[brettn]

For everyone saying to not tow a PWC with an F30 and leave it to a pick up, why?

F30's share the exact same ZF 8HP transmission that BMW puts in their X3,X4,X5 and X6.

An F15 X5 35i has the exact same transmission and the exact same engine as a F30 335i, N55B30MO. This X5 has a 6,000 pound tow capacity.

Pair that with xDrive and m sport brakes in a F30 335i how is it not a capable of pulling 1 PWC at 1,200 pounds, and in the PWC world thats on the heavy side.

[Gabreigns]

Invisihitch works great!

[sspade]

I had a Curt hitch on my previous car.

[TheGreekIndian]

do all hitches require some modification to a stock component like the heat shield?

I'd like a hitch, but I like to.keep my car as original as.possible. cutting and removing prevents that.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by brettn

For everyone saying to not tow a PWC with an F30 and leave it to a pick up, why?

F30's share the exact same ZF 8HP transmission that BMW puts in their X3,X4,X5 and X6.

An F15 X5 35i has the exact same transmission and the exact same engine as a F30 335i, N55B30MO. This X5 has a 6,000 pound tow capacity.

Pair that with xDrive and m sport brakes in a F30 335i how is it not a capable of pulling 1 PWC at 1,200 pounds, and in the PWC world thats on the heavy side.

The F30 has enough "power" to tow a substantial load a short distance at lower speeds, but it doesn't the mass, wheel base, and suspension for towing loads at highway speed to deal with trailer sway.

But if you don't believe me (or manufacturer recommendations), please try it at highway speeds for more than an hour with a forward and rear facing dash cam and report back.

[Buzzo]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

The F30 has enough "power" to tow a substantial load a short distance at lower speeds, but it doesn't the mass, wheel base, and suspension for towing loads at highway speed to deal with trailer sway.

But if you don't believe me (or manufacturer recommendations), please try it at highway speeds for more than an hour with a forward and rear facing dash cam and report back.

That all depends on your definition of highway speeds. In Europe max speed pulling a trailer is 80kph (90 or 100 in some countries) and a BMW dealer will happily install a factory hitch on any of their cars. An F30 should have no issue pulling a trailer if you keep it under manufacturer recommended load (per BMW Europe) as long as you keep it under 55-60mph.
If your definition of highway speeds is 65-75mph then I agree. BMWNA will recommend against towing with an F30 because there is no special speed limit for car+trailer. It's not a function of the F30's capabilities (or lack thereof) to tow, but the difference in traffic laws.

Regarding towing I quite like this article: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/tow-me-down-1609112611

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Buzzo

That all depends on your definition of highway speeds. In Europe max speed pulling a trailer is 80kph (90 or 100 in some countries) and a BMW dealer will happily install a factory hitch on any of their cars. An F30 should have no issue pulling a trailer if you keep it under manufacturer recommended load (per BMW Europe) as long as you keep it under 55-60mph.
If your definition of highway speeds is 65-75mph then I agree. BMWNA will recommend against towing with an F30 because there is no special speed limit for car+trailer. It's not a function of the F30's capabilities (or lack thereof) to tow, but the difference in traffic laws.

Regarding towing I quite like this article: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/tow-me-down-1609112611

If you can't keep up with traffic here in Maryland, it isn't safe. Regular cruising speed on I-70 is 75mph to 85mph. You cannot be serious about doing 55-60mph on a highway like that. You're going to get rear ended by someone.

We have an X3 35i and a 335i. There's no way the 335i would be able to tow 2000 lbs the same way the X3 35i would on a highway. It's impossible.

Now a PWC probably doesn't weigh anywhere near that. You could probably do okay using a 335i to tow 1 PWC. It's less than half the vehicle weight.

[blankito]

Originally Posted by MuffinMan910

Nope but after seeing my buddy launch his jet ski serveral times with a gmc 2500 denali, I would never attempt using a 3 series to do the same thing. Even with what I'd classify as a large pick-up, it still goes mid-rear wheel high in water

Agreed. I'm sure the car would be fine regarding the load of a jet ski (I did it back then with an old Honda Civic!!!) but I wouldn't be comfortable putting my car half wheel into the water..

[Gabreigns]

I admit I was afraid of doing it the first time and used a pick up truck. Then I used our F31 to lower the seadoo in to the water. I kept the car running and it Worked like a champ as seen in one of my posts above. The ramp incline was adequate and I would not do it in places where there is no boat ramp. Gobs of grip and ease of use.
Highway use was easy as well. Towing at 75 mph in a diesel was easy and smooth. The car was also loaded to the gills with family, luggage and bikes atop. The total weight with the seadoo and the trailer was between 1000 and 1050 lbs.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by blankito

Agreed. I'm sure the car would be fine regarding the load of a jet ski (I did it back then with an old Honda Civic!!!) but I wouldn't be comfortable putting my car half wheel into the water..

You could use a hitch receive extension so less of the car is in the water.

Originally Posted by Gabreigns

I admit I was afraid of doing it the first time and used a pick up truck. Then I used our F31 to lower the seadoo in to the water. I kept the car running and it Worked like a champ as seen in one of my posts above. The ramp incline was adequate and I would not do it in places where there is no boat ramp. Gobs of grip and ease of use.
Highway use was easy as well. Towing at 75 mph in a diesel was easy and smooth. The car was also loaded to the gills with family, luggage and bikes atop. The total weight with the seadoo and the trailer was between 1000 and 1050 lbs.

1000-1050lbs for a 3500lbs tow vehicle should be pretty manageable. Powertrain has little effect on the stability during towing. It's largely a function of chassis, wheelbase, and tow vehicle weight.

