Towing capacity for a BMW Série 5 Touring

BMW Série 5 Touring towing capacity : the practical guide

The BMW Série 5 Touring is an estate, the body style historically built for towing in Europe. Long wheelbase and low load floor translate into measured behaviour with a caravan or a heavy trailer. Across the 3 engines listed, towing figures depend mostly on gearbox and engine torque.

BMW Série 5 Touring towing capacity in one line

Across the 3 engines listed, built 2017-2024, towing capacity is 2,000 kg (4,409 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 2,000 kg (4,409 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The line-up is fully diesel. On the towing side, this is usually the most generous configuration: low-end torque and stable consumption while towing are the diesel advantages.

What you can actually tow with this BMW Série 5 Touring

2,000 kg is the threshold above which we are in demanding towing: large twin-axle caravans, loaded two-horse trailers, boat trailers for 6-metre fishing boats, even small towed motorhomes. This often calls for a high-end diesel SUV, a large van, or a serious 4x4.

Best fit: Experienced caravanners, equestrians, owners of cabin boats. Pick this threshold if you have towed before and know you tow heavy.

Watch out: Above 2,000 kg, always check that the car-plus-trailer combo does not exceed your licence entitlement: post-December 2021 in the UK, a category B licence covers up to 3,500 kg MAM trailer, but always recheck the V5C and your driver record.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : 2,380 kg (5,247 lb) to 2,530 kg (5,578 lb). Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at 725 kg (1,598 lb) to 730 kg (1,609 lb), the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own BMW Série 5 Touring

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a BMW Série 5 Touring?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the BMW Série 5 Touring?
The gross vehicle weight of the BMW Série 5 Touring is 2,380 kg (5,247 lb) to 2,530 kg (5,578 lb).

How much can the BMW Série 5 Touring tow?
The BMW Série 5 Touring can tow up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a BMW Série 5 Touring?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 2,000 kg (4,409 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a BMW Série 5 Touring?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.