BMW 3 Series Towbars

BMW 3 Series Towing Specifics

The BMW 3 Series was first introduced in 1975 by the German manufacturer as a series of compact executive cars, offering decent towing capabilities. The range currently includes Cabriolet/Convertible, Compact, Coupe, Saloon, Tourer/Estate and GT models. We will cover the towing specifics of each model below.

BMW 3 Series Saloon Towbars

The BMW 3 Series Saloon was launched into the market in 1991. If you have a 1991 BMW 3 Series Saloon it is important you correctly determine which model you have to ensure you get the correct towbar. You can find this information in your vehicle’s log book.

BMW 3 Series Saloon Towbar Electric Kits

It is recommended that all tow bars fitted to a BMW 3 Series Saloon vehicle are fitted with a dedicated electrics kit. A dedicated electrics kit helps to guarantee modern features such as; trailer stability and parking sensors function correctly, while also helping to ensure that any vehicle warranty is not affected.

Although universal electrics kits are available for the BMW 3 Series Saloon towbars, these could invalidate any manufacturer warranty you may have and will also require a bypass relay.

Check your BMW warranty for more information.

Bypass Relays

All towbars for BMW 3 Series Saloon vehicles manufactured after 1998 that are fitted using a universal electrics kit will require a bypass relay.

A bypass relay works by powering what it is you are towing through transferring power straight from the battery instead of taking too much current away from your vehicle.

A dedicated system works in harmony with your vehicle's ECU and all of its functions.

Coding

This is the coding of the ECU to accept the dedicated system, this updates your vehicles software to run smoothly with the new towbar. BMW 3 Series Saloon vehicles manufactured from 1991 will not require coding.

Bumper cuts

Depending on the towbar, BMW 3 Series Saloon vehicles may require a bumper cut. A bumper cut is when a fraction of the vehicle's rear bumper is cut in order to fit the towbar.

1991-1998 vehicles require a visible bumper cut with the offered towbars.

1998-2005 vehicles require a visible and non-visible bumper cut.

2005-2012 and 2012 onwards have a choice of a non-visible and no bumper cuts.

Nose weight

Nose weight is the amount of weight pushing down on the tow ball. It is important not to exceed the nose weight set on the individual tow bar, failure to do so could damage the car chassis and/or tow bar mounting points. The tow bar selected will determine your vehicles nose weight.

Any BMW 3 Series Saloon vehicles manufactured from 1991 up to 2012, have a nose weight of 75kg.

For 2012 onwards vehicles, the low nose weight is 75kg and the high nose weight is 80kg for the towbars.

Towing weight

Towing weight is the weight that the BMW 3 Series Saloon can tow safely without damaging the vehicle. Towing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

For the 1991-1998 vehicles, the towing weight capacity is 1600kg up to 2000kg.

1998-2005 vehicles have a towing weight capacity of 1600kg up to 1940 kg.

2005-2012 vehicles have a towing weight capacity of 1800kg up to 1900 kg.

2012 onwards vehicles have a towing weight capacity of 1700kg up to 2000 kg.

You will need to check the towing limit for your BMW 3 Series vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.

BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible Towbar Electrics Kits

It is recommended that all tow bars fitted to a BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible are done so with a dedicated electrics kit, rather than a universal electrics kit. A dedicated electrics kit not only ensures all modern features such as; trailer stability and parking sensors are functional but also helps to keep your vehicle's warranty unaffected.

We offer both universal and dedicated electrics kits for the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible towbars, but be aware that universal electrics kits can invalidate any manufacturer warranty your vehicle has and may also require a bypass relay.

Check your BMW warranty for more information.

Bypass Relays

Tow bars for the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible 1993-2000 will not require a bypass relay if universal electrics are fitted.

Tow bars for the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible 2000-2006 and 2006-2014 will require a bypass relay if universal electrics are fitted.

A bypass relay works by powering what it is you are towing through transferring power straight from the battery instead of taking too much current away from your vehicle.

Whereas a dedicated system works in harmony with your vehicle's ECU and all of its functions.

Coding

This is the coding of the ECU to accept the dedicated system, this updates your vehicles software to run smoothly with the new towbar. All BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible vehicles made from 1993 will not require coding.

Coding is used to update your vehicles software in order for it to run coherently with the new towbar through the dedicated electrics.

Bumper Cuts

Depending on the towbar, BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible vehicles may require a bumper cut. A bumper cut is when a fraction of the vehicle's rear bumper is cut in order to fit the towbar.

1993-2000 models have towbars that require visible and no bumper cuts.

2000-2006 models have visible and non-visible bumper cuts.

2006-2014 models have non-visible and no bumper cuts.

Nose Weight

Nose weight is the amount of weight pushing down on the tow ball, it is important not to exceed the nose weight set on the tow bar, failure to do so could damage the car chassis and/or tow bar mounting points. Nose weight varies depending on the towbar you choose and are displayed under each tow bar below.

For any BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible vehicle, the nose weight is 75kg.

