BMW X3 MK3 Factory Tow bar

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Comments

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #62

    I know, pinch of salt and all that. undecided

  • Tarmyn
    Tarmyn Forum Participant Posts: 49
    edited March 2019 #63

    Answer to an earlier question on Passat Alltrack latest model with factory fitted towbar which we have  there is no problem with the Alko hitch as regards to clearance .

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited March 2019 #64

    Indeed, but you must admit that more 'works in a real world' as you put it that what you would accept.

  • Tyke
    Tyke Forum Participant Posts: 20
    edited March 2019 #65

    Clearance for Alko fine. Factory tow bar not wired for fridge or charging but this isn’t a problem for us. Alko ATC active OK.

    Have you chosen a model yet?

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #66

    Hi. Yes, I have gone for the 2019 Sorento.

    Not towed yet as kia ask it to be run in for 1200m before towing. 

    I went for a Witter fixed flange type tow bar (adblue model) as I am not keen on faffing with towbars or plugging in sockets on my knees. Mine has 19inch wheels so I reasoned that if it rode a bit nose up a drop plate would soon sort it. I have no issues with a drop plate having had them before and not experienced any problems. Tow bar and all sockets done by a local fitter. Total cost of everything was £450. Very happy with that.

    Distance from the centre of the tow ball to the car bumper is 11cm. This is enough for me to reverse the car to the caravan on my own (I have tried it) without stress. The caravan appears to be level but as I say, not used it yet beyond a quick hitch up.

    Car has lots of toys and at this early stage seems to have decent torque low down. Looking good so far.  

     

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #67

    Nice one 'Fysh', I'm certain it will do you proud 👍

    Will you be venturing further than the UK when able?

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #68

    Sure will Dave.

    Going to stay UK until September to get comfortable with the new outfit and sort out what will inevitably need sorting then we are looking again at Switzerland. We both just love that place. 

    Next year we fancy Croatia

    All the best mate.

    Fysh

  • Tyke
    Tyke Forum Participant Posts: 20
    edited May 2019 #69

    Not sure which X3 is a Mk3. F25 or G01? I’ve had both with factory towbar, Alko hitch and no problems.

    The lack of charge/fridge wiring is a bit of a red herring on these cars as those circuits are hardly ever powered, usually just when slowing down or coasting.

  • Tyke
    Tyke Forum Participant Posts: 20
    edited May 2019 #70

    Isn’t there something illegal about just fitting a drop plate these days?

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited May 2019 #71

    Drop plates are permitted if the towbar manufacturer has provided for them in the type approval process. If drop plates aren’t covered in type approval documentation they aren’t allowed.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #72

    How would you know they were type approved? 🤔 (not that I'm planning on using one)

  • GlosJive
    GlosJive Forum Participant Posts: 80
    edited June 2019 #73

    That was cheap, just had mine done for £800.

  • DenisParsons
    DenisParsons Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited July 2019 #74

    I have a 2014 BMW X5 with factory-fitted towbar. It does not have a fridge relay to run the fridge on 12V whilst towing. BMW and my local towbar specialist (Tow-Rite) say one cannot be fitted because the car's wiring loom is not designed to take it, others tell me it can be done at great expense by replacing part of the loom (so must be done by a BMW specialist), still others say it is possible to cut off the BMW supply to the 13-pin socket and start again (although I fear this might mess up the car's computer controls, including the camera which focuses on the tow-hitch when reversing with the towbar out). Do members have any advice?

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