[Buzzo]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

If you can't keep up with traffic here in Maryland, it isn't safe. Regular cruising speed on I-70 is 75mph to 85mph. You cannot be serious about doing 55-60mph on a highway like that. You're going to get rear ended by someone.

Calling bs. Vast majority of trucks on the highways are travelling well under 75-85mph. Took an old car cross country doing 55-60mph with no problem at all. Just stay in the rightmost lane, be mindful of slower overtakes and look out for all the idiots on their phone.

[AlwynMike]

I regularly tow a 1600kg caravan with my F36

Only problem with 75mph is 15mpg (imperial)

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Buzzo

That all depends on your definition of highway speeds. In Europe max speed pulling a trailer is 80kph (90 or 100 in some countries) and a BMW dealer will happily install a factory hitch on any of their cars. An F30 should have no issue pulling a trailer if you keep it under manufacturer recommended load (per BMW Europe) as long as you keep it under 55-60mph.
If your definition of highway speeds is 65-75mph then I agree. BMWNA will recommend against towing with an F30 because there is no special speed limit for car+trailer. It's not a function of the F30's capabilities (or lack thereof) to tow, but the difference in traffic laws.

Regarding towing I quite like this article: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/tow-me-down-1609112611

Originally Posted by Polo08816

If you can't keep up with traffic here in Maryland, it isn't safe. Regular cruising speed on I-70 is 75mph to 85mph. You cannot be serious about doing 55-60mph on a highway like that. You're going to get rear ended by someone.

We have an X3 35i and a 335i. There's no way the 335i would be able to tow 2000 lbs the same way the X3 35i would on a highway. It's impossible.

Now a PWC probably doesn't weigh anywhere near that. You could probably do okay using a 335i to tow 1 PWC. It's less than half the vehicle weight.

Originally Posted by Buzzo

Calling bs. Vast majority of trucks on the highways are travelling well under 75-85mph. Took an old car cross country doing 55-60mph with no problem at all. Just stay in the rightmost lane, be mindful of slower overtakes and look out for all the idiots on their phone.

Highways around you (CT) or highways around me (Western Maryland)? Are you talking about highways in CT within commuting distance of NYC?

You won't even get pulled over here unless you're doing 85+mph here on I-70. That's the general consensus from the state/local LEOs on one of the federal task forces here in MD.

To get back on topic, I don't think a PWC + trailer will be unreasonably heavy for a sedan to tow. It's less than 50% of the weight of the sedan.

However, if you think an F30 N55 can tow just as well as an X3 35i or a X5 35i/50i because it has enough or same amount power, you're out of your mind. If that was the case, than a sports car like a Porsche or Corvette should be able to tow just as well as a 1/2 ton or larger pickup truck.

[dís_f30]

Trucks / SUV's are made for towing and are better suited, not cars. Just because a car may have enough power to tow something doesn't mean it should, there's more to it than that. Plus with people driving 90+ on the interstates when the speed limit is 70 - 75 and rule of thumb is 80, people on their phones, cutting others off, driving like they're in a Fast and Furious movie, etc., it's not very safe.

[simonelwell]

Obviously doesn't help you guys who need to fit an aftermarket hitch - but the BMW factory fit is a thing of beauty. One button press and it swings into view - press again to retract to goodness knows where. No filthy hands and no sign of it when not in use.
I tow a utility trailer (small) sometimes to save putting garden waste etc. in the car. I also occasionally tow a sailing dinghy. 4 Series has no problems although I find it better if I take the car out of auto and choose the gear myself - the auto box can't cope well with the changed profile.

[X Mon™]

Originally Posted by simonelwell

Obviously doesn't help you guys who need to fit an aftermarket hitch - but the BMW factory fit is a thing of beauty. One button press and it swings into view - press again to retract to goodness knows where. No filthy hands and no sign of it when not in use.
I tow a utility trailer (small) sometimes to save putting garden waste etc. in the car. I also occasionally tow a sailing dinghy. 4 Series has no problems although I find it better if I take the car out of auto and choose the gear myself - the auto box can't cope well with the changed profile.

The 50mm powered swan necks are not compatible with the 2" US couplers. I have yet to see an Oris or Westfalia solution that will work in North America.

[brettbmw]

Originally Posted by thezarb

Hi Guys. I just finished with installing the Curt hitch on my 2013 328i Sedan. It all went super-well. The only notes I have for those going to do the install in the future is:
1. There's no need to lower the exhaust system as some of the YouTube videos show. I used a swivel socket extension and got the three heat shield nuts off.
2. Of course with the hitch in place the heat shield can't be put back on without modifying it. After trying to precisely cut around the hitch it still wouldn't fit, so I just cut the rear half of the piece off (just past the 90° bend so it still has a little structure) and reinstalled it.

Hope that helps in case anyone out there is still thinking of putting their own hitch on.

transcooler

[sspade]

Originally Posted by brettbmw

transcooler

Some of us have one stock... are you sure you dont?

[leejak]

I have the stealth hitch, which looks very similar to the invisihitch....did diy install....not very difficult....extremely happy with.....use it for a hitch bike rack...

[Mtn440xi]

Originally Posted by sspade

Some of us have one stock... are you sure you dont?

How do I know if I have one for towing? Thanks.

[Larry77]

Wow, and I'm only comfortable "towing" a bike rack on our X5, ha! I did have a Tundra and travel trailer for many years though...

[M Smurf]

Please let me know if anyone giving up/selling their Stealth or Invisihitch for the F30!