Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 12/4/2011

---

Ah well, worth pointing out then that those who buy their own cars Ford/Audi/VW/BMW from a showroom can indeed have 13pin socket fully wired if they require. They just need to understand that 13pin sockets come wired as 7pin if not otherwise specified.

Fortunately because of this thread they now have the required info.

---

Response from BMW UK - You cannot get full 13pin (ISO11446) operation as a factory fit option, will have to be a aftersale addition.

I can advise that a detachable towbar with 13-pin European electrical socket, may require additional wiring connectors dependent on towing usage, which is available from aftersales departments and is not a factory fitted option.  I am sorry that you have not been given this information from the retailing dealership at time of order.  I would recommend that you take this up with the retailing dealership.

Yes but for us though and the type of tow bar we have & because we wanted the cost of the towbar included in the cost of the car, then written on the invoice or not we still would've had to re- book the car in for the extra loom regardless as the type of tow bar we have is not a dealer fit option.  So if you order a BMW with a factory fit tow bar regardless of what is on the order form you will need to retro fit the additional wiring to tow a caravan.  Which basically means a full factory fit tow bar will end up costing you £1200 rather than what is stated on the options list.

Yes, but with BMW you get a 13 pin socket, and more than the standard 7-Pin connectivity, so they clearly know its not a lights only application.

You just lose out two connections - the fridge supply.

Quite simple, not ISO14466, not fit for purpose.

Westfalia, who make the towbars BMW use, only make two looms; one is 7 pin staturary lights, the other is 13-P (with 12 populated) standard 13-P (12S/12N).  BMW have taken it upon themselves to reject the standard Westfalia wire kit and supply a modified, reduced function, not ISO compliant 10 wire loom.

Its a damn conn, and for the sake of two lengths of wire and a split charge relay, which in a BMW can be in the boot where the battery is, they expect you to rip apart your new motor, have the entire loom that is fitted removed and pay £500 for adding in £20 worth of copper and relay. 

Please keep this topic live if you have the same issue, they deserve to be lambasted for this.

The real shame is, apart from this, its a really great electric towbar that even integrates with the cars ESP/DSC to provide anti-snaking function when the caravan is connected, and even a tow bar hook up feasture on the reversing camera.  This issue asside, its the best set up in the world.  What a wasted opportunity to actually have people raving about how good it is rather than raving mad about them.

I'd have paid an extra £50 for the option, if that was felt needed.  That's all it would take to add two wires at the build stage.

Very useful, and cheaper from Amazon or Towsure direct.

So to answer the OP:  How much for the additional loom (2 poxy wires FFS on a car at least £30K and perhaps £50K) that BMW don't fit:-

£30 if you do it yourself (using Westfalia original equipment solution)

£500 if you get BMW to do it for you

Nil if you threaten to sue them as not fit for purpose (which it isn't)

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 17/4/2012If you read thread all through you will see that an extra loom is required for full 13pin operation rather than just the pins to work trailer lights.

---

---