BMW 3 Series Towbars

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series F31 model is a popular choice for a family Estate car with its desirable exterior and pleasurable driving experience.

First launching in 2012, the BMW 3 Series Touring Estate has proven to be a practical car with enough room for the whole family. Whether you are going to the city in the morning, gym in the evening or out to the countryside at the weekend, the BMW 3 Series is full of unique features that are attractive to all genres of drivers.

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Check out some of our BMW 3 Series Trustpilot reviews...

Can a towbar be fitted to a BMW 3 Series?

Yes. Towbar Express can supply and fit a towbar to suitable BMW 3 Series models. The correct towbar depends on the exact model year, version and specification of the vehicle, so we will check your vehicle details before fitting to ensure the correct towbar and electrics are selected.

What towbar options are available for the BMW 3 Series?

Towbar Express offers three towbar options for the BMW 3 Series:

Fixed flange towbar – a strong and versatile permanent towbar that remains fitted to the vehicle at all times, making it a practical choice for regular towbar use.

Fixed swan neck towbar – a slimmer permanent towbar that provides a neat installation with fewer visible components than a traditional flange towbar.

Detachable swan neck towbar – a discreet option that allows the towbar neck to be removed when it is not required, leaving no towball permanently positioned behind the vehicle.

Which towbar is best for my BMW 3 Series?

If you regularly use your towbar and want a versatile permanent towing point, the fixed flange towbar is a practical choice.

The fixed swan neck towbar is a good option if you want a permanently fitted towbar with a slimmer and less prominent appearance.

If you prefer to remove the towball when it is not required, the detachable swan neck towbar provides a more discreet solution and can be removed between uses.

What is the towbar rated to on a BMW 3 Series?

The maximum towbar rating depends on the exact BMW 3 Series and towbar application. The towbar has its own maximum towing weight and vertical-load limit, which must be considered alongside the limits specified for the vehicle itself.

A higher-rated towbar does not increase the amount that the BMW 3 Series is permitted to tow. The vehicle, towbar and towing equipment must all remain within their respective limits, with the lowest applicable limit always being followed. You can find more information in our guide to maximum towing weights.

How do I check how much my BMW 3 Series can tow?

The VIN plate will normally show the vehicle's maximum permitted laden weight (Gross Vehicle Weight) followed by its maximum combined vehicle and trailer weight (Gross Train Weight). Subtracting the first figure from the second shows the trailer weight available when the vehicle itself is loaded to its maximum permitted weight.

The vehicle manufacturer's specified towing limit should also be checked, as the vehicle, trailer, towbar and combined train weight must all remain within their respective limits. The permitted towing weight can vary according to the engine, transmission, drivetrain and exact BMW 3 Series specification. You can find more information in our maximum towing weight guide.

Does my BMW 3 Series need a bumper cut?

No. Fitting a towbar to the BMW 3 Series does not require a bumper cut.

Will my BMW 3 Series bumper be modified when fitting the towbar?

No. As the towbar installation does not require a bumper cut, the BMW 3 Series bumper does not need to be cut for the towbar to be fitted.

What electrics do you fit to a BMW 3 Series?

We fit vehicle-specific 13-pin electrics to the BMW 3 Series. These provide the electrical connection between your BMW and your trailer, caravan or compatible cycle carrier, allowing the lights to work correctly.

You can find out more in our guide to towing electrics.

Will a towbar affect my BMW 3 Series parking sensors?

The effect on the rear parking sensors depends on the towbar design and the position of the vehicle's sensors. The fixed flange and fixed swan neck remain permanently fitted and may sometimes be detected by the rear parking sensors, while the detachable swan neck can be removed when it is not required.

Is the BMW 3 Series towbar compatible with AL-KO stabilisers?

Compatibility depends on the exact towbar and towing equipment being used. Towbar Express will confirm whether the selected BMW 3 Series towbar is suitable for your intended towing equipment before fitting.

Can you fit a towbar to my BMW 3 Series at home?

Yes. Towbar Express offers mobile towbar fitting, so our engineer can fit your BMW 3 Series towbar at your home or workplace.

Why choose Towbar Express?

With over 30 years in the industry, we know what we're doing. Our own directly employed engineers handle every towbar we fit — we never outsource, so you get consistent, carefully finished work every time.

Our engineers train continuously to stay on top of new vehicle makes and models, so whatever you drive, we understand exactly how it should be fitted. That means real peace of mind, not just a quick job.

Don't just take our word for it — see for yourself in our Trustpilot and Google reviews, where thousands of customers have left us 5-star ratings. Experience the difference with Towbar Express, and join the growing list of customers who trust us with their vehicles.

How do I book a Towbar Fitment?

We know life's busy, so our engineers come to you — home or work, whichever suits. Choose a morning slot between 8am and 12pm, or an afternoon slot between 12pm and 6pm, and we'll fit your towbar at a time that works for you. Fitting typically takes between one and four hours, depending on your vehicle.

Getting a quote is simple: just search for your vehicle above, or enter your registration number and postcode. You can then book your date, time and location online, and we'll take care of the rest — bringing everything needed to complete the job in a single appointment, including any cycle carriers or accessories you've ordered alongside your towbar.