Trailer Hitch?

[BootlegBurton]

Im thinking about a really bad idea, but it requires a trailer hitch. Does anyone know or seen one that doesnt require cutting of the bumper?

[Al Pinã]

Originally Posted by BootlegBurton

Im thinking about a really bad idea, but it requires a trailer hitch. Does anyone know or seen one that doesnt require cutting of the bumper?

You're asking for trouble, especially riding on air suspension. Tow rated vehicles like the X7 have an air ride system that is robust enough to compensate for the added tongue weight; the 7-Series not so much.

Unless you're talking about towing something very, very light (<500lbs) I would stay away.

If you're still undeterred let us know how it turns out!

[JustinP]

I looked into adding a tow bar a couple of years ago, and it is possible to retro fit the genuine retractable tow bar, although the BMW parts and labour are expensive.

In addition to the tow bar, ecu, deployment switch, coding you may also need to upgrade the main battery cable from the alternator to the battery and the engine cooling fan. Your local dealership should be able to put together fitted price.

The tow bar is invisible from the rear when retracted, there is a cut out panel that needs removing which can only be seen from underneath.

There are aftermarket solutions such as the one from pfjones in the U.K. which are cheaper than the genuine set up, that don’t mention the battery cable or engine fan.

I’m sure the car is capable of towing without problems. Although European trailers tend to have lighter nose weights than trailers in the US, so my view is based on towing a balanced trailer in the U.K.

[AlteBMW]

I am surprised anyone would want to use a 7 series for towing anything. What is the "really bad idea" that requires a tow hitch? Bicycles?

[mrgicm]

Retrofiting tow bar to G11/G12 is not that big of a deal. I did it on a few G11/G05. You can buy the tow bar OEM BMW used for around 400-500 including ecu. Diffusor is the same in EU (precut the hole from the factory). And order new cable loom for the ecu, and tow switch Cost here are around 1500 eur inc. Coding and labor.

P.S. nothing wrong with G12 towing ability (740xd), in my experience tows quite nice.

[9mmkungfu]

Not a ton of options in the US. Here are the Euro-spec components for the electric-swiveling towbar:

Qty Part Number Description
1 51129448707 Towbar
1 71602448621 Wiring harness
1 61149393143 Power distribution box
1 61129388624 Wiring harness emARS underfloor
1 61129391171 Wiring harness emARS front
1 61129388633 Battery cable positive, below-floor
1 63119463372 AGG module

[BootlegBurton]

Originally Posted by AlteBMW

I am surprised anyone would want to use a 7 series for towing anything. What is the "really bad idea" that requires a tow hitch? Bicycles?

dirtbike platform to transport my bike

https://www.builtbike.com/home/2019/...rcycle-carrier

[9mmkungfu]

For accessories like that, you'll want to stick to the standard 2" receiver-style hitches and not the Euro hitch I mentioned. I'm not aware of any options, but you can put yourself on the Uhaul waiting list to have one fitted at their R&D facility in AZ.