328i 2007 Hitch Motorcycle Tow Experience

Hi,
I got a hitch installed on my 328'07. I'll be towing a 400lbs motorcycle using uhal trailer. Has anyone of you ever done this? Any tips?
Thanks.

You'll have no problems with power but you will feel the trailer tugging or pushing a bit on bumps and when slowing down, which is normal. If you haven't towed before, just remember to drive as smoothly as possible and watch the trailer, especially on right turns so that you don't cut it too sharp. If it starts to sway side to side while on the highway, just GENTLY slow down until it settles down--the worst thing to do is stab the brakes or counter-steer. But a properly loaded trailer should not be a problem.

And with a short motorcycle trailer (relative to the wheelbase of the car), backing up may be difficult to stay in a straight line without some practice. So plan your stops to try and avoid having to back up if possible.

Although BMWNA doesn't like to admit it, these cars get used as tow vehicles in Europe all the time, so they are designed to pull a significant amount. After a few miles you should get the feel of it and enjoy the stares from other people that don't expect the see a BMW towing anything!

Graham

Thanks!

Originally Posted by GB

You'll have no problems with power but you will feel the trailer tugging or pushing a bit on bumps and when slowing down, which is normal. If you haven't towed before, just remember to drive as smoothly as possible and watch the trailer, especially on right turns so that you don't cut it too sharp. If it starts to sway side to side while on the highway, just GENTLY slow down until it settles down--the worst thing to do is stab the brakes or counter-steer. But a properly loaded trailer should not be a problem.

And with a short motorcycle trailer (relative to the wheelbase of the car), backing up may be difficult to stay in a straight line without some practice. So plan your stops to try and avoid having to back up if possible.

Although BMWNA doesn't like to admit it, these cars get used as tow vehicles in Europe all the time, so they are designed to pull a significant amount. After a few miles you should get the feel of it and enjoy the stares from other people that don't expect the see a BMW towing anything!

Graham

If you're towing w/ an auto trans, you definitely need to prep the car w/ an external trans cooler, and install a trans temp gauge. this is cheap insurance. You only need to tow 25 miles out, and the temps on the trans fluid will shoot up quickly. Just b/c the bimmer can tow doesnt mean it's tow-ready.

if you have a manual trans, then you're good to go. just don't abuse the clutch and it should do you good.

the other issue is wiring for the trailer. All you need is a 4 prong plug to run your lights. Some lighting kits will sell you a 7 prong plug, which provides electricity to trailers w/ electric brakes and electricity to the refrigerator when towing. These are called class 3 hitch setups, and this will be overkill for your light towing duty. You only need a 4 prong plug, and this can be tapped into your rear light's wiring.

Originally Posted by DHoang

If you're towing w/ an auto trans, you definitely need to prep the car w/ an external trans cooler, and install a trans temp gauge. this is cheap insurance. You only need to tow 25 miles out, and the temps on the trans fluid will shoot up quickly. Just b/c the bimmer can tow doesnt mean it's tow-ready.

All good advice, but in this case pulling just a motorcycle and trailer, this shouldn't really be a concern. So you if you do have an auto, you can just put it into manual shift mode and don't shift it into overdrive (6th gear?). When all is said and done, you're only talking about the weight equal to having a few extra passengers riding in your car, so no cause for major alarm.

-Graham