Will an M5 tow?
Discussion
Will an M5 or M3 tow?
And more importantly. Will it hurt it?
I've currently got a Vectra tow car and an MG TF. And a Locost racing car. And a trailer.
In fact I've got more vehicles than a really want.
What I was wondering is if a late 90's early 00's shape M3 or M5 will tow roughly a ton without worries about rear suspension. Obviously power is not a problem. Unlike a caravan dragger I get my nose weight spot on 50Kg as I can move the car back and forth on the two wheel trailer to achieve it.
It's more as a backup in case my camper should fail so would only get very occasional use. What did I say about too many vehicles?
Or should I be looking at something else? I don't want a 4X4 as I live in the country so I don't need one.
And more importantly. Will it hurt it?
I've currently got a Vectra tow car and an MG TF. And a Locost racing car. And a trailer.
In fact I've got more vehicles than a really want.
What I was wondering is if a late 90's early 00's shape M3 or M5 will tow roughly a ton without worries about rear suspension. Obviously power is not a problem. Unlike a caravan dragger I get my nose weight spot on 50Kg as I can move the car back and forth on the two wheel trailer to achieve it.
It's more as a backup in case my camper should fail so would only get very occasional use. What did I say about too many vehicles?
Or should I be looking at something else? I don't want a 4X4 as I live in the country so I don't need one.
Less so an E36 M3 however.I've seen a towbar on an E46 M3....in germany.
you can buy the bits.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL91...
why you'd want to I don't know... if you want to tow, get a 530d touring.
whilst the engine in an m5 or m3 has the power/torque, it wasn't designed to run with the additional load of towing another car, it's a performance car, not a tow car.
you can buy the bits.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL91...
why you'd want to I don't know... if you want to tow, get a 530d touring.
whilst the engine in an m5 or m3 has the power/torque, it wasn't designed to run with the additional load of towing another car, it's a performance car, not a tow car.
Seen an E39 M5 towcar around UK circuits - so it can be done. Also an E34 M5 Tourer ! - although a 530d may be a more 'sensible' alternative if you're looking for an E39 to do the job. I use an E61 535d Tourer to tow my M5 - fits 8 wheels, ramps, jerry cans, tools, pasties, etc.... 5er Tourings are a great bit of kit.
Edited by juliann on Monday 31st May 12:47
Edited by juliann on Monday 31st May 12:48
But a 3 litre diesel is nowhere near as much fun...
But from the comments on here it's probably more trouble than it's worth. I'm not selling the TF for a little bit as I may as well enjoy it over the summer.
Ideally it would be a convertible occasionally used for towing but IIRC only the Saab would do that.
But from the comments on here it's probably more trouble than it's worth. I'm not selling the TF for a little bit as I may as well enjoy it over the summer.
Ideally it would be a convertible occasionally used for towing but IIRC only the Saab would do that.
The E39 M5 could be specified with a detachable towbar, and can be had aftermarket quite reasonably. BMW sells a rear apron with a hatch in it, so it can be done. See here, e.g. : http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-dis...
My M5 has the removable towbar and rear valance with the cut out etc. It's a great bit of kit as it can be hidden away when not required.
The E46 M3 was more difficult to fit a tow bar to, as the backbox goes across the rear bumper, whereas the e39 M5 has four separate boxes, 2 on each side. This leaves the middle free for a towbar, should you require one.
Matt
The E46 M3 was more difficult to fit a tow bar to, as the backbox goes across the rear bumper, whereas the e39 M5 has four separate boxes, 2 on each side. This leaves the middle free for a towbar, should you require one.
Matt
Edited by MattOz on Monday 31st May 22:03
I had a removable bar fitted to my E46 M3 - but stated by the fitter to be not homologated/approved, and therefore I had slight concerns about the insurance issues. The unit fitted was designed for a regular 3 Coupe, and it was also necessary to change the bumper material behind the body colour cover to the bumper from a regular Coupe. On the rare occasions when I did tow with it, it towed fine.
The beauty of the BMW tow bar fitted to the E39 is that it's detachable and when not being used for towing the looks of the car are not spoiled (as shown in the excellent pics). This is not possible on the E60 due to the way the rear valance is designed to aid the air flow under the car. I know nothing about aerodynamics, but do wonder whether at very high speeds, a tow bar on an E60 could cause handling problems
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