Fitting a towbar

[ColinM50]

Son is in the process of buying a BMW X3M sport and will need to fit a towbar. Fitting the bar seems straightforward but not so sure about the electrics. dedicated wiring kit is coming out at c£100 or a generic kit at £40ish. Not sure what the "bypass kit" that the proper one has is all about. Any ideas please?

[Simes205]

I fitted a £20 kit to my E91.
It doesn’t disable the parking sensors which is annoying but it’s not like you’re in reverse all the time.
I don’t think it picks up any knackered bulbs. Aside from that I installed it 7 years ago along with a second hand swan neck bar and haven’t looked back.

[chasingracecars]

Most modern cars have electrics that stabilise the car and caravan/trailer if the tow vehicle starts to snake. Aside from this dedicated electrics tell you if a bulb is out and can alter the way the car responds .

Fitting the tow bar is relatively easy but the electrics another thing! Took me and two auto electricians 4 hours on my Passat.

You also want a relay switched feed from the battery/alternator to run the fridge.

[JapanRed]

For the extra £60 the X3 will know when it’s towing. It disables reversing beeps and I’ve been told it changes accelerator and brake settings on some car, as well as stability control/suspension.

Not sure if true or not but for £60 extra why wouldn’t you get the proper thing?