Tow Hitch and Park Sensors
01-29-2006, 08:40 AM
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My Ride: 525i SE Black Saphire, Black Dakota Leather, 116 type alloys
I know a few people have indicated that they have a Tow hitch fitted to their E60. I'm thinking of fitting one to mine, but am unsure what effect it will have on the Park Distance Control sensors - if any.
I've looked at aftermarket tow bars from companies such as Witter (in the UK), PCT and Bosal and they seem very straight forward to fit, but I'm not sure if the towball will interfere with the PDC.
I fitted a Witter towbar to my e39, but as there was no PDC, it wasn't a problem.
Having looked at the approximate height I expect the towball to sit at, I think it may be "out of sight" of the PDC sensors, but would like feedback from anyone who has one fitted already.
At present the tow hitch will be used occasionally for a small trailer I have, but if it's going to be an issue with PDC, I may just fit it to my wife's E46 which does not have PDC.
Thoughts and comments please? (What sort of bar do you have fitted, was it aftermarket or dealer fitted from new? What sort of hitch do you have with the bar? Removeable "Swan neck" or standard permanently attached).
Thanks in anticipation.
I've looked at aftermarket tow bars from companies such as Witter (in the UK), PCT and Bosal and they seem very straight forward to fit, but I'm not sure if the towball will interfere with the PDC.
I fitted a Witter towbar to my e39, but as there was no PDC, it wasn't a problem.
Having looked at the approximate height I expect the towball to sit at, I think it may be "out of sight" of the PDC sensors, but would like feedback from anyone who has one fitted already.
At present the tow hitch will be used occasionally for a small trailer I have, but if it's going to be an issue with PDC, I may just fit it to my wife's E46 which does not have PDC.
Thoughts and comments please? (What sort of bar do you have fitted, was it aftermarket or dealer fitted from new? What sort of hitch do you have with the bar? Removeable "Swan neck" or standard permanently attached).
Thanks in anticipation.
01-29-2006, 08:45 AM
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My Ride: 2004 BMW 530I steptronic, Orient Blue, Dakota Black Leather, Finishers Aluminium with Wave Cutting interior, NAVIgation, Radio PROFESSIONAL, CD in-dash, Hi-Fi extended sound system, PDC system, Bi-Xenons lights with washers, cruise-control, heated seats, Extended AC, auto"shade" mirrors, auto lights sensors, rain/wiper sensor, M-tech leather multifunction steering wheel, side airbags rearseats, sliding armrest, smoker's package (I don't smoke!), velour floor mats, spare wheel and jack, 122 style rims winter setup, M135 style rims summer setup
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why don't you duck tape a piece of paper tube (like from kitchen towels) there to simulate the tow hitch and you will see .... IMHO the best way to find out
01-29-2006, 12:58 PM
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My Ride: E61 535d sport, Silver Grey/grey/maple.
20" Hartge Nova 7. Previously 19" staggered 172s
Not cheap to fit towbars to.
I had one put my E39 sport. With the OE wiring (OE bar) they programme the system so that when the trailer lights are plugged in, the PDC is immobilised.
The E60/E61 is even worse. The only acceptable wiring is OE (the dealer claims the loom is fibre optic but I suspect it is just multiplex), don't let an aftermarket butcher near it. It costs nearly ?1500 to fit an OE bar, but it is only ?600 to have a new car delivered with one on. This played a large part in me buying new rather than nearly new (good excuse anyway
)
If it is just for trips to the tip with rubbish, put it on the wife's.
Incidentally, the towball itself, when left in place, does not trigger the PDC. Cheapest option is therefore likely to be Witter (or whatever) metalwork with BM wiring kit - or the wife's
I had one put my E39 sport. With the OE wiring (OE bar) they programme the system so that when the trailer lights are plugged in, the PDC is immobilised.
The E60/E61 is even worse. The only acceptable wiring is OE (the dealer claims the loom is fibre optic but I suspect it is just multiplex), don't let an aftermarket butcher near it. It costs nearly ?1500 to fit an OE bar, but it is only ?600 to have a new car delivered with one on. This played a large part in me buying new rather than nearly new (good excuse anyway
)If it is just for trips to the tip with rubbish, put it on the wife's.
Incidentally, the towball itself, when left in place, does not trigger the PDC. Cheapest option is therefore likely to be Witter (or whatever) metalwork with BM wiring kit - or the wife's
01-29-2006, 01:03 PM
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My Ride: 07' 530d - M-Sport - Titanium Silver / Black Dakota leather
08' 120i - M-Sport - Alpine White III / Black Sensatec
No probs to drive with the hook mounted and using the PDC it does not effect the PDC use. When a trailer is connected the rear PDC is disabled.
01-30-2006, 11:53 AM
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My Ride: 525i SE Black Saphire, Black Dakota Leather, 116 type alloys
Thanks for the swift responses guys.
On balance I am leaning more and more towards putting the bar on the wife's E46 now. The more I think about how much I use the trailer, the less sensible it seems to put it on my e60.
The other thought I've just had is that putting it on the e46 without PDC sensors means that she will then have a "reversing sensor". When the towball makes contact with whatever is behind, then it's time for her to stop reversing!
I'll just need to make sure I don't park behind her then.
On balance I am leaning more and more towards putting the bar on the wife's E46 now. The more I think about how much I use the trailer, the less sensible it seems to put it on my e60.
The other thought I've just had is that putting it on the e46 without PDC sensors means that she will then have a "reversing sensor". When the towball makes contact with whatever is behind, then it's time for her to stop reversing!
I'll just need to make sure I don't park behind her then.
01-30-2006, 11:57 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
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Originally Posted by Kev525' post='232069' date='Jan 30 2006, 09:53 PM
Thanks for the swift responses guys.
On balance I am leaning more and more towards putting the bar on the wife's E46 now. The more I think about how much I use the trailer, the less sensible it seems to put it on my e60.
The other thought I've just had is that putting it on the e46 without PDC sensors means that she will then have a "reversing sensor". When the towball makes contact with whatever is behind, then it's time for her to stop reversing!
I'll just need to make sure I don't park behind her then.
On balance I am leaning more and more towards putting the bar on the wife's E46 now. The more I think about how much I use the trailer, the less sensible it seems to put it on my e60.
The other thought I've just had is that putting it on the e46 without PDC sensors means that she will then have a "reversing sensor". When the towball makes contact with whatever is behind, then it's time for her to stop reversing!
I'll just need to make sure I don't park behind her then.
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