Author Topic: Trailer hitch recommendations... (Read 3717 times)

BlueBMW · « **on:** June 28, 2010, 07:21:28 PM »

Anyone have any experience with a trailer hitch on our beloved E30 318is? All I want to haul is a 350lb sport atv on a tiny trailer (maybe 300 - 400 lbs)

First off.... is it possible? Second... is it a bad idea? I've hauled an M20 motor in my trunk and the car did ok, but thats only a few hundred pounds, of course that's dead weight not on any wheels / tires.

Thoughts?

1991 E30 M42 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2010, 08:47:22 PM »

buy a truck

BlueBMW · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2010, 08:56:14 PM »

Haha! I'd rather not if I can avoid it. I've been using my room-mate's truck for a while now, but I already tore up his tailgate once loading the atv into the bed. It'd be nice to have a little trailer and just cruise with the E30.

The alternative is to put a hitch on the E34 instead. I'd just be afraid to put that kind of strain on that 270K automatic tranny.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2010, 10:09:50 PM »

Da'lan hitch? I see that name pop up now & again. I had a great example of r3v kiddies getting their panties in a bunch about an M3 hitch but I can't find it now. This will have to do:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=112027

I wouldn't worry about a Class I or II hitch. Our little Bimmers can take it. BMW used M40s with a Getrag 240 in the 520i e34...they have to be at least 500 pounds heavier than our sprightly little 318's.

jscribble · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2010, 10:24:18 PM »

Buy the one-of e30 truck they built. I'm sure the price is resonable. Lol. I say go for it.

longtallsally · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2010, 08:18:18 AM »

Dave is correct and I think Da'lan or whatever is the only option.

Things to keep in mind: you will be drilling a number of holes, you will need to be very mindful of tongue weight (I wouldn't even use a hitch style bicycle rack as I think it would tear out), and rear suspension health/spring rate.

I was going to do it for my last E30- 325is- to tow the track bike, but ended up getting out of going to the track very often, sold the 325 and got very heavily into beemers (and obviously out of bimmers).

We got a Da'lan hitch for my wife's E46 325xi, but I never got to install it prior to leaving for Germany, so that will most likely be done when we get home.

Anyway, I don't think there would be a problem if you are careful and don't go over a few hundred lbs. like you mentioned. I think I remember that you are a mechanic, so you already know this, but for someone searching, make sure the brakes are in EXCEPTIONAL working order, and that you have fresh synthetic fluids in the tranny and diff, and that your cooling system is up to snuff.

People tow all the time with very unconventional vehicles over here; I even saw a 993 track car on a full trailer being towed with an S Class Mercedes. There are NO trucks over here, but EVERYONE has a trailer.