BMW X3 MK3 Factory Tow bar

What Sorento variant (enginewise) were you looking at? I can find towbars available for all the models that I've looked at.

why go for factory fit as most indipendant fitters will cop with what you want. Westfalia and Witter being the most popular towbars out there.

Hardware, yes, but not the software or electronics to integrate with the canbus system.

The problem with dealer orders is that the sales staff do not know anything useful about towing in most cases so cannot answer your questions accurately. I would have thought the importers office could do better but even they may never have been asked that question.

Not sure what type of towbar you are looking at but most makers towbars are made also available at specialist fitters and are usually Westfalia.

You will also need to get the extra wires for the caravan fitted as the BMW standard fitting will be for a standard trailer.

My sincere thanks for all the replies. It would useful if the Caravan Club looked into all this.

Sorry if I forget someone.

Why factory fitted? It then becomes part of the purchase and covered by the car guarantee. Also some cars like BMW x3 get uprated cooling fans that are a couple of grand to fit retrospectively.

Which tow bar for Sorrento? None would fit in December. The dealers were unaware the cars new adblue tank was in the way. My towbar fitter knew and told me it was a ridiculous situation. Very recently bars have become available for the adblue cars.

BMW technical are still researching if the factory tow bar will fit the Alko requirements. I am unimpressed. I also understand that they want over £500 to fit an extra wire to power the fridge.

I think that answers the questions, apologies if I have missed any. I can now see why motorhomes are getting so popular. Much more of this and I will be joining them (again)

Good luck, Fysh.

Sometimes I’m very glad I no longer need a tow car.

Still with the FL2 'Fysh' , great towcar, you and me both had good service from them. Hope you are well and best of luck with whatever you get 👍

DaveFL2

I have the 2017 X1 2L diesel with a detachable factory fitted westfalia tow bar. Fully wired and plenty of clearance. It took some discussions with dealer, but they new what to do, as I had my previous 5 series fitted with the same tow bar.

Johnc26

Eh up Dave. Hope you are well mate. Same to TW and Lutz.

The old FL2 has done me proud. Many times all over Europe including alpine passes (got a love for those having zig zagged several times all the high passes from Austria down to the Riviera on motorcycles years ago) Its just time to move on.

Anyway, an hour ago, having first visited my trusted tow bar man and seen the new flange tow bar for the latest Adblue Sorrento. I have ordered one (of each). I have been told it might set off the rear parking sensors but being 63, and never had a car with them, Duct tape will soon sort that. Rather that than crawl underneath to plug the sparks in. You can also use spacers to bring the ball out. Might not be pretty but I don't care one jot. Cannot see it when I am driving anyway. I will let you know what its like compared to the FL2 and I am honest and if its a bag of you know what I will say that.

Cheers everyone. Might even start posting again!

putting duck tape on the rear sensors might just keep them buzzing all the time as it will sense the tape as an object.