Tow Package Bumper Carrier Differences

[crystalworks]

Just a curiosity question today. What are the differences between the two carriers? I did a search and google did not return anything of any real value.

I can not find a visual difference looking through pictures. Am I blind? There are two different part numbers. Can anyone enlighten me? I know the tow package vehicles do not use rear bumper shocks like the standard units do, but from what I can see the bumper carrier for the tow package trucks still have the provisions for them.

Tow Vehicle Bumper Carrier 51128250415:



Standard Bumper Carrier 51128250416:

[e39_touring]

The differences are on the inside. The tow package carrier is sort of hollow so that the tow bar fits inside and mates with it while the non tow carrier is ts more boxed in on the inside.

[xbimma]

Confirming e39touring comment. The tow package version is more hollow. Essentially to fit in the square two bar angle. When I installed my tow package I had the same question and tried to fit in the standard carrier it could not get in.



Garage:
E53 4.4i M62 born 2003-03-04 [SOLD]
E53 4.8iS N62s born 2006-03-16
E90 325i N52 born 2006-03-28 [TOTALED]
F30 328i N20 born 2012-09-06

[crystalworks]

Thank you gentlemen. It must be fairly subtle. I looked at front, back, side angles... but the pictures were of varying qualities and sizes and just couldn't figure it out. RealOEM doesn't even show the tow package part number for my truck unless you select a European version 4.8is.

Much appreciated.

[snik]

I literally had to cut and cut away at the non tow bumper bracket when installing my hitch. The difference is all on the back side. The part of the hitch that goes straight down to the receiver, and the horizonal part that goes out as it comes to the vertical piece. All that has no room with the standard bar.


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