I have just ordered X3 to replace my 2 series active tourer.
Has anyone had experience with BMW garage fitting towbar. I know BMW only fit the European standard 7 pins on 13 pin socket which is annoying when you sonatas to keep the fridge running while towing.. I read somewhere it is posible to have the electrics upgraded, I wondered if anyone on here had experience?
------------- Joanne
May - Peak District
June - MG Live Silverstone
August/Sept - Salou
I watched a tow bar being fitted to my son's X5, including the dedicated electrics. The fridge and battery charging wiring appeared to be straightforward as the battery is in the boot and minimal wiring was required.
On this basis, and assuming the X3 battery is in the boot, I would have thought that the upgrade would be easy for a competent auto electrician.
I don't think you will find that the BMW garage will fit it themselves they will farm it out to a tow bar fitting company.
Why don't you get in touch with Westfalia in Bristol, I had the tow bar on my x3 factory fitted but went to Westfalia in Bristol because the factory fitted electrics did not include the charging and fridge circuit. Westfalia were really helpful and did the job while I waited.
The BMW tow bar is made by Westfalia and they have all the different types of tow bars there.
Joanne
I think you can have the tow bar wired up for charging and for the fridge with a factory fitted tow bar but you have to specify that is what you want and double check it. I didn't and that is why I went to Westfalia,it cost me about £100.00 for the additional wiring 3 years ago. I did try to get local tow bar fitters to upgrade the electrics without any success.
The factory fitted bar is great, it is electric, one push of a button and it disappears,so neat. Westfalia at Bristol do fit them.