X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

[allforus]

My new car came with cycle rack prep which on first view looks like a tow bar bracket without the ball any clues as to the difference

It also has 13 pin electrics (swing down)

[X5Sport]

No swan neck tow ball in the boot floor?  I know the cycle rack prep was an option and I suppose it might use a standard towing bracket?  The electrics would be 13-pin for a number plate/lighting bar.

If it is a full towing bracket and there's no swan neck then see if PF Jones can supply.  It is most likely a Westphalia bracket as that is what is used on the other 'X' cars.

[Horizon]

[quote="allforus"]
My new car came with cycle rack prep which on first view looks like a tow bar bracket without the ball any clues as to the difference

It also has 13 pin electrics (swing down)
[/quote]
I would have thought if you can fit a standard tow ball to the bracket it would be very dangerous if it wasn't designed to take the weight of a trailer/ caravan.
On OEM fitted towbars , isn't there a sticker inside the boot , which states the towing capacity of the bar fitted?

[sid10]

Hi we have a towbar factory fitted , the attachment is normally in a bag in the boot ! They also did a bike prep kit which was just the lighting unit that you connected your bumper mounted bike rack too . This was mounted via the towing bracket eyelets in the rear bumper , two poles on the bike carrier screwed in the eyelets using a large Allen key . Check if your car has two towing eyelets as I was sure the new cars only had one ?

[allforus]

Hi the tow bar looks like the main mounting area of the x5 factory fitted bar need to check with the dealer see what they say

But it certainly looks like a cheap way of getting the tow bracket factory fitted as it was only a£160 is option I think including the electrics

[X5Sport]

[quote="Horizon"]
On OEM fitted towbars , isn't there a sticker inside the boot , which states the towing capacity of the bar fitted?
[/quote]

Should be, but it came in the pack of things to be put on by the Dealer at PDI.  Mine was handed to me when I took delivery - so I could put it where I wanted!  It went in the correct place in the boot.

[allforus]

Took a close look at bar today it's a witter with detachable tow ball minus the tow ball but should be easy to get one I guess

No stickers insight though

[allforus]

Confirmed with the dealer today that there is only one towing mounting arrangement it's the ball that's different the one for the cycle prep has a pin through the ball and is £210 and marked not for towing the other is £150
Little strange set up but guess that's BMW for you