Z3 tow bar

[Ianmc]

Have just dug out my January 1997 BMW Z3 Price List and Specification, which only refers to the Z3 Roadster as having the "multivalve 140bhp engine", so very early booklet.
It clearly states: "TOWING. Fitment of a towbar is not permitted". Would be interesting to know if BMW revised this position with later models?

 

[jonco]

............... Would be interesting to know if BMW revised this position with later models?

Seems that way - real.oem says tow hitch was available from 31/03/97 and that was superseded in 04/99 (facelift). I couldn't find any tow weight limits in handbooks.

 

[jakechan]

Seems that way - real.oem says tow hitch was available from 31/03/97 and that was superseded in 04/99 (facelift). I couldn't find any tow weight limits in handbooks.

They sure did.
I'll try to fit mine soon and will post pics.

 

[Ianmc]

Interesting. It seems then that BMW developed a retrofit towbar for sale a year or so after the car was originally released. Apparently the car was not originally designed to have one fitted, as the early statement is definitive. Perhaps developed as a response to customer requests and/or as an additional sales stream.

 

[Dino D]

I remember reading something about a tow bar that involved using the diff mount- I can see how that’s a bad idea!
The above set looks like it doesn’t touch that area and in fact could be a good brace.

 

[Ianmc]

And more opportunity for road muck to collect!

 

[jakechan]

So got my arse into gear thanks to this thread, hitch is on, needs finishing... who said an hour?

Some inspiration from this thread by Gaz,( https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-rear-bumper-removal-procedure.56/ ) to take off the bumper. However I went a different way and left the wheels on along with the plastic supports in the wheel well. Nightmare to remove the bumper, but I took the rear lamps out then it was a breeze... sort of.

The Curt hitch uses the bumper brackets, and the cross member.
This is mine:

Below is an internet pic, someone else's car showing the cross member drilled and bolted.

The Curt instructions make it seem easy... yeah, they don't mention the stabilizer bar which takes some maneuvering around.
As Gaz mentioned the 4 plastic clips, grommets at the sides are toast. They may have been useful during assembly, but after 16 years they broke when trying to shift the bumper. Trip planned to BMW tomorrow for 4 replacements, if they have stock I will re-assemble.

Oh yes, I forgot. Don't drop the hitch on your nose, it f@@@ing hurts

Edit: added bumper removal link

 

[jakechan]

All done. When the ball bracket is removed, the towbar is completely hidden.
All I need now is something to tow.......

 

[DaveP]

That is cool. Well done for proving it can be done.

Dave

 

[Sean d]

All done. When the ball bracket is removed, the towbar is completely hidden.
All I need now is something to tow.......

View attachment 90518

View attachment 90519

View attachment 90520

Excellent, did you but the full assembly, if so do you have a link please

 

[jakechan]

Excellent, did you but the full assembly, if so do you have a link please

I already have, post #24, Curt Hitch 11748 which I got from Ebay, imported from the states.
Comes without the ball though. And you'll probably need the plastic clips for fixing the bumper which break easily.
Need to drill 2 half inch (13mm) holes.

 

[Brian4]

Excellent, did you but the full assembly, if so do you have a link please

Hi Sean be wary of that tow bar as it is only rated at 150 lbs (68 kg) and held on with 2 U clamps.
Current tow bars bolt onto the end of the chassis rails and the BMW one for the zed fits inside the chassis rails and looks to bolt through and into another bracing bar underneath.

 

[gookah]

where do the electrics go though? the bar is hidden, is there a way of hiding the socket?

 

[jakechan]

Hi Sean be wary of that tow bar as it is only rated at 150 lbs (68 kg) and held on with 2 U clamps.
Current tow bars bolt onto the end of the chassis rails and the BMW one for the zed fits inside the chassis rails and looks to bolt through and into another bracing bar underneath.

Fake news, it's held on by 2 U clamps AND 2 bolts in the cross member, look at my posts. Facts are wonderful things...

Re: the wiring, haven't done it yet, shouldn't be rocket science to hide a socket behind the bumper somewhere.

 

[roadvoyager1]

@jakechan is the 68kg weight rating correct for the towbar you have fitted?

 

[Brian4]

@jakechan is the 68kg weight rating correct for the towbar you have fitted?

Apologies @jakechan I miss read the specs for the tow bar it is 68kg vertical and 1500lb 680 kg pull.