[walshcat]

Hi

I have to start using my E92 320d M Sport for getting to a from my mountain bike races but don’t want to use a rook rack carrier as I have a big downhill bike and don’t want to use a boot rack as im afraid of getting scratches all over the boot lid...the only other option is to use a tow bar bike carrier but really don’t want a tow bar sticking out the back when im not carrying the bikes.....does anyone have any experience in this or does anyone know of where I can get a good detachable tow bar??

Cheers thanks for your help

Rich

[Jules6]

Fold the back seats down, remove the front wheel if you have quick release (although you said it is a downhill bike so it prob doesn't).

My Specialized S-Works hardtail fits no probs in my E92. I use a blanket to keep the boot area clean when carrying the bike. Only the one bike fits though.

Plus keeping it inside the car is safer. I also have sun protection glass so you just wouldn't know or expect it.

[walshcat]

Hi Thanks,...........no i cant be takin the front wheel on and off all of the time its just a big pain and dont have quick release...the safety issue is not really an issue as i will onlt be using it for transporting and not storing...i put the seats down once and got the bike in by takin wheel off but dont want to be doin that all the time plus planning on tavelig down to Morize wit a mate this year so gettin 2 bikes and all our gear would be a strugle.....

[YetiDom]

Hi Walshcat - Unfortunately, can't offer you any advice on tow bars for the E92 but please do post whatever info you find out as I'd love to read it. I'm currently considering roof bars and carriers for my E92 (also a mountain biker) but would look at tow bars as the Pendle bike carriers for tow bars look sweet.

I'm currently dropping the seats and slotting two bikes in the back - but agree it's a real faff. It'll just about take two all-mountain bikes and two blokes - with some crafty manoeuvring () and slotting the kit in wherever there's a gap!

Slightly off-topic (sorry) - but have you done Morzine/Les Gets before? It's immense . We are back again this July - love it. Never driven it mind - EasyJet simply too cheap to contemplate it but must admit I did worry about my pride and joy being battered by baggage-handlers all the way over.

Sure someone on here will know about tow bars - after a few weeks reading stuff on here it's a great resource and everyone seems really helpful.

[willhollin]

Westfalia do one for the E92 that automatically retracts.

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/index.php?id=54&L=1

And a bike rack too -

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/f...r_englisch.pdf

[chris330D]

Just a thought but what is wrong with a roof mounted carrier? If you put a step in the boot, you can then put the bike easily on the roof without stretching?

[YetiDom]

Originally Posted by chris330D

Just a thought but what is wrong with a roof mounted carrier? If you put a step in the boot, you can then put the bike easily on the roof without stretching?

Agree although must confess, I'd never considered the step in the boot idea! Roof mounted is my preference at the mo, given costs and the fact roof bars can be easily removed when not in use.

Was just interested in replies to the tow bar query as a few of my riding mates use roof bars and after a mucky ride they do end up with lots of mud over the roof etc... Not a huge pain though.

[YetiDom]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Westfalia do one for the E92 that automatically retracts.

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/index.php?id=54&L=1

And a bike rack too -

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/f...r_englisch.pdf

Cheers Willhollin - these look pretty sweet! Dread to think about the pricing of these - will definitely have a look tho.

[davyk31]

I would have thought the BMW one is removable as most of them are. Won't be cheap I'm sure.

[F104]

i was looking at the tow bar solution too. But does it replace the normal bumper carrier wich I believe contains the crumple zones? So if someone hits you in the back you're likely to have more damage?