Towing Weight

Towing weight is the weight that a BMW 3 Series Cabriolet/Convertible vehicle can tow safely, without any risk of damaging the vehicle. Towing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

For 1993-2000 vehicles, the towing weight capacity is up to 1600kg.

For 2000-2006 vehicles, the towing weight capacity is between 1600kg and 1940kg.

For 2006-2014 vehicles, the towing weight capacity is up to 1800kg.

You will need to check the towing limit for your BMW 3 Series vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.

BMW 3 Series Compact Towbars

The BMW 3 Series Compact was launched into the market in 1994. If you have a 1994 onwards BMW 3 Series Compact it is important you correctly determine which model you have to ensure you get the correct towbar. You can find this information in your vehicle’s log book.

BMW 3 Series Compact Towbar Electric Kits

It is recommended that all tow bars fitted to a BMW 3 Series Compact vehicle are fitted with a dedicated electrics kit. A dedicated electrics kit helps to guarantee modern features such as; trailer stability and parking sensors function correctly, while also helping to ensure that any vehicle warranty is not affected.

Although universal electrics kits are available for the BMW 3 Series Compact towbars, these could invalidate any manufacturer warranty you may have and will also require a bypass relay.

Check your BMW warranty for more information.

Bypass Relays

All towbars for BMW 3 Series Compact vehicles that are fitted using a universal electrics kit will not require a bypass relay.

A bypass relay works by powering what it is you are towing through transferring power straight from the battery instead of taking too much current away from your vehicle.

A dedicated system works in harmony with your vehicle's ECU and all of its functions.

Coding

This is the coding of the ECU to accept the dedicated system, this updates your vehicles software to run smoothly with the new towbar. BMW 3 Series Compact vehicles manufactured from 2004 will not require coding.

Bumper cuts

Depending on the towbar, BMW 3 Series Compact vehicles may require a bumper cut. A bumper cut is when a fraction of the vehicle's rear bumper is cut in order to fit the towbar.

1994-2001 and 2001-2015 vehicles require non visible bumper cuts available for the tow bars offered with the BMW 3 Series Compact range.

Nose weight

Nose weight is the amount of weight pushing down on the tow ball. It is important not to exceed the nose weight set on the individual tow bar, failure to do so could damage the car chassis and/or tow bar mounting points. Any BMW 3 Series Compact vehicles manufactured from 1994, have a nose weight of 75kg. The tow bar selected will determine your vehicles nose weight.

Towing weight

Towing weight is the weight that the BMW 3 Series Compact can tow safely without damaging the vehicle.T owing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

For 1994-2001 models the towing weight capacity is up to 1500kg for the BMW 3 Series Compact towbars.

For 2001-2015 models the towing weight capacity is up to 1600kg for the BMW 3 Series Compact towbars.

You will need to check the towing limit for your BMW 3 Series vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.

BMW 3 Series Coupe Towbars

The BMW 3 Series Coupe was launched into the market in 1992. If you have a 1992 BMW 3 Series Coupe it is important you correctly determine which model you have to ensure you get the correct towbar. You can find this information in your vehicle’s log book.

BMW 3 Series Coupe Towbar Electric Kits

It is recommended that all tow bars fitted to a BMW 3 Series Coupe vehicle are fitted with a dedicated electrics kit. A dedicated electrics kit helps to guarantee modern features such as; trailer stability and parking sensors function correctly, while also helping to ensure that any vehicle warranty is not affected.

Although universal electrics kits are available for the BMW 3 Series Coupe towbars, these could invalidate any manufacturer warranty you may have and will also require a bypass relay.

Check your BMW warranty for more information.

Bypass Relays

All towbars for BMW 3 Series Coupe 1999 onwards vehicles that are fitted using a universal electrics kit will require a bypass relay.

A bypass relay works by powering what it is you are towing through transferring power straight from the battery instead of taking too much current away from your vehicle.

A dedicated system works in harmony with your vehicle's ECU and all of its functions.

Coding

This is the coding of the ECU to accept the dedicated system, this updates your vehicles software to run smoothly with the new towbar. BMW 3 Series Coupe vehicles manufactured from 1992 will not require coding.

Bumper cuts

Depending on the towbar, BMW 3 Series Coupe vehicles may require a bumper cut. A bumper cut is when a fraction of the vehicle's rear bumper is cut in order to fit the towbar.

For 1992-1999 models, visible bumper cuts are required.

For 1999-2006 models, visible and non visible bumper cuts are required.

For 2006-2013 models, non visible and no bumper cuts are required.

Nose weight

Nose weight is the amount of weight pushing down on the tow ball. It is important not to exceed the nose weight set on the individual tow bar, failure to do so could damage the car chassis and/or tow bar mounting points. The tow bar selected will determine your vehicles nose weight.

Any BMW 3 Series Coupe vehicles manufactured from 1992, have a nose weight of 75kg.

Towing weight

Towing weight is the weight that the BMW 3 Series Coupe can tow safely without damaging the vehicle. Towing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

For the 1992-1999, the towing weight capacity is 1600kg up to 2000kg for the BMW 3 Series Coupe towbars.

