Hello everyone.

I am completely new to this site and indeed to online forums so be gentle with me!

Here is my problem.
I will be taking delivery of my motor in two weeks time, a shiny new E60 520d M-Sport, and I want to fit an aftermarket towbar to it. I was going to use a plug in wiring kit supplied by an reputable online store but have been told it may need a software upgrade. My dealer is refusing to do the up date (if needed) because I am not using genuine BMW parts.

Has anyone else had an after market towbar fitted with a plug in wiring kit, if so did it;
a) Need a software up date/up grade
b) If so who did it.

Thanks in advance

 

Hi,

Try the links below as a start.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=23140

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=24914

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?show...7268&hl=towbar

If you do a search on the subject you are interested in (e.g. "TOWBAR") from the menu option at the top of he screen you should find the information you are looking for.

Failing that, then you will find someone on the forum who can help you as these guys ( and gals) know everything about E60's.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks

Already tried searching, but could not see anything that matched my problem.

 

Just edited my previous post with more info.

Also, please add some location information so other members know which country you are in - some of the replies can be dependant on what spec car you have - i.e. whether is was built for the European market or the American market etc.

 

Thanks for the info. Already read these posts though.
Have updated my profile, good tip.
Thanks again.

 

I thought one of the post respondents had used a Towsure plug in kit as opposd to the Smart bypass relay kit that I used. Seem to think whoever it was paid around ?130 for the plug in wiring, whereas my relay kit was only about ?40 but had to wire it all in myself. Check the posts again and maybe you can jog someone's memory? They may be able to give you more info about whether a trip to the dealer was required afterwards.

 

Did you need an up grade for your installation?

 

Nope - not a thing. The smart bypass relay just needed a live and and earth connection to power it. The relay just takes a "sense" feed from the lighting circuits to know which wire to send power to on the 7 pin socket outlet.

There was no drilling involved for anything and the only cutting was the rear bumper undertray on the SE model (not the bumper itself as is required on the Sport model).

If you have the time and are prepared to give it a go yourself, I would recommend you do it yourself as the installation is not difficult at all. Only one major tip if you do decide to DIY is "measure twice, cut once".

 

Dam good advice

 

I used the towsure plug in kit, Instructions were awfull as it covers both the e60 and e61 and they use diffrent cables to connect. However it worked 1st time and no need for a reprogram or anything else.