Aftermarket towbar - best one??

[tiger78]

Hi,

Has anyone fitted an after market tow bar on e70 without having to cut the bumper(m sport 2012)?

Been searching the forum and net but no real answers apart from non m sport bumpers.
Thanks in advance

[X5Sport]

Looking at all the options on PF Jones which includes the Westphalia one used by BMW as OEM, it seems that they all need a bumper cut.  There is a replacement panel from BMW to trim it though.  It's the same on my X6.  Part of the bumper is removed and a replacement parts makes it neater again.

If you have not looked on that site, it might be worth a visit. 

Richard

[tiger78]

Thanks - did see a bosal on of jones this morning that said no bumper cut.  But then said m sport bumper was different so needed the cut.  What's the difference between m sport and other bumpers?

I have had a quote for £650 from witter - but again I'm fussy on appearance so want to see one fitted first.  Wish I went for factory option now!!

[Bob1098R]

I got the Westfalia fitted by an independent for £650,was quoted £2,200 by BMW for the same item however i assume at that price they would carry out the additional cooling modification  ,

Interestingly they had to use an OE wiring loom as they reckoned they had issues on the e70 with aftermarket looms,

I have put factory towbars on Porsche and Audi and they were also Westfalia so thats a good indication of quality i think,

I'm back in the UK tomorrow so I'll take a few pics of the towbar fitted if you require,

Cheers.

[X5Sport]

[quote="tiger78"]
Thanks - did see a bosal on of jones this morning that said no bumper cut.  But then said m sport bumper was different so needed the cut.  What's the difference between m sport and other bumpers?

I have had a quote for £650 from witter - but again I'm fussy on appearance so want to see one fitted first.  Wish I went for factory option now!!
[/quote]

Is it deeper top to bottom?  Bosal are OK and used OEM by GM - though that might put you off of course.

I went with OEM due to the ridiculous after purchase fit cost - over £2k as above.  I think that price did include the uprated electric cooling fan and trim bits.  But it might not have  >:(

Richard

[martin33100]

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="tiger78"]
Thanks - did see a bosal on of jones this morning that said no bumper cut.  But then said m sport bumper was different so needed the cut.  What's the difference between m sport and other bumpers?

I have had a quote for £650 from witter - but again I'm fussy on appearance so want to see one fitted first.  Wish I went for factory option now!!
[/quote]

Is it deeper top to bottom?  Bosal are OK and used OEM by GM - though that might put you off of course.

I went with OEM due to the ridiculous after purchase fit cost - over £2k as above.  I think that price did include the uprated electric cooling fan and trim bits.  But it might not have  >:(

Richard
[/quote]I was also told by BMW the factory towing kit also came with uprated rear suspension but I don't know how true this is.

[tiger78]

I was thinking deeper to to bottom.  Not paying for BMW kit as that is ridiculous .  Would buy a cheap tow car.  Trailer and car I'm looking to tow is 800kg total max so if x5 struggles with this - serious problems!!!  It won't thought so  just need the right tow bar ..... Electrics as well!! Thanks all

[X5Sport]

It may be that the X5 gets self levelling air susp?  The X6 has no mods at the rear as long as the tow weight does not exceed the standard 2.4T.  There is an uprated version (at extra cost) which takes it to 3.5T and which adds new rads in the NSF wing and rear susp mods.

Richard

[Benstan]

Very happy with my tow trust. Can't see it when it's off (the bumper cut).
Ben

[tiger78]

Ben,

How much was your tow trust?  Have you got any photos ?  Just trying to find an m sport with pics!!

Thanks In advance

[Benstan]

Hi - not sure how to post a link but search for tow trust and you should find it on the site as I created a post for it. It was 450 I think. Really pleased with it.

[tiger78]

Thanks Ben - that looks pretty good.  Did you get 13 pin electrics?  Was it a chain that fitted yours or just a dealer in your area?

[Benstan]

Yes 13 pins.  A&S Towbars fitted it - I think they cover most of the Home Counties (they're mobile), but they are based in West Horndon nr Brentwood in Essex.  They did my 5 series and that was a great job too.  They told me they do a lot for main dealers!

[Bob1098R]

[Bob1098R]

Apologies for the poor quality pictures,it's rather wet outside.

I had to check as i had no idea if my bumper had been cut or not ,
As the photos show it has been but they have done a good job with no sharp edges etc,
I see your looking for a towbar that can be fitted without cutting,
looking at the fixing points  i don't think that will be possible with the M bumper,
If its any help you cant see the cut unless your lying on the ground ,
Cheers.