Can towbars be fitted to E36 M3's?

[final_edition]

I am looking to get a E36 M3 but need to have a vehicle that can tow a trailer with track bike.

I am looking to upgrade from my E36 318IS coupe, which has a towbar, to a coupe M3.

Can anyone give me a definative answer, as I don't want to be stuck with a car I can't tow with.

Oh, manual or SMG, should I play safe with a manual version?

Thanks!

[M3John]

Go with the manual option mate.
As for the other question, sorry i can't help you there.

(Good to see you on here again by the way and lets soon)

[M5Dave]

You certainly can't tow with an M3 Evo Coupe, I expect the earlier 3.0 car will be the same.

BMW are quite clear about it in the vehicle's handbook, in all the sections relating to towing, trailer weights and such like, it simply says "towing is not permitted".

I don't know what the situation is with the saloon version.

Edited to add

If you get one, get a manual. SMG in the E36 isn't that good, and has a reputation for going wrong.

Edited by M5Dave on Thursday 16th February 19:13

[MarkwG]

I suspect the M3 sold in such limited numbers it was never homologated with one, but it can be done. I've got a removeable one on my Evo saloon: it's a Westfalia, & was an optional fit on the continent but I'm not sure it was ever offered here. Mine has spoiler with the cut out & also fits the 328i Sport models. Mine's not the only one out there with one fitted, but they're pretty few & far between. It's fine with the small trailer & bike rack I use it for, I'm not planning on dragging any holiday sheds with it...

[The Stiglet]

MarkwG said:

I suspect the M3 sold in such limited numbers it was never homologated with one, but it can be done. I've got a removeable one on my Evo saloon: it's a Westfalia, & was an optional fit on the continent but I'm not sure it was ever offered here. Mine has spoiler with the cut out & also fits the 328i Sport models. Mine's not the only one out there with one fitted, but they're pretty few & far between. It's fine with the small trailer & bike rack I use it for, I'm not planning on dragging any holiday sheds with it...

As I've recently found out, the Wesfalia can also be fitted to the E39 M5 at vast cost by BMW. I was surprised, but it's true!

[final_edition]

Yes John, it's been too long have you still got the Cerb'?

My head keeps on getting turned by the coupe Evo's.

I would've thought the only thing stopping a tow bar from being fitted would be the rear bumper design. I had to have a square hole cut in mine (318is coupe) to allow the bar through.

I guess the chassis side of things would be the same.

I must admit, I was tempted by the silver one that was in the classifieds the other day but it is a SMG version. It's now sold anyway.

[MarkwG]

The Stiglet said:

As I've recently found out, the Wesfalia can also be fitted to the E39 M5 at vast cost by BMW. I was surprised, but it's true!

The sting with the M5 is the exhaust layout, I believe. For the others, if you can get the bits outside BMW, it's a fairly simple job (although I'm too busy/lazy to do it): the shells are the same as the lower engined models. I've also got one on my B10, & it was pretty much plug'n'play.

[Sub5s]

M5Dave said:

BMW are quite clear about it in the vehicle's handbook, in all the sections relating to towing, trailer weights and such like, it simply says "towing is not permitted".

That.

[MarkwG]

final_edition said:

I would've thought the only thing stopping a tow bar from being fitted would be the rear bumper design

- that's not a problem: the diffuser is a separate part & there's replacement with a removable cover. The electric socket hides behind that. The bumper irons are replaced & there's a couple of strengthening plates.

M5Dave said:

BMW are quite clear about it in the vehicle's handbook, in all the sections relating to towing, trailer weights and such like, it simply says "towing is not permitted".

Sub5s said:

that

The only mention in the manual relates to the towing weights: it says "towing a trailer is prohibited" in the trailer loads section, & therefore gives no weight guidance. Elsewhere it offers advice for both towing & being towed using the towing eyes or a bar. However, it doesn't mention bike-racks, or caravans & nowhere it doesn't say you can't fit a towbar. So, provided you stay within those weights recommended for the smaller engine models, there's no reason why you'd ever have a problem, it's not going to rip the boot floor & bumper off.