Towing - What do you think?

[Panzer Captain]

I want to tow my E30 M3 behind my 530iT, on a proper dual-axle trailer (U-Haul rental).

The 530iT has the detachable Westphalia hitch in the bumper. It also has a 4.0 M60 V8 and 6spd tranny out of a '95 540.

The E30 M3 weighs approx 2700lbs. The trailer - I dunno - maybe 1000lbs?

Do you think this is do-able?

The hitch has a sticker on it that has a German all over that I don't understand, and then a couple numbers --- 1500kg, and 50kg and 75kg with a picture of the hitch and an arrow on it.

What do you think?

Thanks!

[Sam-Son]

how many lbs is 1625kg?

[shogun]

Write down the German instructions and I will translate it.
But basically no problem
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/361953/
Have you ever seen a Dutch car without a trailer?
They evn put them on their beloved Porsche and Ferrari, just to pull their mobile home.
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/342470/
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/228389/

1,500 kg is most probably the max. load for the trailer axle, 50 or 75 kg is the load on the tow bar by the trailer bar.
See your owners manual, it is mentioned there. If not mentioned in a US manual, see on my website there is the 1988 owners manual for the E32 in U.K. version.
Kilogramm (kg): 1.500 = lbs. 3306
50 kg = 110 lbs
75 kg = 165 kg

[Panzer Captain]

1,500 kg is most probably the max. load for the trailer axle, 50 or 75 kg is the load on the tow bar by the trailer bar.

What do you mean? The most I can tow in total weight is 1500kg? If that's the case, I can't tow the E30 M3 + trailer.

[gale]

I'm sure it would work, but the problem you're going to run into is U-Haul most likely won't let you rent their trailer. They are very rigid about adhering to the tow/towed vehicle listings in their database regardless of hitch ratings.

[Panzer Captain]

I'm sure it would work, but the problem you're going to run into is U-Haul most likely won't let you rent their trailer. They are very rigid about adhering to the tow/towed vehicle listings in their database regardless of hitch ratings.

Yeah, you're probably right. So, I'll have to lie to them - thanks to the ambulance-chasers, we've obviously litigated our country almost into oblivion.

[gale]

Yeah, you're probably right. So, I'll have to lie to them - thanks to the ambulance-chasers, we've obviously litigated our country almost into oblivion.

Exactly. They made me jump thru hoops to rent a tow dolly when I brought the Alfa Spider down from Colorado, behind a Land Cruiser.

[shogun]

The E30 M3 weighs approx 2700lbs. = 1225 kg

but you can load (if I understand correctly), excluding the weight of the trailer itself

Kilogramm (kg): 1.500 = lbs. 3306

So what is the problem?

Otherwise write down and post what is written there in German.

[Elekta]

You can tow all fng day long, esp if you've already put the 4.0 in it.

Check this link with the pic of the sticker you have in the back.

I think you can tow up to 1900kg with the 4.0, which is more than enough for a 3 series and a decent trailer. I'm pretty sure the westphalia tow pamphlet you have in the back says 1600kg, but you have the 4.0 now.


let's see the new engine bay whydoncha?

[attack eagle]

the only fun part is that you need to make sure you have no more than 100-150 tongue weight... and make sure the trailer has functional electric brakes.

basically 1500kg total weight is probably the hitch rating.


I really don't like the idea of towing 3300 lbs with 150lbs tongue weight...

recommended tongue weight is 8-15% of total weight

that comes out to under 1900 lbs at 8% tongue weight and at 15% 1000 lbs


This is why my Touring has no hitch... 1000lbs on a trailer, or in the back.