big red

big red

Active Member
Hi folks
I was wondering if anyone has any real wold experience of towing with a P38 diesel auto?
Our caravan comes in at 1800kg, and then they'll be bikes on the roof, and the rest of the rubbish we have to take on holiday.
I was only really considering a V8, but typically there's none about locally, but there are a couple of decent looking oil burners.
Are they really as underpowered as I've read?
 
I haven't towed with the diesel (mine's 4.0 petrol) but as a tow car in general, they're great. Especially if on air (don't get one that's been coiled)
That said, if I could justify 2 rangies, I'd have the diesel for towing and petrol for solo work.
The diesels aren't really underpowered per se, they're just not a sports car. In my experience of test driving the diesels, they are just a bit lazy if you want to get a move on. That said, they have plenty torque which is what you need when towing. Yes, my v8 cruises at 80mph solo with plenty in reserve, the diesels won't have a huge amount left at that speed but at 60mph towing speeds, no problem.
Depends really if you're going to be doing much motorway work without the van. If so, I'd go petrol. If it's predominantly a towcar, I'd go diesel.
 
The diesel is no slouch. Mine's the manual though. You have to be a lot heavier with the throttle than the V8. The V8 you tickle the throttle and rarely get above 2,200 rpm. On the diesel you need to get it to 2,000 rpm before the turbo properly spins up so you need a heavier foot. Once up there it pulls like a train. The manual is a bit of a sod on a steep hill doing hill starts with a big load on the back. You need a lot of revs and hence a lot of strain on the clutch friction plate. Auto won't have that issue but with only a 4 speed box it isn't quite as sprightly.

Some people fit a powerbox or get a new chip fitted with a remap. You have to have a rock-solid cooling system before risking it but they claim it makes a difference. Never felt the need on mine.
 
The diesel's ain't good for towing though, unless they've had a chip or two.
I've had a diesel for over 12 years, & I've never had it as a towing vehicle, although I have dragged a few things. The diesel's do struggle if the tow is heavy.
 
Rick-the-Pick said:
The diesel's ain't good for towing though, unless they've had a chip or two.
I've had a diesel for over 12 years, & I've never had it as a towing vehicle, although I have dragged a few things. The diesel's do struggle if the tow is heavy.
Click to expand...

Mine seems fine other than the hill starts. Floor it!

Preference would be V8 on LPG though, as long as you can handle the oil leaks and head gasket issues.
 
I've towed with a (chipped) BMW diesel P38 Auto for 12 years. Quick it ain't, but it is happy to work hard pulling the van - but my van's nearer 1500kg so 1800 would be a bit harder I suppose. I've towed with lots of cars over the years including 4wd's - Jeep Cherokee (don't!), a Shogun, diesel Disco and a Petrol/LPG Disco. LPG worked well except it did a bit less than petrol MPG (but at half the cost per gallon) and I had the two tanks along the sills, but they weren't big enough, every 150 miles I was looking to fill up and as there aren't enough LPG stations you spend half a long journey looking for 'em. My main concern when looking for a tow car is weight of the car compared to the caravan to give me comfortable stability. The P38 certainly gives you peace of mind on that score, no tail wagging the dog with this baby.
 
Thanks for the info chaps.
I've had a 4.6 before and know how well that towed, but from the sounds of things I could get on with a diesel.
Now just the tricky bit of finding a decent P38, either petrol or diesel!
 
big red said:
Thanks for the info chaps.
I've had a 4.6 before and know how well that towed, but from the sounds of things I could get on with a diesel.
Now just the tricky bit of finding a decent P38, either petrol or diesel!
Click to expand...
Plenty come up all the time. I missed a couple that I thought were ideal due to working away but ended up with a good un for 1500 quid in the end. Better spec than all the ones I'd looked at previously.
If you have any doubts whatsoever, walk away, there'll be another 5 to choose from next week!
 
Diesels are more then upto towing.
The auto is a lot smoother to drive and never seems to drop of the torque curve and suits the BMW derv engine better in the p38 imo.
Auto managed 2clydsdales happy enough just remember it's a 20year old Diesel engine.
Having just got a manual (auto previously) both with a tuning box the manual needs to be kept 1700+ rpm or drop a gear. There's pleanty in them though. Haven't towed in my manual yet. Plan too tow my 3seires drift car with it though.
 
I've used my coiled diesel manual for a bit of towing and it's seems perfectly reasonable tbh. As said you need the turbo to be spooled and I'm sure a chip would help but it seems capable enough.
 
Thanks.
A diesel is definitely on my list, and I think I'd prefer an auto.
Finding one that isn't at the other end of the universe, or knackered, is proofing slightly more tricky
 
I believe the auto is slightly worse due to power loss through the auto box but meh :) . Mine was at the other end of the universe. Its not such a bad thing tbh. Has taken a while to tidy mine up
 
If he can get one that has been chipped with the air-fan mod and also maybe an HP24 box fitted then he'll be laughing.
 
I towed a 2 tonne twin axled caravan to Greece with a P38 diesel manual, through the alps and all.
Progress would be best described as steady, 55 on the autoroutes and didn't struggle too much on the (numerous) inclines, no overheating issues either, completely trouble free trip.
Tbh it probably came in at more than that weight as I filled it with stuff (as you would) including tool boxes, jacks etc etc.
 
Well all of a sudden I'm sorted. Spotted a 4.6 for sale locally this afternoon, just been to see it and put a deposit down. I'm a very happy boy :D
 
big red said:
Well all of a sudden I'm sorted. Spotted a 4.6 for sale locally this afternoon, just been to see it and put a deposit down. I'm a very happy boy :D
Click to expand...
Don't forget to post pics we like pics lots of then:):), and good luck with your new purchase .
 
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