Eisboch wrote:

"Capt John" wrote in message
ups.com...

Dan wrote:

I need to get a new tow vehicle that I can also use for the daily
commute and I've narrowed it down to two but that could always change.

'07 BMW X5 4.8 (limited info out right now)

or

'07 MB GL450

Any thoughts? I have an '04 X5 4.4 right now. I've never had a
Mercedes but I am impressed with what I see in the GL.

Thanks,
Dan

It's your money, but I wouldn't consider either of these to be an
acceptable towing vehicle. Their cars designed to look like something
else, don't be fooled. I would go with a domestic vehicle equipped with
the towing package. Towing is not easy on any vehicle, but using an
expensive vehicle like your talking about, that really isn't up to the
task, is foolish.
I'd get to know the service manager real well if I were you, your going
to be leaving some cash with him.



Just for kicks I looked up the tow capacities of a 2001 BMW X5 with the 4.4L
V8 and was surprised.
It was the only vehicle out of the 30 or so manufacturers that listed the
tow capacity in terms of transmission type, off road towing limitations and
maximum towing of a trailer without brakes. No other manufacturer breaks it
down like that. The ratings a

4.4L V8 with automatic transmission: 6000lbs
3.0L I6 with automatic transmission: 5000lbs
3.0L I6 with manual transmission: 6000lbs
Max towing weight without trailer brakes: (all) 1,650lbs
Max towing weight off-road with trailer brakes: 3,300lbs

I've seen many X5's on the road with a factory, receiver type hitch but
frankly I don't think I've ever seen one towing anything. It's interesting
though, that BMW rates them in this kind of detail, unlike other
manufacturers.

http://a178.g.akamai.net/7/178/8932/...owingguide.pdf

or: http://tinyurl.com/4wbcl

Eisboch



The '04 X5 4.4i is rated at 6000#. The M-B GL450 is rated at 7500#.
The X-5 tows very well although I have never pulled more than about 4000#.