SLS towing question

[rjbaren]

Is the towing capacity greater with the SLS system? Is it better to tow with SLS or regular springs? Can I tow an enclosed car trailer, total approximate loaded weight of 3500 lbs. with my 528iT? I see a trailer hitch and brake wiring set-up for the Touring on the Schmiedmann website, is this the setup most people use for towing here in the US? Thanks.

[dannyzabolotny]

I think the capacity is around 4000lbs so you should be fine towing 3500lbs. The Schmiedmann setup is the closest you can get to what the dealers sold in Europe back in the day. For whatever reason, none of that stuff was ever sold here. The SLS is nice because it prevents the rear from sagging down when towing.

[JoshS]

Enclosed car trailer at 4,000 lbs? Loaded? Must be a formula car in there.

I am with you ... for several years in the ‘90s I towed a Formula Ford on an open trailer behind a VW Passat wagon with the VR6 engine. I was never slow and I LOVED that arrangement.

But since then, I have also towed a lot of bigger cars in and on bigger trailers, with cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorhomes. Let me tell you, one 540iT fan to another ... don’t do it. Not enclosed. Enclosed trailers take a LOT more work to drag through the air, and they get buffeted around a lot at speed. You want to tow them with something heavier, with a longer wheelbase, and a less compliant suspension. Otherwise you will have to think about the trailer too much ... especially when passing big trucks on a windy day. And don’t let that happen on a downhill.

If you really want to tow with the BMW, use an open trailer, with electric brakes and a good controller.

This pic is from 1993 or 1994.





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