1999-2006 models have a minimum towing weight capacity of 1600kg and a maximum towing weight capacity of 1940kg.

2006-2013 vehicles have a towing weight capacity of up to 1800kg.

You will need to check the towing limit for your BMW 3 Series vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.

BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate Towbars

The BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate was launched into the market in 1995. If you have a 1995 BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate it is important you correctly determine which model you have to ensure you get the correct towbar. You can find this information in your vehicle’s log book.

BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate Towbar Electric Kits

It is recommended that all tow bars fitted to a BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate vehicle are fitted with a dedicated electrics kit. A dedicated electrics kit helps to guarantee modern features such as; trailer stability and parking sensors function correctly, while also helping to ensure that any vehicle warranty is not affected.

Although universal electrics kits are available for the BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate towbars, these could invalidate any manufacturer warranty you may have and will also require a bypass relay.

Check your BMW warranty for more information.

Bypass Relays

All towbars for BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate vehicles manufactured after 1995 that are fitted using a universal electrics kit will require a bypass relay.

A bypass relay works by powering what it is you are towing through transferring power straight from the battery instead of taking too much current away from your vehicle.

A dedicated system works in harmony with your vehicle's ECU and all of its functions.

Coding

This is the coding of the ECU to accept the dedicated system, this updates your vehicles software to run smoothly with the new towbar. BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate vehicles manufactured from 1995 will not require coding.

Bumper cuts

Depending on the towbar, BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate vehicles may require a bumper cut. A bumper cut is when a fraction of the vehicle's rear bumper is cut in order to fit the towbar.

1995-1999 vehicles require a visible bumper cut with the offered towbars.

1999-2005 vehicles require a visible and non-visible bumper cut.

2005-2012 and 2012 onwards have a choice of a non-visible and no bumper cuts.

Nose weight

Nose weight is the amount of weight pushing down on the tow ball. It is important not to exceed the nose weight set on the individual tow bar, failure to do so could damage the car chassis and/or tow bar mounting points. The tow bar selected will determine your vehicles nose weight.

Any BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate vehicles manufactured from 1995 up to 2012, have a nose weight of 75kg.

For 2012 onwards vehicles, the low nose weight is 75kg and the high nose weight is 80kg for the towbars.

Towing weight

Towing weight is the weight that the BMW 3 Series Tourer Estate can tow safely without damaging the vehicle. Towing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

For the 1995-1999 vehicles, the towing weight capacity is 1600kg up to 2000kg.

1999-2005 vehicles have a towing weight capacity of 1600kg up to 1940 kg.

2005-2012 vehicles have a towing weight capacity of 1800kg up to 1900 kg.

2012 onwards vehicles have a towing weight capacity of 1700kg up to 2000 kg.

You will need to check the towing limit for your BMW 3 Series vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.

BMW 3 Series GT Towbars

The BMW 3 Series GT was launched into the market in 2013. If you have a 2013 BMW 3 Series GT it is important you correctly determine which model you have to ensure you get the correct towbar. You can find this information in your vehicle’s log book.

BMW 3 Series GT Towbar Electric Kits

It is recommended that all tow bars fitted to a BMW 3 Series GT vehicle are fitted with a dedicated electrics kit. A dedicated electrics kit helps to guarantee modern features such as; trailer stability and parking sensors function correctly, while also helping to ensure that any vehicle warranty is not affected.

Although universal electrics kits are available for the BMW 3 Series GT towbars, these could invalidate any manufacturer warranty you may have and will also require a bypass relay.

Check your BMW warranty for more information.

Bypass Relays

All towbars for BMW 3 Series GT vehicles manufactured after 2013 that are fitted using a universal electrics kit will require a bypass relay.

A bypass relay works by powering what it is you are towing through transferring power straight from the battery instead of taking too much current away from your vehicle.

A dedicated system works in harmony with your vehicle's ECU and all of its functions.

Coding

This is the coding of the ECU to accept the dedicated system, this updates your vehicles software to run smoothly with the new towbar. BMW 3 Series GT vehicles manufactured from 2013 will not require coding.

Bumper cuts

Depending on the towbar, BMW 3 Series GT vehicles may require a bumper cut. A bumper cut is when a fraction of the vehicle's rear bumper is cut in order to fit the towbar.

For BMW 3 Series GT vehicles, there are no bumper cuts.

Nose weight

Nose weight is the amount of weight pushing down on the tow ball. It is important not to exceed the nose weight set on the individual tow bar, failure to do so could damage the car chassis and/or tow bar mounting points. The tow bar selected will determine your vehicles nose weight.

Any BMW 3 Series GT vehicles manufactured from 2013, have a nose weight of 75kg.

Towing weight

Towing weight is the weight that the BMW 3 Series GT can tow safely without damaging the vehicle. Towing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

For vehicles manufactured 2013 onwards, the towing weight capacity is up to 1800kg.

You will need to check the towing limit for your BMW 3 Series vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.