X5 e70 Towing

[gmc15]

The flaps behind the grill are electronically controlled. they are normally closed so restrict air flow to the radiator. When towing and the engine is working harder they open when you slow down to maximise cooling to the engine. I think they are working correctly when they open to allow the fan to cool the radiator

[sheep1903]

Ah.... That's an interesting theory. Sounds very possible.

I was debating getting the upgrade, I called another BMW today and they quoted £1279. I find it hard to see many conversations but not read anyone with an actual overheating problem highlighted. There must be some x5's out there with aftermarket towbars.

[X5Sport]

I suspect the answer to that one is dozens of them!  Given that BMW quote over £2k to fit one, and companies like PF Jones about £500 for the same Towbar.  I have never known anyone on here report temperature issues.

Have a look on Realoem and see if you can find the part number for the larger fan, and then see if you can source one cheaper.

There may even be a retrofit kit.

You could also try sending Cotswoldbmwmini a 'PM'.  They are a BMW Dealer on here and offer discounts on parts.

[Graeme]

Being a 7 seater, my car is fitted with runflats all round, but the wheels are different sizes -  fronts are 255x50x19 107v and the rears 285x45x19 111v so two spare wheels is out of the question! There's no room anyway as it's a 7 seater.  I carry a couple of tins of Holts tyreweld in case of a nail type puncture though if the side wall is damaged that's it!  Touch- wood I've never needed them.

Graeme

[sheep1903]

We'll gents after days of searching, I can find no overheating issues from towing. Many x5 towing without issue using aftermarket.

I'm just going to go for it, sure after 4 hours of towing you would have seen an issue by then. Think BMW is covering for all areas of the world and very cautious.

[sheep1903]

[quote="gmc15"]
I tow with the same car as yours. My van is 1500kgs and my longest tow has only been a couple of hours. My fan also cuts in and out as I slow for junctions. The trouble is that these cars don't have a temp gauge so it is difficult to know how hot the car is running!
I will be towing around France in a couple of months time so I'll see how it gets on towing in hof conditions.
I towed with an E53 3.0d all over France and with a E53 4.6is in France and neither had any upgrades and both were fine. Just hope the E70 is OK
[/quote]

Hi Gmc,

FYI,

I spoke to BMW about my fan being on all the time whilst towing, they said that it should not be doing that. I discussed with witter who have highlighted that the dedicated electrics only tell the car that there is a trailer/caravan attached. What the car does next is back to BMW. The only advise I have been offered is fitting an upgraded fan may stop this or not, nobody is sure unless I try.

I can hitch without the van electric connected and the fan does not come on if i drive.

I'd be interested in other 40d owners who tow what they are experiencing.

[sheep1903]

Hi Guys,

Having spent many a long day researching, speaking with the likes of Witter, PF Jones, BMW, Independent Garages, here is my official outcome.

When towing with the X5 (e70) 30d and 40d,

The 30d has no reports of the fan being on during towing.

I am aware of several 40d’s with the fan being on during towing and the fan being on when the engine slows down as you approach a junction, the fan will also switch off a few seconds after the car comes to a complete stop. On my first contact with BMW, they highlighted that this was not correct and that I make contact with the company that installed my tow bar. I have been over my tow bar wiring, all good tested again with other trailers all good. My tow bar installer has been discussing with BMW, Right Connections, auto electricians etc… with no real answers identified. So the problems reverted back to BMW.

I explain to BMW that my friends 30d does not any issues with the fan being on, I am now aware of three 40d’s with the same symptoms with the fan being on and stopping when the car stops. I asked them to investigate further. Is there an issue or a design flaw? BMW get back in touch with me today, they have completed a schematic review and revealed differences between the 30’d and 40’d in which the 40’d fan will remain on most of the time to provide the additional cooling for the engine differences during towing. There is no design flaw and its behaving as it should.

With this they highly recommend the cooling upgrade fan to 850w model on the 40d. Speaking with many other sources this is still a debated topic and is really down to personal opinion depending on your towing requirements. Almost all personnel that I have spoken to have said that it will be fine for UK/Eur climate which technically goes against BMW recommendation.

Hope this helps.

[X5Sport]

I would hope you mean an 850W fan?  850kW will be a wind turbine, and even with BMWs designs that might be taking the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' to a new extreme 

If you were hauling up and down the Alps and in hot weather, then the bigger fan would be an idea but if not then the 600W will do.

BMW are just guarding the arses!

[gmc15]

Sheep1903, excellent work. I am quite relaxed about towing to the South of France in August, and I won't be doing the fan upgrade

[sheep1903]

[quote="X5Sport"]
I would hope you mean an 850W fan?  850kW will be a wind turbine, and even with BMWs designs that might be taking the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' to a new extreme 

If you were hauling up and down the Alps and in hot weather, then the bigger fan would be an idea but if not then the 600W will do.

BMW are just guarding the arses!
[/quote]

Ha ha oops, not sure where that came from, well,spotted. [quote][/quote]

[sheep1903]

[quote="gmc15"]
Sheep1903, excellent work. I am quite relaxed about towing to the South of France in August, and I won't be doing the fan upgrade
[/quote]

Yeah me too, about to embark from Forfar near Dundee to Paris.

[gmc15]

Safe journey. Which site are you on near Paris? We often stay on Des 4 Vents.
Keep us updated with your tow if you don't mind

[Steamyrotter]

I would hope you mean an 850W fan?  850kW will be a wind turbine, and even with BMWs designs that might be taking the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' to a new extreme 

If you were hauling up and down the Alps and in hot weather, then the bigger fan would be an idea but if not then the 600W will do.

BMW are just guarding the arses!

Ha ha oops, not sure where that came from, well,spotted.

Same calculator as me I expect!!!

Just a thought
Are you still under warranty???
If so then you probably wouldnt be covered for engine issues if you declare towing???

[gmc15]

Any updates on your towing experience - no issues I hope

[sheep1903]

Hi Guys,

An update:

The tow was perfect, my x5 was fully loaded, 2 adults, 2 kids, holiday clothes, bikes on the roof and a gazebo. Van never moved once out of line. Again my fan was on but the advise from BMW is that this is normal for the 40d.

I towed pretty much for 4 hours stopped for fuel, 4 hours again, stopped for fuel and 30 mins, 4 hours again and that was me in folkstone from Aberdeen. I got on the train 1hr later towed for another 3 hours. 16 hours in total towing. The temp was 12deg leaving Aberdeen, reaching 28.5 deg into France. No warning lights and no problems at all with the fan or overheating.