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  #11  
Old 04-14-2020, 09:46 PM
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Are you saying the bolt pattern doesn't match, or are you concerned because the mounting holes are recessed? If you're concerned about the recess, just use a couple washers on each bolt to take up the space and bolt that thing up. If you're still nervous, you could send your pictures to Curt and ask them about it.

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  #12  
Old 04-14-2020, 10:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shedtastic View Post
Well, after taking the bumper mounts off, knocking out the studs (because yes, I think they looked pretty weedy) and starting to drill the holes out a little so I could use 1/2" bolts, I did a quick trial fit (awkwardly since my domestic serf / 12yr old was in the middle of a particularly long winded fortnite session) and discovered that the Curt bar doesn't fit my Dec 2000 E53..:


The mounting face won't fit on the flat areas of the structural piece on the body of the car..

Maybe this tow bar only fits later E53 because maybe they don't have the same structural piece..

I wish I hadn't knocked the studs out and drilled out the holes on the bumper mounts now!

You're supposed to remove that piece - the one where the tow hook eye screws into. The Curt hitch will replace that piece. Look closely at the picture that you'd posted on your original post - that piece that is currently attached to your car is not there in that picture.
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  #13  
Old 04-15-2020, 09:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkl View Post
You're supposed to remove that piece - the one where the tow hook eye screws into. The Curt hitch will replace that piece. Look closely at the picture that you'd posted on your original post - that piece that is currently attached to your car is not there in that picture.
That would explain why you won't have a problem aligning the bumper after installing the Curt hitch
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  #14  
Old 04-15-2020, 03:26 PM
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What is the measurement from the Curtis to the bumper bolt location? Consider filling with nuts/washers,other metal material to take up the space. Then, insert your bumper shocks and see if it will still all bolt up. Basically using a spacing method to connect the two. You can also use industrial grade rubber/ steel belted tire, spacer and boltup. tight. This is if your are certain your tow weight is minimal. Good luck.
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  #15  
Old 04-15-2020, 03:28 PM
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He's right, look closely, if it's not welded, then remove those bolts holding the shock / frame to the body and replace with your Curtis. Voila. Genius dude.
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  #16  
Old 04-15-2020, 10:37 PM
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Wow, I assumed the hitch bolted to the strong structural box section piece at the rear of the car, that was held to the body in something like 12 places. Not that I had to remove that rigid structure, leaving just the sheet steel body pressing, and bolt my hitch on in it's place using only 8 of the bolts! Doh!

Hmm.. I see more why these are not recommended for towing! Ha!

But thanks guys (particularly dkl!) I had pretty much started putting everything back together.. I Shall have another go tomorrow evening..
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  #17  
Old 04-16-2020, 08:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shedtastic View Post
Wow, I assumed the hitch bolted to the strong structural box section piece at the rear of the car, that was held to the body in something like 12 places. Not that I had to remove that rigid structure, leaving just the sheet steel body pressing, and bolt my hitch on in it's place using only 8 of the bolts! Doh!

Hmm.. I see more why these are not recommended for towing! Ha!

But thanks guys (particularly dkl!) I had pretty much started putting everything back together.. I Shall have another go tomorrow evening..
You might consider adding the two "butterfly" structural hitch supports that mount inside the rear. I might have an extra set. PM if interested. I'll see if I can find a photo....It's possible these supports are already on the car.
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  #18  
Old 04-16-2020, 01:42 PM
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That's nice looking E30 rag. What year? Original? Manual? For sale?
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  #19  
Old 04-18-2020, 01:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Effduration View Post
You might consider adding the two "butterfly" structural hitch supports that mount inside the rear. I might have an extra set. PM if interested. I'll see if I can find a photo....It's possible these supports are already on the car.
Hmm Butterfly supports?
Is that what these are?


I got it all bolted up today - thanks to people's advice here!

The electrical connector is only located with zip ties, but since i haven't yet bought the 'towing module', I just need to make sure it doesn't drop and drag on the floor..
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  #20  
Old 04-18-2020, 01:21 PM
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Job done:
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