Tow Bar

[leeg3910]

Hi everyone,
I was looking to fit a tow bar to my X5 and have found a westfalia with 13 pin electrics already fitted  only the detachable hitch/ball is missing so I need to get one. Is there only one type so I don't buy the wrong one by mistake?
Where is the best place to buy one? I've looked on ebay and prices seem to be £100+ second  hand, is this the going rate for them? How much new from westfalia/ BMW?
Also, does the fitting on my photo look ok as it seems to have a notch cut out of it which I couldn't see on tow bar photos when looking at tow bars online.
Thanks in advance, Lee

[X5Sport]

The notch is correct.  There should be a plastic bung that goes in there to keep it clean as the fine tolerances need to be kept intact and metal surfaces lubed.

Have a check of PF Jones as they supply complete kits and may be able to get spares.  It won't be cheap as it's a substantial chunk of metal.  You sure it isn't in the boot anywhere?

The electrics won't be fully wired so if planning to pull a caravan check the fridge circuit.  BMW do not fit it even with a 13-pin OEM system.  Several members on here have had 'deep & meaningful' discussions about it with their dealers.  Self included.

[leeg3910]

Great, thanks for the advice. The notch was the biggest concern as I was worried someone had cut it due to the detachable part getting jammed.
I've had the boot floor up and spare wheel out and haven't found the missing piece.
Thanks again for your help.
Lee

[Insight G40]

Lucky you finding one already fitted, I've just  bought a Westfalia towbar to fit before a camping trip in May.

[leeg3910]

Yes, it was a nice surprise. I just need to source a detachable tow ball then the caravan can be brought out of storage.

[X5Sport]

The BMW assembly part number is: 71606761678

Realoem page from the parts catalogue.

You want parts 2,3,4,5 & 9.

Should at least enable you to search on line for them 

Personally I would be very wary of buying a used one as you have no idea of how it might have been used - or worse, abused!

[leeg3910]

Great, thanks for your help.

[Chris.od]

Hi Lee,

I've got a genuine tow ball you can have for £70 plus postage if you want it. Long story how I ended up with two but essentially if you're interested let me know and I can get some pics for you tomorrow.
Regards, Chris

[leeg3910]

I've only just seen your post, sorry. Thanks for the offer but I've already ordered one. 75+ postage. I'm sure yours will get snapped up at that price as they are going for double that on eBay.

[Boatybob1]

[quote="X5Sport"]
The notch is correct.  There should be a plastic bung that goes in there to keep it clean as the fine tolerances need to be kept intact and metal surfaces lubed.

Have a check of PF Jones as they supply complete kits and may be able to get spares.  It won't be cheap as it's a substantial chunk of metal.  You sure it isn't in the boot anywhere?

The electrics won't be fully wired so if planning to pull a caravan check the fridge circuit.  BMW do not fit it even with a 13-pin OEM system.  Several members on here have had 'deep & meaningful' discussions about it with their dealers.  Self included.
[/quote]

P F Jones fitted mine a few years ago, but did not put in the extra wiring for fridge & caravan battery. The German caravans can't have such things. Anyway, after a fridge full of water when we got to south of France, we returned and P F Jones completed the job with the extra wires, free of charge.