E36 Touring tow bar question

[Sticklebrick]

Hello, have tried searching but can't really seem to find much.

I want to get a tow bar to fit to my 98 323 Sport Touring. I am just wondering if there is anyone that has experience of fitting one, especially with the sport bumpers and if they require the all but destruction of rear bumper to fit. All the ones I have seen advertised, detachable, swan neck and flange, say they require the bumper to be cut, but don't specify. Though would definately be looking at one that can be removed when not needed, but don't mind this meaning a few bolts, so not ruling out a flange type. (Did this on my parents 307 and was effectively a detachable tow bar for a third of the price.) I don't necessarily mind having to do cut the bumper if it is not visible when the tow bar isn't in place, just don't want to have a big whole permanently in the bumper.

Also does anyone know what the factory fit items were like, not going to be going to a dealer for one and will be fitting it myself, but if I can get one second hand are they any better for being invisible when not in use?

Thanks in advance, also any photos if possible would be great.

[Sticklebrick]

Just a quick bump, any help would be appreciated.

[sparkythecat]

I sold my E36 Touring about 6 years ago. I fitted a Witter towbar. It was a piece of cake to fit and required no bumper cut. Admitedly it wasn't a detachable towbar.

The youngest E36 models are now over 11 years old and are at best worth £2k. I can't see there being a ready market for £300+ detachable towbars, which may explain the lack of replies to this thread.

[sparkythecat]

Conversely, I fitted a Brink detachable bar to my 2001 E39 Touring. That entailed much more work and expense and required cutting a big hole in the rear bumper. I posted a load of pics about this on This recent thread

[Sticklebrick]

Thanks for the replies, the pictures were a great help. Thanks for the links, I had seen the thule manuals before, but with having sport bumpers, being lower, was hoping someone might be able to give an idea of the cut-out for these and which part of the bumper.

Thank you again for the help. Think I might just have to be ok with a massive hole in the bumper, or not bother.

[JimexPL]

If you can find an E36 with a genuine detachable tow bar they came with a blanking cover for the lower valance. It was quite an expensive option when new (It's on the order form with my car for about £700).
Here's a shot of the back of the car [crappy iphone pic] - you can't actually see the cut out.

I know that this is an SE bumper, but presumably they did a similar cover for the sport bumper?

[sniff diesel]

I've got the remains of an OEM BMW detachable towbar, with the plug and play electrics. Only shame is it's missing the actual towball bit. You might be able to buy one from the dealer. Was going to put an advert up on here but didn't think there was a market for an incomplete kit. PM if you're interested.