Retractable/detachable tow bar

[markml]

Hi there,
I'm brand new and to the forum and have found a cracking Z4 at a great price, however, I really need to to be able to carry 2 mountain bikes safely and without damaging paintwork. Would like to use a towbar mounted cycle carrier.

Can you get towbars for the Z4? I would like a detachable or retractable version that doesn't spoil the back end much. i can't seem to find anything on Google.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gannet]

Somebody on here has made one I seem to remember.... think you can also get some brackets or something for the top of the boot but Im no expert....

And welcome to the forum

 

[ZetaTre]

IIRC BMW has a bike rack designed for the Z4; I can check on the accessories catalogue I have at home and let you know for sure... Or you can just drop by your local dealer and pick up a copy (although dangerous, as that would become a line to your household budget... )

Here's an alternative. Otherwise, here in the US I've seen several of these: they appear to be more generic as the adjust to contour several trunk styles.

Remember to post pix once you find something

 

[a11y]

Here's an alternative.

That's the one I was searching for last night and couldn't find the details for it again!

They even do ones like that with the guide tubes for cars like the Lotus Elise and TTs too, supposed to be the best option by far for carrying bikes on this type of car. I'd be highly surprised if anyone makes a towbar for the Z4 - I'm very much into my MTBing and spent ages trying to find a towbar to fit my previous car (a mundane Seat Ibiza, but because it was a Cupra version with different bumpers it took ages to find one and even then I was told my warranty would be out the window if I fitted it - just as well the car was out of warranty then...).

An alternative might be a boot/trunk luggage rack, with a couple of bike carriers attached to them? I've seen that done before on Mazda MX5s, Peugeot 206 CCs and MG TFs.

Or you could do what I did and bought this for carrying bikes in addition to my Z4 :rofl:

 

[markml]

Thanks Gents.

Apparently there is no way to fit a legal towbar in the Uk to a Z4.

I will go with that I think I cannot find any alternative in the UK. Its not that cheap espically with the current exchange rates.

 

[dario]

Thanks Gents.

Apparently there is no way to fit a legal towbar in the Uk to a Z4.

I will go with that I think I cannot find any alternative in the UK. Its not that cheap espically with the current exchange rates.

i thinck you might find that statment to be utter c*ck, it all in german, but here is one with TUV approval!
click


Dario

 

[Roadster-B]

A detachable towbar for the Z4 should be available:
link here (german)
link to manual

Could be interesting to transport bikes
or better a set of trackwheels with semi-slicks which is why I investigated the towbar possiblity

Sadly the Z4 is not homologated in Belgium to be fitted/have a towbar.

 

[dario]

A detachable towbar for the Z4 should be available:
link here (german)
link to manual

Could be interesting to transport bikes
or better a set of trackwheels with semi-slicks which is why I investigated the towbar possiblity

Sadly the Z4 is not homologated in Belgium to be fitted/have a towbar.

hey Koen, i just knicked that post for the other forum..... forgot it was yours

 

[markml]

Thanks for all the info gents.

Does anyone know who fits them in the UK? The towbar sepcialist in Glasgow told me that the Z4 has no fixing for a towbar, is this true? Can they added?

 

[dario]

Thanks for all the info gents.

Does anyone know who fits them in the UK? The towbar sepcialist in Glasgow told me that the Z4 has no fixing for a towbar, is this true? Can they added?

if you check out the link and look closly at the parts you will see that this tow bar bracket fixes to the same fitting points as the rear bumper bar / irons.

its made for the Z4 E85 /86

 

[a11y]

Wow, I'm surprised you can get a towbar that fits the Z4 -i'd never have thought someone would have gone to the bother of designing one given thenumber that'll actually be sold/used!

markml, if that's Indespension up in Milngavie you've tried, don't listen to them. They told me it was "impossible" to fit a towbar to my Seat Ibiza, just because it was th Cupra version, but that was absolute tosh. Usually they're a decent company but thy weren't interested in helping me that time.

Edited to spell Milngavie right - hungover!

 

[cj10jeeper]

Not sure if you are aware, but since Aug '08 there are specific UK regs on towbars:
Woth ensuring anything you do is compliant and you have the VIN plate marking

Type Approval and European Law 94/20EC

Most passenger cars registered after 1st August 1998 (S registration) must be fitted with a Type Approved towbar. These cars have an “e” mark on the VIN plate together with the maximum car and trailer mass. If the trailer mass is not specified then the car is not permitted to tow a trailer, however it may still be fitted with a support bracket to fit a cycle or motorbike carrier.

European regulations were introduced on 1st August 1998 to harmonise the testing and approval of towbars throughout the EU. The regulations apply to all passenger vehicles registered from 1st August 1998 (S registration) which have to have an "e" mark and its maximum vehicle and trailer masses stamped on a plate. The vehicle manufacturer has to nominate the mounting points for the towbar and the towbar manufacturer has to design to fit to these only. The towbar (not the vehicle or the trailer attached to it) is then tested on a jig, to a formula to ensure it is strong enough to pass the test.

 

[dario]

so no more home brewed ones any more then!