TowBar for the UK

[stevd]

My dad has just bought a genuine BMW wiring harness & relay but it didn't come with any instructions. Most of it looks straigtforward but there are a few wires with connectors that look like they need adding into an existing multi-plug.

Do any of you have a copy/scan of the instructions that you could send me?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

[JCL]

Originally Posted by stevd

My dad has just bought a genuine BMW wiring harness & relay but it didn't come with any instructions. Most of it looks straigtforward but there are a few wires with connectors that look like they need adding into an existing multi-plug.

Do any of you have a copy/scan of the instructions that you could send me?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

The BMW instructions are posted on the X5World home page, under Body and Wheels, item 2. I checked, and the electrical connection instructions are included there.

Good luck.

[stevd]

Originally Posted by JCL

The BMW instructions are posted on the X5World home page, under Body and Wheels, item 2. I checked, and the electrical connection instructions are included there.

Good luck.

You're a star!

I was searching for towbar instead of hitch!

Thanks

[IrishBMWGuy]

Hi guys,

Having studied the excellent towbar installation guides on the site, I am planning on adding a Westfalia detachable towbar and dedicated BMW plug-in electrics kit to my ’04 UK Spec 3.0 Sport X5 (with parking sensors).

The installation steps seem to be reasonably straightforward mechanically and electrically for a reasonably proficient DIYer like myself (famous last words, I know), but the inner engineer in me wanted to run it by a pal in the motor trade. His impression was similar to my own - nothing too complicated and all doable *BUT* he did say that he thought it was necessary to bring the vehicle back to the main dealer to reprogram functions such as traction control, auto-levelling etc. to compensate for the additional weight of towing. I would have thought this should already be part of the factory installed trailer stability program (described in a previous posting) invoked once the wiring kit and trailer electrics connection is made. Can anyone shed some light on this, as to whether I do need to bring it back to a dealer to reprogram the vehicle after installation?

Perhaps my pal is just being over cautious, but I don’t want to take any chances as I will be towing a 2000 to 2500kg boat. I would go to the main dealers for the full installation except that they want an extra €950-€1250 (over the price of the parts) for the luxury of peace of mind...and that seems a bit steep for what’s involved (even if reprogramming is required).

Any technical input would be appreciated. Many thanks.

[stevd]

Installed using the proper BMW electrics without any problems. Everything just plugs/clips in & worked. Took it to local BMW dealer for an unrelated electrical issue & they checked it out - everything worked fine & nothing needed changing.

[Weasel]

After the parts are all installed, mainly the module and harness... It will have to be retrofitted in. (at least here in the states) What that does is tell the rest of the vehicles modules that it has been added. That way the rear PDC will turn off when a trailer is plugged in, the DSC looks for trailer sway, etc.

Just make sure you tighten the bolts properly on the instal and you should be fine with that.

[stevd]

Originally Posted by weasel56

After the parts are all installed, mainly the module and harness... It will have to be retrofitted in. (at least here in the states) What that does is tell the rest of the vehicles modules that it has been added. That way the rear PDC will turn off when a trailer is plugged in, the DSC looks for trailer sway, etc.

Just make sure you tighten the bolts properly on the instal and you should be fine with that.

This is exactly what I was told & expected but it wasn't needed on ours. PDC turns off when trailer on & I've not tested DSC with a trailer on yet!

[IrishBMWGuy]

Thanks guys for your input, it is greatly appreciated. The towbar suppliers assure me that everything is plug and play, and that all critical functionality (PDC cut-outs etc.) should be automatically implemented, but my local BMW dealer is strongly recommending the reprogramming of the car systems (for which they will happily relieve me of €180). I don't have a problem with that once I get something definitive of what "optimisations" I actually get for that...any thoughts?

I guess I am a bit wary of main dealer profiteering when they can't make any money selling cars, my last experience a month ago was a quotation to replace half the front braking system components on the X5 (over €1000) - which would equate to multiple component failure modes occurring simultaneously - when only a calipers (€350) was really required on the driver side front wheel. And don't even start me about the amount of parts they replaced to eventually solve an overheating problem on a Z3...both engine and blood were boiling! :-)

[UKenGB]

Just fit the parts and that's it, no need to reprogram anything - it all just works.

Follow the install instructions as it helps with the order in which to do all the various bits, but the only issue really is the weight of it all and holding the rear bumper in place while trying to get the bolts in. Overall it's a pretty easy job.

Oh and don't forget the FREE 13 to 7 pin adapter. Yes really, it's FREE from your BMW dealer. In the end I fitted a 13 pin plug to my trailer, but they are 10 times the price of the 7 pin variety so stick with that if you don't mind a slight inconvenience with the adapter each time (it cannot be left in place).

Go for it.

[X5 Meister]

Hey UKenGB - can you post a few pictures of the bracket for securing the swan-neck/tow hitch alongside the spare wheel and the swan-neck piece as well? The US tow hitches look different and do not come with that bracket.