[walshcat]

Detachable towbars for BMW 3 Series Coupe E92 2006-onwards

Including M Sports

Not M3

Make
Type
Detachable type
EC/ECE type approved
Finish
Bumper cut
Fitting plans
Our price
Notes

Westfalia
Vertical swanneck automatic detachable
Westfalia A40V
Yes
KTL coated
No
Link to fitting plans (PDF file)
£225.00
Not 335i and 335d models (adaptor available)

PCT
Vertical swanneck automatic detachable
PCT Prestige
Yes
Varies
Yes, but not visible
Link to fitting plans (PDF file)
£231.00


Bosal
Vertical swanneck automatic detachable
Bosal AK6
Yes
Powder coated
Yes, but not visible
Link to fitting plans (PDF file)
£257.00
Not 335i and 335d models

Witter
Vertical swanneck automatic detachable
Witter Quantum
Yes
Powder coated
Yes, but not visible
Link to data page which contains link to fitting plans
£221.00
Not 335i and 335d models




Electrics

More information

Type
Connection
Dealer download
Our price

7 pin 12N single
Vehicle specific (Right Connections)
No
£153.00

13 pin full function
Vehicle specific (Right Connections)
No
£181.00

7 pin 12N single
Vehicle specific (Westfalia)
No
£123.00

7 pin 12N single with interface bypass relay
Universal
No, universal kit
£26.45

7 pin 12N/12S twin with interface bypass relay and split charge relay
Universal
No, universal kit
£39.95

13 pin single function with interface bypass relay (Single function - does not provide caravan charging functions)
Universal
No, universal kit
£39.95

13 pin full function with interface bypass relay and split charge relay
Universal
No, universal kit
£44.95

James, Tony, Sue & Paul

Towbars Direct

Norbrook Trailers Ltd

Tarporley Road (A49)

Whitley

Warrington

Cheshire

WA4 4DS



T: 01925 730 005

E: sales@towbarsdirect.co.uk

W: www.towbarsdirect.co.uk

[walshcat]

http://accessories.bmw.co.uk/interne...&absoluteNav=1

[F104]

nice website

[YetiDom]

Cheers walshcat - appreciate your post. Actually a lot more reasonably priced than I was expecting. hmmm....

Enjoy Morzine!

[Dr Dave]

BMW towbars? Don't forget the coding etc! £££

[walshcat]

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

BMW towbars? Don't forget the coding etc! £££

coding???????

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by walshcat

coding???????

Basically "telling" the car it has a towbar fitted. It's not a simple plug and play affair as I found out.

Went for the Witter BM24AQ bar in the end, well pleased.

[walshcat]

Originally Posted by YetiDom

Cheers walshcat - appreciate your post. Actually a lot more reasonably priced than I was expecting. hmmm....

Enjoy Morzine!

Hi Mate

That’s cool ive been looking into it for a while now and they seem to be the best prices I can find...I think a tow bar is the only way.. I just wouldn’t feel comfortable with my big heavy downhill bike on a roof rack bike carrier and plus im lookin into getting a jet ski so would need to tow that....but i think like most peeps a tow bar on a bmw just looks gay but nice hidden detachable one could work i think.

yeah been to morzine few time now..lookin to spend a good 3 or 4 weeks there this year but iv found a havin car there really helps plus it means u dont have to worry about how much stuff u bring ( spares, tubes, clothes etc)......also its a pretty nice drive down through france ha.....

[walshcat]

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Basically "telling" the car it has a towbar fitted. It's not a simple plug and play affair as I found out.

Went for the Witter BM24AQ bar in the end, well pleased.

please tell me more mate as i really not sure what u mean by tell the car u have a tow bar....??

[Jules6]

Parking sensors?

[walshcat]

Originally Posted by Jules6

Parking sensors?

ok thanks...i have a PDC on/off button on the same panel as my heated seat buttons and automatic start on.off button...i would be able to turn them off whenever im towing...or is there more to it

[charliesum]

hi have an e91 335d
i have a brink removable swan neck fitted locally about £300 fitted i think max
i used it for jet skiing regularly in past
it didnt need coding
and you can just turn off sensors
but
if i remember correctly most cycle carriers wont fit as it stated the towballs have to be of fixed type
although i may be wrong
(mrs tells me i usually am!)