[K3vmcb]

Well guys not been on this forum long I've had lots of towbar a in my time but mostly been witter I've used I was wondering what you guys think as I need to make a decision asap so that I can get one bought lol. They are both detachable but is one more visible than the other ? many thanks kev

[daveb666]

I have a Witter detachable on my f31. No bumper cuts and nothing visible from the back of the car

[djcowlin]

I had a Witter on a Passat. It was easy to remove and fit, and I had no issues towing a horse trailer. I also quite liked the plastic cap that fitted over the tow ball, which had a red and white Witter logo. But maybe that was just me.

[moonshine]

there is nothing to choose between them tbh - they are very much a muchness. you pay your money, you take your choice.

[K3vmcb]

I don't know if you can lick the westfelia one as don't see a key slot

[moonshine]

I don't know whether the Westfalia is lockable, but I would guess it is but couldn't say for certain. perhaps google a youtube video of it in use to check?
The specs on PF jones website indicate the towing weight for the westfalia is 1800kg vs 2000kg for the Witter

[Craig-SM]

Westfalia have a lock in the release handle. I've always had Westfalia as they are the OEM manufacturer for most German makes.

http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/image...Detactable.jpg

The red disc is the key

[RalphyBMW]

Westfalia make the OEM BMW bar.
The Witter is a sod to fit, you need to remount the OE crash bar on top to be able to fit the bumper support; the Westfalia is a direct replacement for the OE crash bar.

I've got a Witter bar with Westfalia loom. For my next car I'll be going for Westfalia bar and loom.

[K3vmcb]

Originally Posted by RalphyBMW

Westfalia make the OEM BMW bar.
The Witter is a sod to fit, you need to remount the OE crash bar on top to be able to fit the bumper support; the Westfalia is a direct replacement for the OE crash bar.

I've got a Witter bar with Westfalia loom. For my next car I'll be going for Westfalia bar and loom.

A sod to fit so if I fit a witter towbar the crash bar has to go back on don't think that would be a bad thing is it ?

[moonshine]

Here are the fitting instructions for the Witter towbar
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/witter/BM38.pdf

[Craig-SM]

Originally Posted by K3vmcb

A sod to fit so if I fit a witter towbar the crash bar has to go back on don't think that would be a bad thing is it ?

You shouldn't need the pressed metal crash bar as the towbar frame that replaces it is much stronger.

[RalphyBMW]

Originally Posted by Craig-SM

You shouldn't need the pressed metal crash bar as the towbar frame that replaces it is much stronger.

Exactly, but the Witter is quite small and has a poorly designed bracket for the bumper support.

[Chrismac13]

I have the detachable westfalia unit, very discreet can hardly been seen when detached. According to the installer its the only one that fits properly

[K3vmcb]

Originally Posted by Chrismac13

I have the detachable westfalia unit, very discreet can hardly been seen when detached. According to the installer its the only one that fits properly

Can you take a couple of pictures to show me it fitted please ?

[Davetwilliams]

First post....8 years with a Mk5 GTI and felt like time to upgrade.


I recently fitted a westfalia hitch. Here are some shots of the westfalia detachable. You can't see any signs of it when he ball is detached. The electric socket swivels up or down on its mount manually.

The towbar bracket is very substantial and a fair bit heavier than the crash bar it replaces.

Fairly easy job to fit if you have a socket set - helps to have a range of extensions to get the bolts under the wheel arches. I have more photos of the installation if you end up needing them. Oh and I also bought the dedicated heat shield from local dealer. This replaced the heat shield that was stock (replacement is shorter to allow room for the hitch). I've seen posts where fitter has cut a slot in his heatshield but this risks you melting the tow ball release bracket etc. It was £35 for the heatshield. I understand this is only required for petrol but check.

Hope this helps.

[K3vmcb]

Does someone have a picture of a witter towbar fitted thanks

[Mattt1]

How long did it take to fit? I've been quoted £175 for fitting on top of the cost from PF Jones.

[K3vmcb]

I did my last towbar on my a4 avant and it was like 4 hours or something

[Davetwilliams]

Originally Posted by Mattt1

How long did it take to fit? I've been quoted £175 for fitting on top of the cost from PF Jones.

About a morning to do the tow bar and then another morning to do the wiring. I was taking it easy. Also mine is a 2016 and so all the wiring was in the right hand compartment of the boot - no need to route to the front.

£175 doesn't sound bad if it comes with a warranty (vs risk of screwing up the wiring?!)

[6times7]

Originally Posted by Davetwilliams

About a morning to do the tow bar and then another morning to do the wiring. I was taking it easy. Also mine is a 2016 and so all the wiring was in the right hand compartment of the boot - no need to route to the front.

£175 doesn't sound bad if it comes with a warranty (vs risk of screwing up the wiring?!)

Davetw has got it spot on with his reply. It would be easy to take another afternoon if you wanted to get the wiring super tidy.

[daveb666]

I have the westfalia removable on my f31. £414 fitted army work from pfjones. With the dedicated wiring.

Took the chap 1hr20mins - not worth an afternoon of my time if a pro can do it so quickly.

You can't see any of the bar/plug when no towbar in as it's totally hidden under the bumper and no cutting involved.

[jpp01]

Originally Posted by Davetwilliams

About a morning to do the tow bar and then another morning to do the wiring. I was taking it easy. Also mine is a 2016 and so all the wiring was in the right hand compartment of the boot - no need to route to the front.

£175 doesn't sound bad if it comes with a warranty (vs risk of screwing up the wiring?!)

Davetwilliams, do you mind me asking about the wiring for the Westfalia. Does the dedicated wiring harness/unit, that can be purchased with the Westfalia plug directly into the BMW harness or do you have to use snap in Scotch Locks to pick up the signals? Mines a 63 plate F31, so the wiring may be slightly different, as yours is newer model?
Thanks.