Tow bars

[blueST]

Im going to get a removable tow bar fitted to my X1. Just for a trailer so no need for dual electrics. Whilst I'm waiting for a quote from the local fitter are there any questions I need to ask or anything else I should know. I have zilch previous experience in the purchase of these.

[kambites]

Whether they need to cut the bumper perhaps - many non-OEM installations do, although it's usually fairly subtle.

I think tow-bars have defined nose-weights too, although that's only really an issue if you intend to tow a heavy twin-axle trailer.

The type of tow-ball varies too. Some can't take a bike rack, for example.

[telecat]

There are two main types. Swan Neck and Flange, (I know!!). The Flange type allows you to remove two bolts and remove the Tow ball. Then you can bolt on another device for carriers. Witter seem the best and if it is installed by an approved fitter then a high level of Insurance is carried with it.

[sawman]

I have bought tow bars for lots of cars over the years, I would probably go to indespension for a witter towbar.

[blueST]

The local guy is a Witter agent, but he's an agent for others too so I'll ask what he is quoting for. Indipension are not far from me so I could get a quote from them to compare too.

To flange, or not to flange? I understand I can have a flange swan neck removable. It's the dearest option, but I assume the most flexible. If I went for that I could have a ball and jaw hitch too which is handy.

[magooagain]

I think along with the tow bar electrics you may need a little box of tricks to fool your ecu. Talk to the fitter as he should know all about them.

[telecat]

There is a Flange detachable. I have one fitted for a Motorcycle carrier. There is also a Swan Detachable. The two do not meet. The Car has to have electrics that will take the Towbar electrics as part of approval from the EU so providing it can tow it will be ok with the electrical side.

Swan Detachable



Flange Detachable

[MG CHRIS]

magooagain said:

I think along with the tow bar electrics you may need a little box of tricks to fool your ecu. Talk to the fitter as he should know all about them.

Will need a bypass relay or a make specific wiring kit for your car specially with canbus ecu system on modern cars.

[blueST]

Got my first quote back. £500 for a removable swan neck by a local mobile guy. Does that seem reasonable? It's about £200 more than I was mentally prepared for. I'll see how much Indespension come back with.

[berlintaxi]

That is a pretty reasonable quote for supply and fitting.

[blueST]

Ok, need to reset my expectations a bit then. Need to phone tomorrow and check the finer details of that quote.

[AWRacing]

I paid just over £320 for my detachable swan neck towbar

Edited to add that this price was fully fitted

Edited by AWRacing on Thursday 28th August 20:35

[Dimski]

I bought and fitted a towbar and dedicated wiring harness to my E61 5 series.

Bill was about £300, I think £180 for the wiring and £120 towbar. £500 fitted seems right but check he is fitting the BMW dedicated wiring harness (Westfelia). It means things like bulb warnings are displayed on the dash. I believe the wiring kit I bought is the same as you'd require; I'm sure it had an X1 in the fitting instructions.

[vikingaero]

You only really need a dedicated wiring kit for your car if you need CANBUS connections. Most standard wiring kits will work OK with the CANBUS. For example I have a towbar on the bus but never tow - I just use it for the cycle rack. The main reason for having a dedicated kit is so the ESP system can switch to towing settings.

[berlintaxi]

vikingaero said:

The main reason for having a dedicated kit is so the ESP system can switch to towing settings.

Also so the reversing sensors recognize the towbar when it is fitted.

[Dimski]

My logic was that the £500 quote should include the BMW dedicated wiring, otherwise I'd have thought £300ish for a fitted towbar would be about right.

[blueST]

As far as I know it does include the proper wiring harness. I'll check today. Probably wont go ahead with it for the time being now though.