Electrically Retractable Towbar

[gwk760]

I have a 2011 model X3 30D with a factory fitted electrically retractable towbar.  However, the 13 pin electric socket only has 10 of the pins wired meaning I am unable to  run my caravan fridge whilst travelling.  My local BMW dealer has quoted almost £600 to convert from 10 pin to 13 pin electrics.  Does anyone know how this can be done at a more realistic price?

[Horizon]

Any auto electrician would be able to run a fused constant feed to your socket. You can get a splitter of the net tat charges your leasure battery , but prevents it discharging your car battery. Simple wiring for an auto electrician.why don't they wore them properly at the factory, everyone needs a fridge feed surely.

[X5Sport]

My X6 was the same, as is every car they supply with '13-pin' electrics.  The factory chose not to fully wire them even though the cars are sold as wired up.  None of the sales blurb ever refers to it having been supplied wrongly wired.  BMW should be fixing it for free.  There have been a lot of cases of owners finding this and getting BMW to stump up for it.  There is repair kit.  If you bought it from a Dealer then demand that they sort it.  They sold it incorrectly wired so they fix it.

[gwk760]

Now found a specialist trailer/towbar garage who did the job for £120!  He said BMW only ever supply the towbar wired for 10 pins as the Germans don't run their caravan fridges when on the move!  I thought it was a 13 pin EURO plug and Germany is part of the EU!

[X5Sport]

But it's a German car........and their opinion is final!  >:(