As far as I know, there was no detachable version available for the US market, either OEM or aftermarket. But I'm fairly new to these cars. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. :-)

Aesthetically, I sure wish the hitch was hidden under the plate on the bumper when not in use. Would definitely look a lot cleaner. But no such luck.

Chris

Yep, got 'em. If I recall, there was a bit of weather seal that had to be cut away to access the holes for those two bolts. And then there were two on the bottom as well on each side (that the muffler and heat shield had to be dropped to access.)

I followed pdf from the factory and the very thorough instructions here:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ation-pdf.html

Chris

What if you just installed the Euro version? Sure it's not a problem in practice, just what is approved by stamp.

I agree - in practice I don't think having a Euro hitch would ever keep a US car from passing our state inspections.

Some of the older threads seem to indicate that there are some physical differences that prevent them from working on US cars, and the metric ball on the European models might also be problematic. Looks like they have considerably less towing capacity than the US models as well.

Again, I have no experience with the Euro version. Never even seen one except in photos on the internet. :-)

Chris

How much is the towing capacity on US towbar? What are the ball sizes?

US hitches are rated up to 6,500 lbs (some models rated lower because of the auto trans) and I think 600 or 700 lbs tongue weight.



It's my understanding that Euro trailers generally have much lower tongue weight so that they can be pulled by normal sedans. I have never towed anything in Yuroop (since I don't live there) but that's what I learned from researching how to get the least truck-ish tow vehicle possible.

E53 detachable Euro towbar itself made by Westfalia is rated for 3500 kg towing weight and 150 kg nose weight. The permitted towing weight can still be a bit lower depending on vehicle equipment.

(Just as an example normal E70 can have 2500 kg towing capacity. Then their is additional equipment raising the towing weight to 3500 kg. On these versions the hitch itself is the same, just more robust rear differential and more powerful electric cooling fan.)

The US OEM hitch I believe is rated at around 6000 lbs. In terms of construction, it is definitely stout, especially compared to the aftermarket options available here (Curt, Draw-Tite, etc.) I looked at all of them and though they were much cheaper, I just didn't like the engineering and design of them.

Personally, I have no intention of towing anywhere near that weight on a 17 year old car with a 3-litre 6-cylinder engine. I anticipate nothing more than a couple of motorcycles, scooters, or a load of compost for the garden every now and then. Light duty for sure. :-)

But I've missed having the ability to haul a trailer as needed, and our other trailer-hauling "work car" is fast approaching 400K miles, and may be past the point where it makes economic sense to keep it running.

US ball sizes are generally either 1 7/8" or 2" and can be changed out as needed.

Best regards,

Chris

(47,6 - 50,8 mm) So very close to Euro 50,0 mm ball.

See, you could never find a trailer in the states more than maybe 3,500 lbs (about 1600kg) that would have 150kg or less tongue weight. That is just the difference between American and European towing schemes. And it's also the reason that very few vehicles in America can tow very much trailer other than big dumb trucks. If you put 600lbs of tongue weight on a 2.0l Mazda 3 it would not be safe, but in Europe that car could tow a reasonably large camper trailer.