Can a BMW 320i tow a caravan? (a review)
By
Elaine Knight
In this short guide, we will answer the following question: Can a BMW 320i tow a caravan? We will discuss the BMW 320i and the BMW 3 Series. If you are a BMW owner or planning on becoming one, this article is for you.
Can a BMW 320i tow a caravan?
The BMW 320i is very capable of towing a caravan, trailer or horse float. With a power level of 184 hp, the BMW 320istands out for a high level of refinement and a driving pleasure above the average in its segment.
The sensation when driving this car is one of control at all times, with electronic aids that perfectly manage any slightest hint of the rear.
BMW 3 Series Towing Capacity
| Year | Towing capacity from | Towing capacity to | |
| 2021 | 0kg | 1600kg | |
| 2020 | 0kg | 1600kg | |
| 2019 | 0kg | 1700kg | |
| 2018 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2017 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2016 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2015 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2014 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2013 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2012 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2011 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2010 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2009 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2008 | 1400kg | 1700kg | |
| 2007 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2006 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2005 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2004 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2003 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2002 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2001 | 900kg | 1700kg | |
| 2000 | 900kg | 1700kg | |
| 1999 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1998 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1997 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1996 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1995 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1994 | 1400kg | 1400kg | |
| 1993 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1992 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1991 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1990 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1989 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1988 | 1200kg | 1200kg | |
| 1987 | 1000kg | 1100kg | |
| 1986 | 1000kg | 1100kg | |
| 1985 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1984 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1983 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1982 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1981 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1980 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1979 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1978 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1977 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1976 | 1000kg | 1200kg |
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The BMW 230i: a review
They are not in fashion, in fact, they have fewer and fewer followers because of the SUV, but the reality is that the sedan segment offers a series of qualities that, rationally, make them very interesting.
Assuming that, dynamically, any passenger car has better qualities than its equivalent SUV rival, it is fair to say that in most cases sedans would be a better choice than SUVs.
The BMW 320i, with a power level of 184 hp, stands out for a high level of refinement and a driving pleasure above the average in its segment. The binomial formed by its 2-litre gasoline engine and the original ZF 8-speed automatic transmission allows you to have an immediate push at all times at the slightest hint towards the accelerator.
Another aspect in which the BMW 3 Series stands out is the good suspension adjustment, with a perfect balance that could still be improved if the adaptive suspension was incorporated, an option that is fully recommended in a saloon of this level but that our test unit did not. incorporates.
The sensation when driving this car is one of control at all times, with electronic aids that perfectly manage any slightest hint of the rear. It is true that the level among its premium rivals is very high, but it is also true that the Series 3 maintains the characteristic vividness that distinguishes it from the rest, without moving its rear part – as long as the stability control is connected.
Inside there is nothing remarkable that contributes more than its rivals, but its quality of materials and a good fit is typical of BMW. The interior habitability is similar to the average, with a height of 188 centimetres and legroom for the rear occupants of 76 cm. These measures mean that 4 adults can travel comfortably regardless of their height.
BMW 320i 184 hp Automatic: real consumption
It is obvious that the acquisition of a saloon with the characteristics of this BMW 320i should not be directed towards the economy of consumption, and is that, despite its content, real expenditure, the Diesel version is more suitable for those who are going to make mileage of more than 20,000 km per year.
However, it is worthwhile that this model can settle for average consumption of 7.1 l / 100 km as soon as you are careful with the accelerator, although if you dare and drive at a lively pace, the consumption indicator can make you slightly disappointed.
To get an idea of where it will be located, just check the actual consumption of a 190 hp Audi A4 2.0 TFSi S Tronic, a totally equivalent saloon: 6.0 l / 100 km on the road (4 tenths less than the BMW) and 8, 3 l / 100 km in the city (1 tenth more than the 320i).
320d vs 320i: What should I choose?
The main advantages of a diesel engine are obvious: lower fuel consumption, higher torque. The main advantages of a petrol engine are also obvious: lower acquisition cost, increased refinement, increased comfort and lower servicing costs.
However, another advantage of a diesel engine is that it has a higher resale value. In any case, the choice is quite complicated and depends, in the end, strictly on the preferences of each of us. I, for example, would choose the petrol engine and the difference I would use it for the automatic transmission.
The dynamic performances of the two models are identical when it comes to the 0-100 km / h sprint and when it comes to top speed. As expected, the difference occurs in the case of the promised average consumption and is about 1.5 l for every 100 kilometres.
However, in order to try to differentiate the two models in terms of dynamic performance, we must mention that in the case of the 320i the acceleration range from 80 to 120 km / h, in the fifth gear takes 9.2 seconds and that the car has a power/weight ratio of 10.6.
On the other hand, the BMW 320d accelerates from 80 to 120 km / h in fifth gear in just 7.5 seconds, and the power/weight ratio is 10.2. Therefore, it is quite obvious that, in the case of acceleration in halves, the 320d is much faster than the 320i, this aspect is largely due to the more generous engine torque.
The bottom line
The bottom line is that the BMW 320i would not disappoint us, even when it comes to towing an 1800 kg caravan. Like we already mentioned, the BMW 320i, with a power level of 184 hp, stands out for a high level of refinement and a driving pleasure above the average in its segment.
If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!
FAQ on Can a BMW 320i tow a caravan?
What is the maximum weight caravan I can tow?
The maximum weight caravan you can tow will depend on the weight of the towing vehicle. However, the general rule is that the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle should not exceed 3,500kg.
Is there an age limit for towing a caravan?
There is no age limit for towing a caravan, as long as you have a full driving licence. Please check the law for more information, depending on the state you reside in.
Can I tow a caravan heavier than my car?
It is not recommended to tow a caravan heavier than your car. This could impose a great danger, especially if you don’t have too much towing experience. The general rule is that the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle should not exceed 3,500kg.
What weight can a BMW 3 Series tow?
A BMW 3 Series can tow a minimum weight of 745 unbraked kilograms, and a maximum towing capacity of 1800 kilograms for a braked trailer/caravan.
References
- BMW 3 Series – Towing Capacity & Weight Limit Information
- BMW 3 Series Touring tow test – YouTube
- BMW 3 Series review | Auto Express
