Message Forums

Hi all,After visiting this useful site for a while I have finally taken the plunge and here is my first post - all be it asking for help .

Has anyone any experience of the S-Max Titanium X Sport as a towcar? I have the chance of getting a 6 month old one very soon, but have concerns of fitting a towbar to this model due to the bodykit fitted as standard. I have rung around a few fitters and am getting mixed responses from can't do, should be OK, or major cutting to the bumper - but none of the ones I spoke to have any personal experience of fitting one!

Current car is a Mondeo estate 2004 2.0TDCi - 140PS -but up to 104k mile already and replaced the clutch at 83k - the choice of replacement is either a new Mondeop estate or S-Max.

Appreciate any comments

Richard

Hi Richard, I have an S Max Titanium 140bhp and find it to be an excellent towcar. The gearing is quite low compared to my previous towcar which is an advantage on hills and allows me to cruise at 60 mph on motorways in 6th gear.

No cutting of bumper to fit Witter detachable towbar but mine is not the X Sport model.

Hope this helps 

Thanks Stuart,

From what I have read most S-MAX owners are pretty happy with their cars - the only negative comments I have picked up are around the lack of a spare wheel.

We were originally going for another Mondeo, but the SMAX came up and with two teenage kids, and the occassional need to get up to 6 people in a car, we are now thinking about the SMAX - 163PS - it just so happens that I have a relative with the X sport version who could sell to me!

By the way, how did you get on with the electrics - did you need to get Ford to do a software download?

Try  looking at the Witter website

Thanks Jaiash,

I did look at the Witter website and whilst the X Sport was listed it was not clear if the bodywork needed major or minor cuts - so I got their phone number from one of the fitters &rang up Witter direct.

Their response was major cutting needed - BUT they hadn't actually fitted one to the Titanium X Sport in there own workshops- hence my search for someone with personal experience.

Quote: Originally posted by rb2222lb on 03/9/2010

---

Thanks Stuart,

From what I have read most S-MAX owners are pretty happy with their cars - the only negative comments I have picked up are around the lack of a spare wheel.

We were originally going for another Mondeo, but the SMAX came up and with two teenage kids, and the occassional need to get up to 6 people in a car, we are now thinking about the SMAX - 163PS - it just so happens that I have a relative with the X sport version who could sell to me!

By the way, how did you get on with the electrics - did you need to get Ford to do a software download?

---

 

I Fitted my own towbar with a normal bypass relay on the electrics, and power supply fron the rear fusebox, works fine, but wont turn off rear parking sensors or fogs that the proper expensive but easy to fit wireing kit will do.

My towtrust bar needed a hidden bumper cut, but its not a sprort version.

 

PS a 5 stud mondeo space saver wheel fits the Smax.

Thanks for the tip about the mondeo space saver.

For those of us not competent or confident about wiring up electrics to a modern car the phrase along the lines of "requires dealer software download to work correctly" fills me with dread. and also there is the question of warranty.

With regards to the sport version, it looks like there is a glossy black Integrated rear diffuser below the bumper and this could be the issue - I think if there is any doubt, I will have to wait for a non sport version to come up - here's still hoping someone has the personal experience of fitting a towbar to the Sport.

I'm just in the process of buying an X-Sport S-Max and have pondered the idea of fitting a towbar to accept a cycle carrier. The Witter site lists several that apparently fit when you enter the vehicle reg, however Hedley Towing on ebay clearly state that they cannot be fitted to an X-Sport. Also Ford offer factory fit towbars on all S-Max cars except for the X Sport which it says one cannot be fitted to.

If anyone has any ideas I'd also be interested. As for the Mondeo space saver is there anywhere to store it?

Quote: Originally posted by Grubbo on 08/9/2010

---

If anyone has any ideas I'd also be interested. As for the Mondeo space saver is there anywhere to store it?

---

no!, only in the boot preferably strapped down, ours goes in the caravan front locker along with the caravan spare when touring, maybe they are not good to use when towing but it gets you off the road to a tyre fitter.

Its the only gripe i have with the car, but seems to be the trend, athough spare are a £40 option on the new KA.

I a have a 2013 Titanium S MAX 163PS  fitted a tow bar to this standard model then had it upgraded  with the Ford X Sport panel full kit this includes the rear spoiler there is little difference in the cut out work needed to fit a tow bar on either rear panel. The S Max X Sport is the same base car even the engine is the same spec and performance other than the suspension settings & 18ins mags. Sad that the one person cancelled their X Max Sport the panel kit upgrade makes the visual look so much better. Ran this by a specialist insurer when fitted and got a better deal than I had on the standard car so all above board. These are great tow cars.

Quote: Originally posted by rb2222lb on 03/9/2010

---

Hi all,After visiting this useful site for a while I have finally taken the plunge and here is my first post - all be it asking for help .

Has anyone any experience of the S-Max Titanium X Sport as a towcar? I have the chance of getting a 6 month old one very soon, but have concerns of fitting a towbar to this model due to the bodykit fitted as standard. I have rung around a few fitters and am getting mixed responses from can't do, should be OK, or major cutting to the bumper - but none of the ones I spoke to have any personal experience of fitting one!

Current car is a Mondeo estate 2004 2.0TDCi - 140PS -but up to 104k mile already and replaced the clutch at 83k - the choice of replacement is either a new Mondeop estate or S-Max.

Appreciate any comments

Richard

 

---