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      12-19-2013, 07:11 AM   #1
scotta2
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13 Pin Euro towing

Does anyone know if the factory fitted electric tow bar has power to pin 9? This is used to supply the ATC system on Alko caravan hitches.
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      12-22-2013, 03:16 AM   #2
Rogerbu
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If you are worried about the Alko ATC system, you obviously are towing a caravan.

Be aware that the factory fitted BMW towbracket & electrics DO NOT have the supply & earth return for the fridge system. IN BMW's words. We don't conform to ISO standards, we follow BMW standards!!!

Various dealer quoted between free & £800 to correct this BMW design fault.

I would strongly advise having the detachable Westfalia tow bar with the BMW specific electrics fitted after delivery.
This is the setup that BMW dealers have fitted as a non factory fit. If you ask your BMW dealer, they will probably tell you which local fitter they use - then go direct and save the dealer's uplift.

I have this setup.
Yes the Alko ATC works well.
The car correctly senses the caravan and adjust the electrics
I don't have the rear view camera, so can't confirm that this switches down to look at the tow hook in reverse.
The fridge also works
I saved hundreds over the BMW factory fit which wouldn't do the job anyway.
Overall, the X3 if probably the best towcar I have had in 30 years caravanning.

I have had the witter detachable bracket before. The Westfalia one is very much easier to fit and seems to be a better quality product.
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      12-23-2013, 05:31 PM   #3
scotta2
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Sorry I should have elaborated, yes I do have a caravan, I'm thinking of changing it to one with the Alko ATC. Unfortunately I have the factory fitted electric retractable tow bar hence the question. Having owned a Volvo XC60 previously I fully agree that the X3 tows superbly and that's with the 2L diesel version. If it's just supplying power to pin 9 and an earth I would imagine running a fused supply from the battery to the electrical plug would be fairly easy.
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      01-18-2014, 05:55 PM   #4
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I have a 3.0D M-Sport with the factory retractable towbar and 13 pin electrics. I tow a Coachman Laser with ATC and it works great with no mods required. the aux supply for the fridge and battery charging does not work however. I have the rear camera and that has to be selected to view the towbar using the I drive controller. Hope this helps.
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