Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Bmw 520d as towcar Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonJam2015
08/4/2016 at 7:48pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Jam2015's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jam2015 Reply   Quote Jam2015 Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   32
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I am currently towing with a 2007 bow 520d, at over 95% weight ratio (maybe worse). Van is 1600kg twin axle. When I got van last year I had intended to tow the van home with this car and then change to something more suitable, x3, q5 or freelancer. 5 series just doesn't seem like a towcar for some reason.

But during the drive home up and down many a steep hill, it towed so well I almost forgot the van was on the back. We don't travel more than an hour from home and don't have to go on much motorway, have done a few trips, car has been great and feels very steady, but I still feel I need to change it. I can't find a big 4x4 I like and have ended up looking at new shape 520d much higher Kerb weight and outfit March shows 86%.

What do people think of this as a towcar?


PersonJuanHuNose
08/4/2016 at 8:38pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Volvo V60 & Swift Challenger 565 View JuanHuNose's Profile View Profile   Reply to JuanHuNose Reply   Quote JuanHuNose Quote  
Joined: 09/4/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 3  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 15
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
If you`re happy with a 5-series why change?

I had a 2010 520D which was great, now have a 2013 model which as you have pointed out is heavier and has a more flexible engine. The later ones are even better.

If you do change, have a good look at the Touring model as they have self-levelling rear suspension which is excellent.

I`ve been towing 1375 kgs which hasn`t taxed the car at all, new van arrives this week weighs 1530kgs but don`t see this as a problem.



PersonJam2015
08/4/2016 at 9:21pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Jam2015's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jam2015 Reply   Quote Jam2015 Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   32
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I think I am only changing because of the 85% "rule".... Might try and wait till next year before changing, glad to here the 2013 tows well.


PersonSwijn
09/4/2016 at 11:01am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Pursuit 540-5 + Audi A4 Avant Blk Ed View Swijn's Profile View Profile   Reply to Swijn Reply   Quote Swijn Quote  
Joined: 04/4/2016

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   15
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Jam2015 on 08/4/2016
I am currently towing with a 2007 bow 520d, at over 95% weight ratio (maybe worse). Van is 1600kg twin axle. When I got van last year I had intended to tow the van home with this car and then change to something more suitable, x3, q5 or freelancer. 5 series just doesn't seem like a towcar for some reason.

But during the drive home up and down many a steep hill, it towed so well I almost forgot the van was on the back. We don't travel more than an hour from home and don't have to go on much motorway, have done a few trips, car has been great and feels very steady, but I still feel I need to change it. I can't find a big 4x4 I like and have ended up looking at new shape 520d much higher Kerb weight and outfit March shows 86%.

What do people think of this as a towcar?


When we are out towing our van - we have exactly the SAME conversation as you... 'why don't we get one of those 4x4 jeeps to tow our van?' as stereotypically these are seen as the best tow cars. But then an hour later once we've unhitched we realise that the towing itself is for just a short journey - we'd much rather have a 'drivers' car to enjoy driving solo - with the capability of towing our van.The 85% is subject of much debate.

My brother-in-law has a 2010 BMW 520d Estate/touring - which he rates very highly for towing. If he was buying again he said he'd opt though for the 530d..



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

6268 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder