BMW Towbar and electronics
Purchased an X3 with the towbar and electrics as optional fit at the time of manufacture. At the time of ordering had made it clear that it was for the purpose of towing a caravan and what that entailed wiring wise.
Recently found out that it was only wired for a trailer, sockets 10 and 11 (fridge) and 12 (not used) not being fitted in the socket on the car.
Booked this in to be rectified and we are now into day three and still not finished. Had complained about their original error so thankfully only paying for 1 hour labour.
Has anyone else had a similar problem? As I would advise those who have gone down my route to double check the socket to ensure all is present.
Having said all that it is an excellent tow car but would seriously consider a retro fit by a reputable towbar fitting company.
Comments
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This is common and not peculiar to BMW. Having the additional wiring loom fitted is an optional extra as the standard loom provides everything required to tow legally.
It caught me out with my last car, but I didn’t bother to have the optional extra loom retro fitted. The only difference is the fridge isn’t on when towing and if I’m honest this hasn’t caused me any hardship or inconvenience.
Its worth pointing it out though as some people wouldn’t mind paying the extra to have the fridge on when towing.
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Having said all that it is an excellent tow car but would seriously consider a retro fit by a reputable towbar fitting company.
However if like the 2004 X 5 I had on order they can't readily be retrospectively converted into a towing vehicle. The factory built version with the towing option at that time were specified with a different gearbox cooling system and radiator fans as
well as having the towbar.So, probably still they can't be uprated aftermarket for towing without massive cost modifications, above those done by the towbar fitter.
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I was in a dealer looking at a 520 Touring with factory electric towbar. Sure enough it didn't have full UK caravan electrics. The dealer new all about it and had all the details and kit part numbers to retrofit, approx £250.
But they were trying to sell me a 520GT without a factory tow bar. They suggested I get an aftermarket towbar fitted and providing we fitted the dedicated BMW electrics, they would put in writting that my warranty would be unaffected.
I bought neither.
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The indicators are separate in that the dash board light will flash quicker when operated to show there is a bulb out.
Our fridge coped okay on a short trip but as we have extended European tours in higher temperatures the fridge showed signs of defrosting. It is always a personal choice.
I have priced a retro fit by a reputable company who quoted £420 and if I wished to have the manufacturers loom fitted it would cast an extra £130. Fitting time 1 1/2 to 2 hours an extra 1/2 hour if fitting the loom.
Collected my car 4pm this afternoon having made a further complaint and as compensation for my inconvenience they wavered the cost.
Just hope that by highlighting this problem that others may be aware.
I have the 3 litre version which tows like a dream, just have to keep an eye on the speed limit.
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I have a X3 and on ordering the car i had the t/bar and the extra wiring kit factory fitted, never been a problem and fridge & charging work correctly. I did stress to the dealer what i needed and to their credit they did understand what was needed. Not
cheap but the electric operated bar is good.0
