What Towbar To Buy

[celtic nomad]

Hi,we have just recently bought a x5 on a 05 plate and want to fit a towbar.is there a recommended towbar to fit,I was thinking owing to the height of the vehicle compared to a normal car my caravan s rear would be lower to the ground, and would not sit level off the towbar,or am I wrong.any input would be gratefully appreciated, thanks, mark.

[Greydog]

I brought the X5's to tow a horse box so both have had tow bars fitted the first had a fixed Witter tow bar the current one has the OEM removable one. I believe it's made by Westfalia, I prefer the removable having had both, its tidier when not needed. Tow ball height has been fine on both cars ( I have to admit I never gave it a thought until this post? ) What I can vouch for is the X makes a very competent tow car in my experience.

[celtic nomad]

Thanks for your reply greydog,there is a company near me that installs the Witter ,and good to know I don't require a specialist bar.I would like to have a removable one if my budget can stretch, I do have 2 more questions,do you know if there is any cutting to the underside of bumper involved,and is there a straightforward plugin for the electrics,just thinking I could save myself a few Bob,regards Mark.

[Greydog]

As I understand it most of the wiring is done and in place there should be a black connector up against the front of the spare wheel well. There is a little black relay/box that disconnects the rear parking sensors when the electrics are plugged in it should be in the kit for Witter or Westfalia or any decent manufacturer. There should be a removable center piece in the back bumper on the E53 so no cutting required.

Both mine were fitted when I brought the cars as towing was the reason for having the X in the first place.

[celtic nomad]

Thanks ever so much, found the connecter plug-in easy enough,looked on eBay today and found a detachable Witter towbar with electrics for just under £250 with free delivery, the man also confirmed no cutting involved,just remove the cut out piece you mentioned already done in bumper.going to go for this one as the man said it comes with very clear instructions. I was quoted £420 by a local towbar fitter, so it works out much cheeaper for me,many thanks.been working nightshifts by the way,hence the late reply,regards Mark.

[Greydog]

Sounds like a result. While your waiting for the kit to arrive have a look on ebay for a storage holder for the tow hook when its not in use mine has a clamp that holds it on the left side of the spare wheel well. Also I would check out you tube for fitting videos I did that when upgrading to bluetooth some excellent how too's on there.

Good luck

Dave