Would you buy a used 5-Series Touring G31 with a towbar?
Discussion
I'm looking at used 5 Series Tourings (G31). Several of them in my budget have towbars fitted and I'm not sure how concerned I should be about this.
I know some would never buy a used car with a towbar, but what are the odds someone was using a 520d to tow something that would actually put that much strain on the car? And how many miles would they really have done towing?
Obviously it's a gamble. I'm debating whether it's a worthwhile gamble if everything else about the car checks out.
I'll be buying through a dealer so no point asking what the towbar was used for. Surely they'll all say "bike rack."
I know some would never buy a used car with a towbar, but what are the odds someone was using a 520d to tow something that would actually put that much strain on the car? And how many miles would they really have done towing?
Obviously it's a gamble. I'm debating whether it's a worthwhile gamble if everything else about the car checks out.
I'll be buying through a dealer so no point asking what the towbar was used for. Surely they'll all say "bike rack."
Yes I would, but then I tow a racecar so when shopping for tow barges anything already with a towbar goes straight to the top of the list 
I do however only buy those with OEM or proper branded towkits and preferably the detachable variety so as to keep the car clean and not smash my shins when not on towing duties. Ive sold plenty of cars with tow bars and always mention the towbar feature, all modern cars are usually homogulated for a certain towing capacity anyway so no need for old fashioned thinking if it's been towing it's gonna have a shagged gearbox or engine.
I do however only buy those with OEM or proper branded towkits and preferably the detachable variety so as to keep the car clean and not smash my shins when not on towing duties. Ive sold plenty of cars with tow bars and always mention the towbar feature, all modern cars are usually homogulated for a certain towing capacity anyway so no need for old fashioned thinking if it's been towing it's gonna have a shagged gearbox or engine.drmotorsport said:
Yes I would, but then I tow a racecar so when shopping for tow barges anything already with a towbar goes straight to the top of the list I do however only buy those with OEM or proper branded towkits and preferably the detachable variety so as to keep the car clean and not smash my shins when not on towing duties. Ive sold plenty of cars with tow bars and always mention the towbar feature, all modern cars are usually homogulated for a certain towing capacity anyway so no need for old fashioned thinking if it's been towing it's gonna have a shagged gearbox or engine.
Is there a way to know if it's OEM or detachable just off a picture? Or do you have to check it in person? I do however only buy those with OEM or proper branded towkits and preferably the detachable variety so as to keep the car clean and not smash my shins when not on towing duties. Ive sold plenty of cars with tow bars and always mention the towbar feature, all modern cars are usually homogulated for a certain towing capacity anyway so no need for old fashioned thinking if it's been towing it's gonna have a shagged gearbox or engine.Example:
Better pic from another listing:
Edited by mrapb on Thursday 18th July 14:22
mrapb said:
Is there a way to know if it's OEM or detachable just off a picture? Or do you have to check it in person?
Example:
Better pic from another listing:
Often yes. Certainly that second photo looks like a Witter detachable, not OEM but a decent brand anyway. The other important thing to look out for is the wiring, have a look in the boot by the light clusters and see if the towbar wiring looks neat and tidy where it comes in the car from outside. If there's an extra canbus module behind the boot panels or by the battery then it may be an integrated kit which is a bonus as it will turn off rear parking sensors when your towing for example.Example:
Better pic from another listing:
Edited by mrapb on Thursday 18th July 14:22
If it is OEM it will be listed alongside all the other factory fit options that the dealer should have details of.
Personally (regardless of OEM or aftermarket) I would see this as a positive for that type of vehicle.
I was looking at 3 Series tourings yesterday as I'm specifically interested in those with towbars, but then again I am a shed-dragger/caravanner!
Personally (regardless of OEM or aftermarket) I would see this as a positive for that type of vehicle.
I was looking at 3 Series tourings yesterday as I'm specifically interested in those with towbars, but then again I am a shed-dragger/caravanner!
Wouldn't bother me personally, I imagine a 5 series has only been used for light towing, maybe a family caravan occasionally or a smaller trailer, or maybe it has just been used to support a bike rack.
I would think anyone towing anything big regularly would choose a bigger car for it, an X5 for example.
I would think anyone towing anything big regularly would choose a bigger car for it, an X5 for example.
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