Tow Bar

ValerieR

I am looking to get a tow bar fitted to one of our cars. Do I have to go to a main 'stealer' or are there installers somewhere that are cheaper and, of course, reputable?

Car 1 - 2008 BMW 5 series estate (520D)
Car 2 - 2003 BMW 3 series estate (318i)

Both have reversing sensors (does this have an impact?).

Though I would prefer to have a tow bar on the 5 series for more comfort, the 3 series is well able to do the job. The final price is going to be the deciding factor.

I am based in Galway but would travel for the right job

Thank you for your knowledgeable help and recommendations.

V

Kristopherus

Try McCabes of Rathdowney. Tel 0505-46123

mullingar

ValerieR wrote: »

I am looking to get a tow bar fitted to one of our cars. Do I have to go to a main 'stealer' or are there installers somewhere that are cheaper and, of course, reputable?

Car 1 - 2008 BMW 5 series estate (520D)
Car 2 - 2003 BMW 3 series estate (318i)

Both have reversing sensors (does this have an impact?).

Though I would prefer to have a tow bar on the 5 series for more comfort, the 3 series is well able to do the job. The final price is going to be the deciding factor.

I am based in Galway but would travel for the right job

Thank you for your knowledgeable help and recommendations.

V

You have a few options.
- Main dealer, pay big $$$$
- Tow-bar shop. (eg MG Towbars in Tuam) These install well respected aftermarket brands, eg Thrule/Bosal/Witter and you have different types, detachable/swan-neck/flange.
- Fit yourself

ValerieR

Thank you for your replies and suggestions.

Just for info, our dearest Galway BMW "authorised workshop" quoted me the guts of EUR2,500 for either car :eek: :eek: while BMW Athlone came in at EUR1400 for the 3 series and EUR1700 for the 5 series.
The company suggested above by Kristopherus quoted me EUR435 for either car ... (and they come to your house to fit it for that price !)

No contest !!!! ... I shall be organising for a tow bar shortly !

gazzaman22

Hi Val i presumme this includes wiring up lights and all?

martyc5674

Bought a towbar with wiring from MG in tuam there about ten years ago for 150 and fitted it myself...straight forward job really.
Sold it there last year for 50 quid.

ValerieR

gazzaman22 wrote: »

Hi Val i presumme this includes wiring up lights and all?

Yes indeed, it does include light connection and VAT.

I have made an appointment with them and they will fit it this Thursday.
Looking forward to it.

ValerieR

Towbar fitted - Clean & fast job, friendly and punctual service ...






a happy TowFit (McCabe's) customer

(Edit: got a detachable hitch in the end - slightly more expensive than the original quote but worth it)

FrontDoor

ValerieR wrote: »

Towbar fitted - Clean & fast job, friendly and punctual service ...






a happy TowFit (McCabe's) customer

(Edit: got a detachable hitch in the end - slightly more expensive than the original quote but worth it)

Looks good

Do you know did they use a dedicated wiring kit specific to your car or a universal bypass relay?

ValerieR

I think it's a universal by-pass relay - it's a little black box with a fuse which is connected directly to the battery.