F31 335d tow bar

Stu In Blackpool · 02-06-2020, 02:13 AM

I ended up going with a Westfalia removeable dedicated kit.
Happy with it, totally invisible when removed and nice enough when it’s not.

Wiring communicates bulb issues etc to the car (tested it and it reports bulb failure on trailer) but doesn’t disable PDC.

fabkat · 02-06-2020, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu In Blackpool

I ended up going with a Westfalia removeable dedicated kit.
Happy with it, totally invisible when removed and nice enough when it’s not.

Wiring communicates bulb issues etc to the car (tested it and it reports bulb failure on trailer) but doesn’t disable PDC.

Thanks for the info. So the same as me then, only the indicator showed up on the dash when i removed it the others did not.

Just spoke to the fitters and they can't code it as nothing from the Westfalia software machine or whatever they use came up to code. He mentioned some BMW's either work or they don't. mmmm

Looks like it may need to be done by esys, I have bimmercode but don't think there is any options there but will need to look for sure.

1. Rear sensors need coded out when reverse with cycle carrier attached
2. Wonder if any of the stability changes have happened when car recognizes your towing. Not having the tow bar symbol on the dashmay mean no.
3. Reverse tow bar hitch zoom I think it’s called.

AlwynMike · 02-06-2020, 07:36 AM

I've got the factory towbar and have never seen the towbar symbol on the dash.
It does disable the PDC though.

fabkat · 02-06-2020, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwynMike

I've got the factory towbar and have never seen the towbar symbol on the dash.
It does disable the PDC though.

Did you have to get it coded or did it work straight away? Did you use the dedicated electrics? as that's what i used

AlwynMike · 02-06-2020, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabkat

Did you have to get it coded or did it work straight away? Did you use the dedicated electrics? as that's what i used

It's factory fitted, so I assume it's been done properly 😀

fabkat · 02-06-2020, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwynMike

It's factory fitted, so I assume it's been done properly 😀

Hehe result.

Found a few old threads about coding these so can be done:-

ok found after adding 3AC in VO to code AHM and REM module that the PDC was disabled. Setting MACRO_TRAILER_COUPLING to aktiv in HU_NBT fdl gave me the trailer zoom function in the NBT
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=937488

"When writing this I thought of coding the REM module since this one is controlling the PDC.

After coding REM module the PDC was disabled and a the towbar knob was shown in the PDC screen.

I also added MACRO_TRAILER_COUPLING aktiv in HU_NBT which gave me trailer zoom function"
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1286450

Another with Westfalia kit and only had to code towbar view

"I did not have to do any coding for the car to recognise the towbar and turn off the rear PDC.

The only coding I did do was enable the "towbar view" option for the rear camera, so you get a closeup view of the towbar with lines drawn to assist re-connecting to trailer etc."

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1402825

Seems strange why it works for some cars but not others.

Stu In Blackpool · 02-06-2020, 04:36 PM

The company that fitted mine warned me up front “Some cars just recognise the towbar and disable PDC, others don’t”

Also, I have no towbar symbol unless I install a blown bulb.
Then I get the symbol and blown light message.

Odd They are all a little different for sure.

peatah · 02-18-2020, 08:52 AM

My Towtrust Unit needs a big cut into the diffuser, ive not got the saw out yet, ive been taking it off, but starting to bet bored of doing that

Stew_Pid · 05-23-2020, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu In Blackpool

The company that fitted mine warned me up front “Some cars just recognise the towbar and disable PDC, others don’t”

Also, I have no towbar symbol unless I install a blown bulb.
Then I get the symbol and blown light message.

Odd They are all a little different for sure.

Hi Stu,
I'm in Blackpool (well Thornton), where did you have it done and how much was it if you don't mind me asking?

scoss · 05-23-2020, 03:14 PM

Just bought an F31 with a tow bar fitted. Have no need for it so will look at how to much get removed.

kzg1969 · 05-23-2020, 03:37 PM

More than whatyou would sell it 2nd hand, i would think.

scoss · 05-23-2020, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kzg1969

More than whatyou would sell it 2nd hand, i would think.

