Tow bar fitting!!!!

[Joe5ash]

Hi all new to this and need help
I want to fit a tow bar to my x5 3l d sport but what do I need to buy?
It has had a different exhaust fitted,
Do I need just the detachable bit? Or the big long bar thingy lol
Any help would be much appreciated
Many thanks joe

[mikejcb]

Hi Joe, ive a lot of bad experience with my tow bar on my x5 e53 please read my post if you want. Joe I tow a mini digger and I have snapped 3 yes 3 witter towbars,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ive scratched my xxxxxin head for months but now I have found that the person who fitted my bar previous to be buying it NEVER LEFT THE SUPPORT BAR ON, SO PLEASEEEEEEEE leave it on, if I was you Joe I would get it done buy a professional.

For those who have already put a bar on and removed the support panel TAKE IT OFF IT IS A DEATH TRAP BE WARNED

[Joe5ash]

Thank you I only want to tow my jetski, was just wondering as there is a panel in the bumper you take out but I don't know what I am looking for
Thanks joe

[X5Sport]

I you go to the PF Jones website you will find copies of the instruction manuals for fitting the towbars to the E53.  They provide copies in pdf format so you can see exactly what you need to do.  If there is no bar fitted then you need to remove the rear bumper to get at everything.  It is not a difficult job for anyone competent with a socket set and screwdriver.

You will need a second pair of hands as some of the parts are heavy.

The OEM fitted version is a Westfalia detachable swan neck.  There is at least one thread with piccies on here that you can look at that is a 'how to'.  The swan neck goes through the panel and once removed you put the trim panel back on.

Make sure you get the correct electrics kit as it should include a module that tells the car there is a trailer attached.  Most of the wiring is in place already so you should just need the bit between the electric socket and the car.  Again the instructions are on the PF Jones site.

Richard

[TimX5]

This is a pic of my witter detachable towbar easy enough to fit and the dedicated wiring kit was from pfjones

[X5Sport]

This thread is the one I referred to for the Westphalia option......and fitted to a petrol V8 I think.

It pretty much covers everything you need to do and will show what tasks need doing for most if not all the Towbar types you may choose.

Richard

[Joe5ash]

Excellent post cannot wait to give it a go
Should be easier as I do not plan to have any electrics
Many thanks

[TimX5]

No electrics why not your towing a jet ski you said  :nono:

[X5Sport]

You still need lights on it, and a number plate - which then needs basic rear lighting, plus additional ones for brakes, indicators and possibly a fog light.  The law says:

"Trailers must have on the back two red sidelights, two red stop lamps, an illuminated number plate and two triangular red reflectors plus amber indicators designed to flash between 60 and 120 times per minute. If they are more than 1.3m wide, they must also have at least one red fog lamp. All trailers built after Sept 30th 1990 require front reflectors. They must have front reflectors and, if they are more than 1.6 metres wide, front position lights."

That means you must fit electrics, and they must be wired fully and work properly as it is part of the MOT.  The system also makes sure the vehicle modifies the stability control system and turns the rear PDC off when the trailer is attached.

You need to think again.

Richard

[mikejcb]

Hey Tim did you leave your support bar on ? . Joe you will need electrics mate for your lighting board, I tow my jet ski's, also make sure u put the support bar back, ok you might be just towing a jet ski but the person after you may not, there fore they could KILL so putttt it back on, an Richard good advice go to P F Jones my arxx an what copy there WRONG instruction's thought you would know better

[X5Sport]

Nothing wrong with the Westphalia set?  They match the BMW ones!  They're only copies of the factory set.

[TimX5]

[quote="mikejcb"]
Hey Tim did you leave your support bar on ? . Joe you will need electrics mate for your lighting board, I tow my jet ski's, also make sure u put the support bar back, ok you might be just towing a jet ski but the person after you may not, there fore they could KILL so putttt it back on, an Richard good advice go to P F Jones my arxx an what copy there WRONG instruction's thought you would know better
[/quote]

Yeh support bar is on as it should be,  the electric kit from pfjones is a doddle to fit in fact it's idiot proof lol , it is actually a oem kit they supply.

[TimX5]

[mikejcb]

[quote="TimX5"]
[quote="mikejcb"]
Hey Tim did you leave your support bar on ? . Joe you will need electrics mate for your lighting board, I tow my jet ski's, also make sure u put the support bar back, ok you might be just towing a jet ski but the person after you may not, there fore they could KILL so putttt it back on, an Richard good advice go to P F Jones my arxx an what copy there WRONG instruction's thought you would know better
[/quote]

Yeh support bar is on as it should be,  the electric kit from pfjones is a doddle to fit in fact it's idiot proof lol , it is actually a oem kit they supply.
[/quote]

Well done timmy baby your the only one I know who has done it rite, call Gary at P F Jones an tell him I said you should be there boss , actually go bigger an call Andy he's a boss lad an the highest you can get a witter :0) he is a good lads an knows me well, ps Andy call me when you need my Diggers .

[TimX5]

I can help with diggers as well but the old x5 won't pull em lol .