A 330d for Towing

[cherryowen]

Evening, people

My BiL asked me a question earlier with regard to the suitability of his E46 330d Cabrio for towing a caravan.

I'm pretty sure it's got a surfeit of torque for the job, but are there other considerations he needs to be mindful of using the car in question? I ask as I've never towed anything.

Cheers

[chasingracecars]

He can, a quick google confirms this and will show what caravans you can tow. It has a limited weight for towing but as expected for a convertible.

[C0ffin D0dger]

It's a slightly unusual choice of tow car but it can tow and as mention the 330D will have plenty of pulling power. It's down to the weight of what you want to tow, the Internet suggests a specified maximum towing limit of 1600kg for a braked trailer (i.e. a caravan) and a kerbweight of 1700kg. On the 85% guide that would make the recommended weight of 1445kg (i.e. a caravan with a MTPLM of this or less).

I tow with one of it's bigger brothers, a 535D Touring (E61) and it's really no trouble for it.

[chasingracecars]

Oh and if he didn’t pass his driving test before 97 he had a Maximum weight of both vehicles combined as 3500kg. With the car already weighing a large chunk of that may limit caravan options too.

If passed after 97 then a B+E may be required. Budget £500-£1000 for the test and training.