r5gordini

Hi All,

My e61 has the factory-fit electrically operated towbar. It has a 13pin plug for the electrics.

There doesn't seem to be any info in any of the manuals regarding how to use this socket and what its pinouts are. I know they'll be standard, but I've got more specific questions!

My camping trailer has a standard 7 pin plug. I am thinking of changing it tor a 13pin plug and I'm also in the process of converting my trailer for full interior electrics (12v leisure battery, with interior lights, electric water pump, etc.).

So:

Is it possible for me to charge the leisure battery from the car while driving? If so, do I require any sort of charging distribution system, or can I wire the direct feed from the car direct to my leisure battery?

If not, how would I enable my leisure battery to be charged on the move? I would also like to be able to power a refridgerator in the front box of the trailer while driving.

Thanks,

Andrew

Scandic24

You have both continous 12V and a fridge power cable through the 13 pin Euro socket.
Wiring diagram here:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Towing-and-Traile...ler-wiring.html
You might need a relay for the caravan fridge and battery charging from the car, Check w your dealer first:
http://www.homesteadcaravans.co.uk/cart.cf...artstring=false

cheers

smarty156

I'd suggest going to your nearest tow bar fitting place and ask if they'll plug in their test board to see if you have the charging pins connected (not all manufacturers connect those ones up, even on a 13 pin plug). I think BMW do generally connect them as part of the kit but I know some (particularly german manufacturers like Audi and VW) don't.
If you do, maybe they can tell you what you need in terms of relays etc. Or try a local caravan dealer.

nedchiu

Hello,

I was just curious as to what you guys in Europe tow with your car. What is the weight of your caravan and how much BMW's are rated for in Europe.

Thanks,

Scandic24

For Sweden:
Here, caravans are quite popular. The weight of a new caravan would be from 1200 and up to about 2000kgs for the bigger ones.
Also, small trailers are fairly common.

Regarding how much you are allowed to tow depends on a couple of factors, not only what you car is rated for.
Simply put: With a regular driving license you are allowed to tow a trailer weighing NOT more than what your car is rated for, HOWEVER the weight of the turnout(car+trailer) must NOT exceed 3500 kgs in total. Otherwise you'll need a special license for towing heavy trailers.

In Sweden, the figures looks like this for the E61 (first column with Manual transmission, second column with Auto transmission)
Maximum rated towing weight in kgs:
Petrol engines:
520i - 1600 1800
523i - 1600 1800
525i - 1800 2000
525xi - 1800 2000
530i - 2000 2000
530xi - 2000 2000
550i - 2000 2000
M5 - N/A 1800

Diesels:
520d - 1800 1800
525d - 2000 2000
525xd - 2000 2000
530d - 2000 2000
530xd - 2000 2000
535d - N/A 2000

nedchiu

Thank you very much for the reply. I do not believe the E60/E61s are even recommended for towing in North America. I think the E60s are completely capable of towing at those rates. I currently have a 01 Volvo V70 T5 (for towing) and a 06 525Xi. The Volvo is rated for about 1500 kgs in North America and I tow a 1200 kg tent trailer. The Volvo is completely capable and I think a E60 is as well. I am currently looking at a new car (for the near future) and not many cars, only SUVs are recommended. I would much prefer a 530Xi.

Thank you again,

Al T.

You're right. It seems as if BMW in North America feels its car and wagon buyers lack the skills necessary to pull a trailer, so they don't recommend that we do so. I'm certain they would prefer we buy one of their SUVs such as the X3 or 5 to do the job. In our case, this would be true overkill since we seldom haul more than 1200 lbs. That being said, our 2007 530XiT is an excellent towing vehicle doing a great job of towing our small enclosed utility trailer on our annual pilgrimage to our summer home. While there, we use the BMW to tow our 420 and Hobie sailboats and our 13' Boston Whaler from lake to lake. We do, however, use our old Jeep Cherokee when we plan to launch on a really nasty boat landing because that 4X4's compound low gear can really be handy.
Al T.

yeewiz

So in the US, what's the best setup for a towbar? How are you North american guys doing this? I've got a 07 530xiT. Thanks all!

Al T.

...We had a local hitch shop install a Curt hitch on our 2007 530Xi. The hitch and its installation does not look as good as the factory or after-market units available outside of NA, but it serves our purpose. Finding someone to locate and install a wiring harness has proven to be difficult, however.

Al T.

rubencr

I'm in Southern CA, and also have a recent E61 ('06 530XiT). I'd appreciate hearing what you are able to find, Bob, and let me know how the end result looks and functions.

Good luck!