Jump to content
SAU Community

Towbar For M35?

adney

By adney,
in Four Door Family & Wagoneers

 Share

Recommended Posts

ClassOne Enthusiast

ClassOne

Posted
Posted

It's funny that the only cars mentioned to have cracked rear frames didn't have tow bars

Your comment makes no sence as the bars are only rated for 70kg or so down on the ball, and the pulling force is not directly linked to the sub frame.

If the trailer trailer/ tow ball height combination is level and the trailer is loaded wIth it's weight over the axel then there will be no issues.

PN-Mad Grand Master

PN-Mad

Posted
Posted

Go nuts then. Doesn't mean I'm going to do it with my car. Yes, I know how tow balls are rated.

Look, I'm not trying to be a prick. I just don't think its an awesome idea on a car that wasn't designed for it. We know the subframe cracks, we know overloading causes it.

If you plan to tow big and long, please make sure you have an external tranny cooler, and you have seen to the turbo banjo, and the turbo is in tip top condition. I know another Stagea (C34) drivers been through 3 china turbos, probably because he tows a car with it! Maybe even get a radiator upgrade.

Daleo Grand Master

Daleo

Posted
Posted (edited)

It's funny that the only cars mentioned to have cracked rear frames didn't have tow bars

Your comment makes no sence as the bars are only rated for 70kg or so down on the ball, and the pulling force is not directly linked to the sub frame.

If the trailer trailer/ tow ball height combination is level and the trailer is loaded wIth it's weight over the axel then there will be no issues.

That's not entirely true, but it's not my place to identify the cars. Also, it seems more prevalent in vehicles with HICAS for some reason.

I have a tow bar on mine (the Fast Fit towbar was designed on my car); and frankly, I believe they just aren't suited to towing something the weight of a car. I put a tonne in my trailer over relatively short distances (100km max), but I wouldn't want to do any more than that. I only end up with around 30-40kg on the ball in my "worst case scenario". I haven't had any cracking issues.

There is no real chassis structure in the rear of the car that is suited to the forces you'll be putting through the rear sheetmetal.

All you are really using is the rear bar reo mounts; and this is a structure designed for compressive forces(think rear impact), not to be held in tension. The legs that go under the car are only there to stop you applying torsion (leverage) to the reo mounts; not to carry any great load.

As Alex said; go for your life if that's what you want to do, but just be aware. There are many other cars better suited to towing heavy loads; and have 2000+kg rated factory Hayman Reese towbars.

Edited by Daleo
  • 3 months later...
sideburnie Rookie

sideburnie

Posted
Posted

Hi all, was searching about sub frame cracking, as my stagea ARX has it on both sides of the upper subframe. I was wondering if there was any evidence for what the cause was - I baby mine pretty well and dont dump it off the line... BUT i moved house earlier in the year and loaded heaps of gear in it - AMAZING HOW MUCH YOU CAN FIT!!! So ..... That could be the main reason ... damn. Well it sat pretty low a few times... I had to move a 3 car garage...

Now.. can someone tell me how difficult it was to remove and repair. I imagine a good TIG welder could fix it pretty easy. Has someone done it ? did you re-enforce it with a peice of al over the top of the crack? thanks

  • 1 year later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • joshuaho96
      My BMW 335i

      By joshuaho96 · Posted

      Out here E90s are the cheapest way into a sporty-ish car because everyone knows just how expensive the repairs can get. 8-10k USD for an automatic 335i. 
    • cobo_11
      My BMW 335i

      By cobo_11 · Posted

      Noted. Have noticed BMW are more 'high maintenance' for sure. They've attracted my attention as I think the used car prices seem reasonable vs other options, and the extra quality overall vs a commodore / camry / corolla or similar of the same vintage is appealing, especially the interior, and they are more on the sporty side whereas the others mentioned can be more cruising or economical A-to-B only.
    • cobo_11
      My BMW 335i

      By cobo_11 · Posted

      Haha yeah I know, this is SAU after all, why are we talking about BMW's of all things!? I hear you on the 'don't have to worry about it' side of things. Having been fortunate enough to be have been able to buy a brand new motorbike or two...never really enjoyed them as much as I'd have liked as you worry so much about where you park it, will it get scratched, stolen, attempted theft, knocked over, etc...and yes dirty. Older less valuable bikes you can just go where you want and park it wherever and not really worry that much in comparison. And who cares if it gets dirty! Never owned a V8, and have had my eyes on VE / VF commodores for years but with their prices climbing so high, the M3 has come into focus more as prices are much closer than I've ever seen...is it a potential contender now?...of course need to factor in the S65 'maintenance' especially and like you said general M car 'tax'. One can dream anyway. But more on the reality front - did read the whole 330i thread as well and was a great read too, both threads enlightening as I've never even driven one of these cars! I do recall 330i didn't seem to have the same amount of issues for almost the same car (turbos and related differences notwithstanding)...perhaps down to getting it earlier in it's life so looked after better than the 335i? Perhaps so as your 130i has been good and quite similar, so finding a car that's been looked after well is the especially-crucial-BMW-first-step.
    • luke gtr
      So i brought a boat...

      By luke gtr · Posted

      Nice. Dont worry about the time of not running. My current skyline hasn't run since I bought it. About 8 years ago.
    • PranK
      My BMW 335i

      By PranK · Posted

      It's also worth noting that I am heavily and unconditionally biased. I've had a lot of cars including some GTRs a fair while ago. I love my BMW's now a lot. They make no sense a lot of the time and the guys on here remind me regularly that I could get something else that does what I want better and cheaper. If you're going to take on an older BMW it's definitely a commitment. If you bail on it early you'll lose money and also the ability for it to put a smile on your face. Stick with it and it just gets better.  f**k I should get into advertising.  
×
×
  • Create New...