To be fair I’ve just looked at it in operation and it might come in use with bikes etc.

How much weight would a toe bar add?

muffking · 05-24-2020, 01:28 AM

I reckon it's got to be over 20kg at a guess.

kzg1969 · 05-24-2020, 02:27 AM

another thought - did you get the original beam with the car - you will need one if you do take the towbar off.

Stu In Blackpool · 05-24-2020, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew_Pid

Hi Stu,
I'm in Blackpool (well Thornton), where did you have it done and how much was it if you don't mind me asking?

Hi Stu,
I used Nick Foote. I think all Of us traders in Blackpool use him. Fast, friendly and efficient. Comes and does it at your house too. I wouldn’t use anyone else to be honest.

Whilst I am here, I should really pop some pics on eh?

Thule Easyfold XT. Love it.

Nick got me the rack at a keep price too, so I let him do the entire job.
You can contact Nick on 07939 306380

scoss · 05-24-2020, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu In Blackpool

Hi Stu,
I used Nick Foote. I think all Of us traders in Blackpool use him. Fast, friendly and efficient. Comes and does it at your house too. I wouldn’t use anyone else to be honest.

Whilst I am here, I should really pop some pics on eh?

Thule Easyfold XT. Love it.

Does that just perch on the back then? No wheels etc?
Looks very nice.

Stu In Blackpool · 05-24-2020, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoss

Does that just perch on the back then? No wheels etc?
Looks very nice.

Yes mate, ball mount only. Awesome piece of kit. Scared the hell out of me the first time I carried £9k of bikes on it... I swear the bikes were in more danger of me Crashing due to keep looking in the bloody mirror all the time than they were of coming off.

Probably done 2000 miles with them this year so far. No drama, carries two big heavy e-bikes no bother at all. Then when you get there, it folds up and goes in your boot so you know the damn thing will still be there when you come off the mountain in the dark. 💪🏼

scoss · 05-24-2020, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu In Blackpool

Yes mate, ball mount only. Awesome piece of kit. Scared the hell out of me the first time I carried £9k of bikes on it... I swear the bikes were in more danger of me Crashing due to keep looking in the bloody mirror all the time than they were of coming off.

Probably done 2000 miles with them this year so far. No drama, carries two big heavy e-bikes no bother at all. Then when you get there, it folds up and goes in your boot so you know the damn thing will still be there when you come off the mountain in the dark. 💪🏼

Great something else I need to buy! 😀

scoss · 05-24-2020, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu In Blackpool

Yes mate, ball mount only. Awesome piece of kit. Scared the hell out of me the first time I carried £9k of bikes on it... I swear the bikes were in more danger of me Crashing due to keep looking in the bloody mirror all the time than they were of coming off.

Probably done 2000 miles with them this year so far. No drama, carries two big heavy e-bikes no bother at all. Then when you get there, it folds up and goes in your boot so you know the damn thing will still be there when you come off the mountain in the dark. 💪🏼

Does the width of the bikes exceed that of the car? How cautious do you have to be? What it’s like on the motorway at 70?

Thanks

Stu In Blackpool · 05-24-2020, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoss

Does the width of the bikes exceed that of the car? How cautious do you have to be? What it’s like on the motorway at 70?

Thanks

They do, but not nearly as much as the cars mirrors.

It’s quite nice to see the tyre in the side mirror to be fair. Lol.

kzg1969 · 05-24-2020, 03:15 PM

I use something similar

https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rb...hoCXtoQAvD_BwE

like said, takes a bit getting used to, but great pieces of kit

FlyingHearse · 06-15-2020, 07:48 AM

I'm thinking of having an indie install a Westfalia towbar. If you have any pictures of the final installation that would be appreciated - I'm concerned about how much of the rear diffuser needs to be cut and whether that will be visible.

