Towing with a 530i

[dan101smith]

Opinions please:

I've got an E39 530iA Touring.

I've also got an E36 M3, which is going to need trailering around.

The E39 doesn't have a towbar fitted (yet). To get one supplied and fitted looks like about £700-800.

My question is, will the 530i be up to the job, or should I put the towbar money towards swapping it for something like a 3.0d X5?

[papercup]

Check your towing weights. I have a 540 which is 2000kg but its the only 5-series that is; i believe your car is 1800 or 1900.

I went to the local weighbridge with my trailer so i know it weighs 620kg. My RX-7 is 1230kg with a full tank. So i am well within my limits. But i might not be with your car?

Your M3 is not 1200kg, I would guess.

Andy

p.s. bear in mind that once you've put spare wheels, tools, fuel, clothing and all the usual crap in the boot of your car it will be further weighted down. I actually put heavy things (like full-up jerry cans, toolboxes, trolley jack etc) in the car that is on the trailer now as the 540 drives much better with the weight there than in the boot [above its rear axle].

p.p.s the 540 makes a brilliant tow car

[papercup]

dan101smith said:

Opinions please:

I've got an E39 530iA Touring.

I've also got an E36 M3, which is going to need trailering around.

The E39 doesn't have a towbar fitted (yet). To get one supplied and fitted looks like about £700-800.

My question is, will the 530i be up to the job, or should I put the towbar money towards swapping it for something like a 3.0d X5?

I got a removable tow bar which is excellent quality for £400. I'll look at the make when i get home; I've had removables on my last three cars and this is the best yet.

[bull996]

Mate, £700 is a rip off. I had a Witter supplied and fitted by the guys below for £159. The 5 series starts at £126

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/bmw-towbars/bmw-...

[papercup]

bull996 said:

Mate, £700 is a rip off. I had a Witter supplied and fitted by the guys below for £159. The 5 series starts at £126

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/bmw-towbars/bmw-...

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/5-series-saloon-e39-1996-...

thats the detachable i have; very good

it appears i got screwed on the price

but that was fitted inc vat

[papercup]

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/bmw.htm

It appears you may have the same towing weight as me, depending on year? If so.....go for it!

[miniman]

If you do go for it, I have half a towbar on my E39 (looks to me to be everything except the actual hitch part) and you are welcome to it if you want it.

[MartinD]

miniman said:

If you do go for it, I have half a towbar on my E39 (looks to me to be everything except the actual hitch part) and you are welcome to it if you want it.

James
If Dan doesn't have it ,I would be interested.
PM sent
Thanks
Martin

[MarkwG]

Hi - sorry to hijack, but for Papercup, the video seems to show the bumper doesn't need cutting, is that correct? I think my bumper is the standard version, but I hate the idea of hacking it about.

[papercup]

MarkwG said:

Hi - sorry to hijack, but for Papercup, the video seems to show the bumper doesn't need cutting, is that correct? I think my bumper is the standard version, but I hate the idea of hacking it about.

don't think my bumper is cut in any way? I didnt fit it but have used it a lot and see nothing missing...

[MarkwG]

Great, thanks, that looks like the kind of thing I'm after.

[miniman]

I will take a photo of what is there and first come to remove it, first served. But not tonight, because I have swine flu and I am currently shaking like a stting dog so any photo may be inconclusive at best.