Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X1 (E84).
Problems, How To Articles & Performance topics can currently be discussed here also.
Post Reply
User avatar
allforus
Member
Member
Posts: 386
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:29 pm

X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by allforus » Fri Jan 01, 2016 9:54 pm

My new car came with cycle rack prep which on first view looks like a tow bar bracket without the ball any clues as to the difference

It also has 13 pin electrics (swing down)
X5 F15 30d msport
5 series g31 20d

User avatar
X5Sport
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 18520
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:09 pm
Location: Planet X6......

Re: X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by X5Sport » Fri Jan 01, 2016 10:17 pm

No swan neck tow ball in the boot floor?  I know the cycle rack prep was an option and I suppose it might use a standard towing bracket?  The electrics would be 13-pin for a number plate/lighting bar.

If it is a full towing bracket and there's no swan neck then see if PF Jones can supply.  It is most likely a Westphalia bracket as that is what is used on the other 'X' cars.
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

Horizon
Snr Member
Snr Member
Posts: 2599
Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:34 pm
Location: Bury Lancashire

Re: X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by Horizon » Fri Jan 01, 2016 10:40 pm

[quote="allforus"]
My new car came with cycle rack prep which on first view looks like a tow bar bracket without the ball any clues as to the difference

It also has 13 pin electrics (swing down)
[/quote]
I would have thought if you can fit a standard tow ball to the bracket it would be very dangerous if it wasn't designed to take the weight of a trailer/ caravan.
On OEM fitted towbars , isn't there a sticker inside the boot , which states the towing capacity of the bar fitted?
2011 Kia Sorento KX3  2.2D 60 Plate Auto in black ( mine )
BMW E83 X3.  3.0d M Sport, 2008 in black ( now gone )
BMW E93 330i Convertible  Msport  2007.  ( Now sold )
VW Golf 2.0 TDI 140 GT 2010 ( now sold )
Now Sold 55 plate, X5, 3.0 D Sport. Silv

sid10
Member
Member
Posts: 784
Joined: Tue Sep 24, 2013 2:24 pm

Re: X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by sid10 » Fri Jan 01, 2016 10:42 pm

Hi we have a towbar factory fitted , the attachment is normally in a bag in the boot ! They also did a bike prep kit which was just the lighting unit that you connected your bumper mounted bike rack too . This was mounted via the towing bracket eyelets in the rear bumper , two poles on the bike carrier screwed in the eyelets using a large Allen key . Check if your car has two towing eyelets as I was sure the new cars only had one ?

User avatar
allforus
Member
Member
Posts: 386
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:29 pm

Re: X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by allforus » Fri Jan 01, 2016 11:02 pm

Hi the tow bar looks like the main mounting area of the x5 factory fitted bar need to check with the dealer see what they say

But it certainly looks like a cheap way of getting the tow bracket factory fitted as it was only a£160 is option I think including the electrics
X5 F15 30d msport
5 series g31 20d

User avatar
X5Sport
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 18520
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:09 pm
Location: Planet X6......

Re: X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by X5Sport » Sat Jan 02, 2016 10:48 am

[quote="Horizon"]
On OEM fitted towbars , isn't there a sticker inside the boot , which states the towing capacity of the bar fitted?
[/quote]

Should be, but it came in the pack of things to be put on by the Dealer at PDI.  Mine was handed to me when I took delivery - so I could put it where I wanted!  It went in the correct place in the boot.
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

User avatar
allforus
Member
Member
Posts: 386
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:29 pm

Re: X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by allforus » Sat Jan 02, 2016 5:35 pm

Took a close look at bar today it's a witter with detachable tow ball minus the tow ball but should be easy to get one I guess

No stickers insight though
X5 F15 30d msport
5 series g31 20d

User avatar
allforus
Member
Member
Posts: 386
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:29 pm

Re: X1 cycle rack prep v tow bar prepare

Post by allforus » Mon Jan 04, 2016 8:23 pm

Confirmed with the dealer today that there is only one towing mounting arrangement it's the ball that's different the one for the cycle prep has a pin through the ball and is £210 and marked not for towing the other is £150
Little strange set up but guess that's BMW for you
X5 F15 30d msport
5 series g31 20d

Post Reply