Hello David
The 9 speed auto will appear in the Freelander, but when?
It is possible that they will fit it to the current model for the last year of production before the model change, this will keep sales figures high.
It will certainly be available in the new model, otherwise what is the point of developing it.
Just my thoughts and opinions!
I have been a member of the Caravan Club and also The Camping and Caravanning Club for many years, I cannot recall seeing a test of a BMW X3 in either club's publications.
I do know that the first model was generally slated by the motoring press for it's harsh ride, I believe the current model is much better in this respect.
I would not be concerned unduly about your clutch. Most Freelanders are manual transmission (less expensive), many of them tow (large) caravans thousands of miles per year and the vast majority without any problems whatsoever.
The few that have had clutch problems have generally just experienced (occasional) clutch slip at around 2000 rpm with full throttle. Many have continued like this for tens of thousands of miles without further problems or symptoms.
You would be very unlikely to burn a clutch to the extent that the car was undriveable. Remember JLR are happy for you restart a [color="Red"]
fully laden [/color]Freelander towing 2 tonnes up a 12% incline, that is 4505 Kg. It would be interesting to put your car with boat/trailer on a weighbridge, I would guess you will have a fair margin to play with.
If you were really concerned, why not invest in an electric winch, the sort which attaches to your tow ball. Park on the level at the top of the launch ramp and pull the boat and trailer up to the car.
Or just put the money for a new clutch to one side and make sure you have european wide recovery insurance. This is probably the most sensible and cost effective option, certainly much less expensive than changing your car because the clutch might develop a problem.
On the other hand you might just like the smell of a new car
.