The BMW X4 was introduced in BMW’s lineup as a compact luxury crossover SUV in 2015 and remains popular today. BMW vehicles are known for their luxury styling and the X4 also has the features consumers expect from today’s cars, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a BMW X4?
The BMW X4 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about BMW X4 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2021 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the BMW X4 can tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.
It’s important to note that BMW USA states that the BMW X4 is not recommended for towing, but also lists the BMW X4 as towing-capable in other countries where it is sold.
For those reasons, we’ll be referring to BMW’s stated towing capacities on the X4 for other countries throughout this guide.
| BMW X4 Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| 30i | 2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder | 3.38 | 248 hp | 258 lb.-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
| M40i | 3.0L Turbo 6 Cylinder | 3.39 | 382 hp | 365 lb.-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
| M | 3.0L Twin Turbo 6 Cylinder | 3.154 | 503 hp | 457 lb.-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
BMW X4 Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
BMW X4 Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
BMW X4 Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
BMW X4 Towing Capacity Factors
As we covered earlier, the fact of whether your BMW X4 is of a certain trim level will not affect the max towing capability.
BMW X4 Engine Specs
The 30i has a 2.0L Turbo 4 cylinder gas engine that offers a max 248 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque.
The M40i has a 3.0L Twin Turbo 6 cylinder engine that offers a max 382 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft of torque.
The M has a 3.0L Twin Turbo 6 cylinder engine that offers a max 503 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft of torque.
BMW X4 Tow Packages
Does The BMW X4 Have A Tow Package?
BMW did not offer a towing package or factory-installed tow hitch for the X4, so you’ll need to install one yourself.
In fact, it’s important to note that BMW itself actually states in the vehicle’s owner’s manual for most years of the BMW X4 sold in USA that this vehicle is not designed to tow anything!
However, most BMW dealers in other countries and towing experts here in USA will tell you that you can tow up to 3,500 lbs when it’s properly equipped with a tow hitch.
You’ll also need to install a wiring harness that allows the trailer’s brake lights and turning signals to light up in sync with your vehicle.
You’ll need a 4-pin harness if you plan on towing a light trailer (1,500 lbs or under), or a 7-pin harness if you are towing a heavier trailer with trailer brakes.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a BMW X4?
If you plan on towing anything with your BMW X4, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
BMW X4 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The BMW X4 fits a Class 1, 2, or 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a BMW X4 Class 1 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight, 350 lbs. tongue weight, 4,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 400 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the BMW X3 and X4
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your X4:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
BMW X4 Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your X4, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a BMW X4 trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With A BMW X4?
The BMW X4 does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My BMW X4 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your X4 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your X4.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2021 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
The 2021 BMW X4 had the same 3,500 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2022.
| BMW X4 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
2020 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
The 2020 BMW X4 had the same 3,500 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as later model years.
| BMW X4 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
2019 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
The 2019 BMW X4 had the same 3,500 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as later model years.
| BMW X4 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
2018 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
The 2018 BMW X4 had the same 3,500 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as later model years.
| BMW X4 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
2017 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
The 2017 BMW X4 had the same 3,500 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as later model years.
| BMW X4 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
2016 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
The 2016 BMW X4 had the same 3,500 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as later model years.
| BMW X4 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
2015 BMW X4 Towing Capacity
The 2015 BMW X4 had the same 3,500 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as later model years.
| BMW X4 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg |
