Detachable Towbar

[TorX69]

Hi,

Being a new owner and never experienced the X5 before I'm not sure whether or not the detachable towbar is part of the standard equipment or an aftermarket add-on?

Mine came with a towbar already attached and even though I suspect useful it looks a little unsightly. I've also never had any experience whatsoever of towbars so removing it was something of a mystery which proved 'pretty' simple once I discovered which type I had and subsequently watched a youtube video.

I followed the instructions, took the towbar by the scruff, turned handle and tugged, nothing! No movement at all. Being the refined engineer I am, this time I turned the handle and 'whacked' the towbar with a large mallet, nought, nada, nowt!!http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/Smileys/xdr ... /angry.gif

Stopping to contemplate, I pried off the plastic cap and removed the handle exposing a square drive. Having inspected the handle I could see the square drive location inside was worn thru and was practically round leaving it for the best part redundant. Now then turning the drive with a spanner then coaxing once more with my favoured tool,lol, the towbar did give some and after a little more persuasion out she came.

I gave it the once over, disassembled, re-dressed it and re-greased and using a strong epoxy cemented the handle back to the square drive, good as new well thats what I'm telling myself anyway haha.

Feel it good advice to re-iterate the manufacturers instructions about maintenance. A quick squirt of WD40 and a blob of grease could save you a lot of heartache as if the springs inside give in it will take a lot more work to remove an unwanted towbar.

[fenj66]

I never use mine, but I leave it on as a bit of extra protection for the bumper from inconsiderate Parker's!
But it wouldn't do any harm as said, to lube it up a bit.

[chrisn7]

The detachable tow ball usually has a key hole to lock it in place. so you normally have to unlock it before the push and twist release. If you have a genuine BMW unit, it will fit in the dedicated recess in the L/H boot floor under the carpeted lid.

However, the key is not especially sophisticated, so the hitch is best removed if you don't want to find yourself bidding for a replacement...

[TorX69]

Thanks, a previous owner must have lost their key and drilled the locking mechanism out so I didn't have to worry about it. 

I can only imagine ever using it either in an emergency or helping somebody out but always useful to have the facility.