors are physically removed to make way for the OEM trailer hitch)