BMW X3 Towbars

BMW X3 Towing Specifics

The BMW X3 was first introduced in 2004 by the German manufacturer as a compact luxury crossover SUV, designed with strong towing capabilities. The range currently has four generations. We will cover the towing specifics of each generation below.

BMW X3 Towbar Electrics Kits

It is recommended that all tow bars fitted to a BMW X3 vehicle 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 X3 vehicle 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

All tow bars for all the BMW X3 models 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 X3 vehicles 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 X3 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.

2004-2010 models have towbars that have a choice of visible, non-visible and no bumper cuts.

2010-2017 onwards models have towbars that require a non-visible bumper cut.

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.

2004-2010 and 2010-2014 models have a low nose weight is 80kg and a high nose weight is 100kg.

2014-2017 and 2017 onwards models have a nose weight of 100kg.

Towing Weight

Towing weight is the weight that a BMW X3 vehicle can tow safely, without any risk of damaging the vehicle. Towing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

For a BMW X3 vehicle made between 2004-2010, the towbars have a towing weight capacity between 2000kg and 2200kg.

For 2010-2014 vehicles, the towing weight capacity is between 2000kg and 2400kg.

2014-2017 and 2017 onwards vehicles have a towing weight capacity between 2400kg and 2500kg.

You will need to check the towing limit for your BMW X3 vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.