Towbar advice please

[mogsyman]

I'm thinking of adding a towbar - only for bikes at this stage.

I'm not sure which one to for, ideally I'd like an electric one so it's hidden when not in use albeit a removable one will do the job just as well I'm sure.

Any advice and recommendations for fitters in the SE would be appreciated.

[X5Sport]

Electric ones may be factory only, or you could have a look at PF Jones for their offerings.  Westphalia is still the OEM choice I believe.  Beware of upsetting the warranty!

M trim cars need replacement bumper parts, all others have bumper cuts.

[GeeRam]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Electric ones may be factory only
[/quote]

I think they can be retrofitted by a dealer, but its very, very expensive......which is why I ticked the option for a factory fitted towbar on my 4.0d SE......also includes an uprated engine cooling system as well as part of the extended towing package.

[mogsyman]

Interestingly I've just and a chat with the supplying dealer and he's quoted £1200 for a removable and £2000 for an electric towbar (which includes cooling etc.)

He didn't mention a towbar having an impact on the warranty  :blink:

I notice some of the bars require a cut others don't and I'd rather not butcher my new car!

I'll make some calls on Monday and see where we go from there.

[GeeRam]

[quote="mogsyman"]
Interestingly I've just and a chat with the supplying dealer and he's quoted £1200 for a removable and £2000 for an electric towbar (which includes cooling etc.)
[/quote]

Yep.....that's why at only £945 it was a no-brainer for me to tick the leccy factory option.

[mogsyman]

[quote="GeeRam"]
[quote="mogsyman"]
Interestingly I've just and a chat with the supplying dealer and he's quoted £1200 for a removable and £2000 for an electric towbar (which includes cooling etc.)
[/quote]

Yep.....that's why at only £945 it was a no-brainer for me to tick the leccy factory option.
[/quote]

Didn't think I'd use one  :-[

Ah well, I've asked the dealer for their best price on a manual one and I'll see where we go from there.

[mogsyman]

I've ordered the Westfalia removable swan neck from PF Jones which is being installed next week at a cost of £500 inc.VAT. The bar and wiring loom is the same make BMW retro-fit.

For reference the bumper on my vehicle (2017 model M Sport) doesn't need to be cut, it's already been done at the factory.

I also confirmed with BMW fitting a tow bar has no effect on the warranty.

I've also spent some more money and bought a tow bar fitting 4 bike rack from roofbox.co.uk so it's been an expensive morning!

[kenniff]

Which bike rack did you go for? I've been looking and was swithering between the Atera DL or the Whispabar. Those names might not be quite right..... As my car doesnt come for a while yet you can test yours out and put a full review on the site

[X5Sport]

At least your Dealer is being pragmatic about the work and warranty.  Some aren't!

[mogsyman]

[quote="kenniff"]
Which bike rack did you go for? I've been looking and was swithering between the Atera DL or the Whispabar. Those names might not be quite right..... As my car doesnt come for a while yet you can test yours out and put a full review on the site
[/quote]

I went for the Atera STRADA DL 3 bike carrier plus 4th bike adaptor and 7 to 13 pin adaptor.

Including delivery £400.

A friend has one and I had a good look around it and it certainly looks the part.

Unfortunately I don't have a free weekend for a month but plan to take the family on a South Downs run to break it all in as soon as I can.

[mogsyman]

[quote="X5Sport"]
At least your Dealer is being pragmatic about the work and warranty.  Some aren't!
[/quote]

They only confirmed if the electrics from the towbar cause an issue then it's down to me - that's to be expected really!

I would have gone with the dealer but they wanted £1450 to fit the same bar  )

[kenniff]

Thanks - the Whispabar is £175 more so if the Atera does the job I could save that money

[MarkG_M3CP]

I'm waiting for some dealer prices for a retrofit - either manual or electric - so this may be the way to go for me too...

I was planning to fit myself in order to save cash but £500 is OK.

[mogsyman]

[quote="MarkG_M50d"]
I'm waiting for some dealer prices for a retrofit - either manual or electric - so this may be the way to go for me too...

I was planning to fit myself in order to save cash but £500 is OK.
[/quote]

£1450 for the detachable or over £2000 for the electric.

I haven't laughed so much since Labour voted Corbyn back as leader  )

For £500 I don't think it's worth having a go 

[Steamyrotter]

[quote="mogsyman"]
I also confirmed with BMW fitting a tow bar has no effect on the warranty.
[/quote]


I personally would get that in writing....