Evening all,
Question is in the title really. I currently own an X3 with an electric tow bar. I'm looking to sell the car to buy a newer (15/65 reg) X3. We use the tow bar a lot so it's a must have for the next car. Visited my local BMW garage & salesman said they're a bit of a rareity really. To find a car in the right age bracket with camera (also a must) and tow bar also might take a while.
Just had a sudden thought though, if i buy the new car before getting rid of the old, can I take them both to the garage & get them to take the tow bar off the old car & fit into the new? Has anyone done this before & have a rough idea of costs? Thanks
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Can I take electric tow bar from my old X3 & fit to new?
Re: Can I take electric tow bar from my old X3 & fit to new?
1. 
2. Have a look at Realoem for part numbers and see if there is a match. The last 7 characters of your VIN in ‘Serial Number’ will take you to the right models.
3. Check the electrics to make sure the modules atc are also on the new car. BMWs have various systems that you will need to connect into. Taking the bar off the old one may trip warnings that then need coding out and may need pause for thought.
It might be simple however nothing BMW do ever is. Some of these systems need coding into the car so it knows there is a towbar attached.
If you can find one with a camera that is probably straightforward. If you can live without the electric bar then you could fit a Westphalia detachable which you can source from someone like PF Jones. Get the dedicated wiring kit too. Instructions for both the bar and electrics are also on their website so you get an idea of what might be involved.
2. Have a look at Realoem for part numbers and see if there is a match. The last 7 characters of your VIN in ‘Serial Number’ will take you to the right models.
3. Check the electrics to make sure the modules atc are also on the new car. BMWs have various systems that you will need to connect into. Taking the bar off the old one may trip warnings that then need coding out and may need pause for thought.
It might be simple however nothing BMW do ever is. Some of these systems need coding into the car so it knows there is a towbar attached.
If you can find one with a camera that is probably straightforward. If you can live without the electric bar then you could fit a Westphalia detachable which you can source from someone like PF Jones. Get the dedicated wiring kit too. Instructions for both the bar and electrics are also on their website so you get an idea of what might be involved.
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.Re: Can I take electric tow bar from my old X3 & fit to new?
Dear Elgrouse
I have spoken with our sales team and they stated the following regarding your question.
"1 Due to the fact that the electrical towbar is installed at the factory when it is built, this means the towbar wiring is part of the main vehicle wiring loom, instead of being a separate aftermarket plugin kit.
2 This could be a problem purchasing a new loom that powers the towbar.
3 The other problem would be that the wiring loom is part of the towbar.
It has been suggested that any attempt to remove it could render the unit unusable, the sales advisor I spoke with stated " I have seen people on other forums attempt this and always end up with bits of kit they cannot purchase"
He stated " Unless you want to end up spending a fortune, not getting a working towbar on your new vehicle and potentially ending up devaluing your existing car, then best to steer well clear of attempting to transplant the fitted towbar.
Big Thank You too X5Sport for the mention.
I have spoken with our sales team and they stated the following regarding your question.
"1 Due to the fact that the electrical towbar is installed at the factory when it is built, this means the towbar wiring is part of the main vehicle wiring loom, instead of being a separate aftermarket plugin kit.
2 This could be a problem purchasing a new loom that powers the towbar.
3 The other problem would be that the wiring loom is part of the towbar.
It has been suggested that any attempt to remove it could render the unit unusable, the sales advisor I spoke with stated " I have seen people on other forums attempt this and always end up with bits of kit they cannot purchase"
He stated " Unless you want to end up spending a fortune, not getting a working towbar on your new vehicle and potentially ending up devaluing your existing car, then best to steer well clear of attempting to transplant the fitted towbar.
Big Thank You too X5Sport for the mention.