Also, which Westfalia P/N did you fit? I've been told the deep swan neck option is the one to go for.

Also, anybody towing with 20" wheels?

02-06-2020, 02:13 AM	#23
Stu In Blackpool Enlisted Member 2 Rep 43 Posts Drives: G21 320D Xdrive Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Blackpool, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 G21 320D Xdrive [0.00] 2001 BMW E39 M5 [0.00]	I ended up going with a Westfalia removeable dedicated kit. Happy with it, totally invisible when removed and nice enough when it’s not. Wiring communicates bulb issues etc to the car (tested it and it reports bulb failure on trailer) but doesn’t disable PDC. __________________ Best Regards, Stu G21 320D Xdrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2020, 07:36 AM	#25
AlwynMike Lieutenant Colonel 334 Rep 1,659 Posts Drives: F36 440i GC. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Flatlands iTrader: (1)	I've got the factory towbar and have never seen the towbar symbol on the dash. It does disable the PDC though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2020, 04:36 PM	#29
Stu In Blackpool Enlisted Member 2 Rep 43 Posts Drives: G21 320D Xdrive Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Blackpool, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 G21 320D Xdrive [0.00] 2001 BMW E39 M5 [0.00]	The company that fitted mine warned me up front “Some cars just recognise the towbar and disable PDC, others don’t” Also, I have no towbar symbol unless I install a blown bulb. Then I get the symbol and blown light message. Odd They are all a little different for sure. __________________ Best Regards, Stu G21 320D Xdrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2020, 08:52 AM	#30
peatah Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW 3 SERIES TOURING Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Raunds iTrader: (0)	My Towtrust Unit needs a big cut into the diffuser, ive not got the saw out yet, ive been taking it off, but starting to bet bored of doing that Attached Images Last edited by peatah; 02-18-2020 at 09:06 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2020, 03:14 PM	#32
scoss First Lieutenant 46 Rep 304 Posts Drives: BMW - F31 - 335D Join Date: May 2020 Location: Portishead iTrader: (0)	Just bought an F31 with a tow bar fitted. Have no need for it so will look at how to much get removed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2020, 03:37 PM	#33
kzg1969 Lieutenant Colonel 1299 Rep 1,924 Posts Drives: X3M Comp / M3 E93 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: AberFreeze iTrader: (1)	More than whatyou would sell it 2nd hand, i would think.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2020, 01:28 AM	#35
muffking Regular user 224 Rep 965 Posts Drives: F30 330D M-Sport Auto Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lincs. UK iTrader: (3) Garage List 2014 BMW 330D [0.00] 2006 Honda CBR1000R ... [0.00]	I reckon it's got to be over 20kg at a guess. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2020, 02:27 AM	#36
kzg1969 Lieutenant Colonel 1299 Rep 1,924 Posts Drives: X3M Comp / M3 E93 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: AberFreeze iTrader: (1)	another thought - did you get the original beam with the car - you will need one if you do take the towbar off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2020, 03:15 PM	#43
kzg1969 Lieutenant Colonel 1299 Rep 1,924 Posts Drives: X3M Comp / M3 E93 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: AberFreeze iTrader: (1)	I use something similar https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rb...hoCXtoQAvD_BwE like said, takes a bit getting used to, but great pieces of kit
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-15-2020, 07:48 AM	#44
FlyingHearse New Member 2 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2017 335D F31 MSport+ Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Cardiff iTrader: (0)	I'm thinking of having an indie install a Westfalia towbar. If you have any pictures of the final installation that would be appreciated - I'm concerned about how much of the rear diffuser needs to be cut and whether that will be visible. Also, which Westfalia P/N did you fit? I've been told the deep swan neck option is the one to go for. Also, anybody towing with 20" wheels?
	Appreciate 0 Quote