Tow hitch suggestions

[Wernd]

I've been searching but I'm late to this game and all the posts seem to be 10+ years old with links that don't work.

I'm looking for a tow hitch to add to the M3 so I can put a set of rims on a trailer instead of the back seat. Can anyone help with something that's sold online? If not I will probably end up at a local hitch shop where a guy named Bubba may or may not weld properly....... Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Gt4]

I might build a batch of hitchs for E46 M3’s if there is enough interested. I was supposed to do a prototype years ago, already bought receivers in 1-1/4’’ and 2’’ but never made it due to many other projects.

I built one for my Z4M Coupe when I was doing track days and Time Attack events. I was pulling an Harbor Freight 48’’x40’’ trailer with a storage box, fuel jugs and track wheels. I will post pics later when at home, pics in my laptop.

I might buy another E46 M3 soon that I will use as a jig for You weld roll bar kit I was selling on RIP M3forum and hitch too and other stuff.

[Estoril]

I recall only one approach that works. It's a German product , IIRC out of production for years. It requires some fair modification to the car and only supports a small tire trailer.

[JeremyJames]

What about this as an option?

[Gt4]

I recall only one approach that works. It's a German product , IIRC out of production for years. It requires some fair modification to the car and only supports a small tire trailer.

Was it the Westfalia hitch? I had one on my E46 Touring and it was a nice hitch but modified it to install a 2’’ receiver to be able to install a hitch bike rack

[Estoril]

Was it the Westfalia hitch? I had one on my E46 Touring and it was a nice hitch but modified it to install a 2’’ receiver to be able to install a hitch bike rack

Yes, thats what my bookmark says.

[Jersey_M3]

Id be interested in the trailer hitch

[Pklauser]

Wayback machine is a wonderful thing: https://web.archive.org/web/20160307...d.php?t=349258

AFAIK you can still get the hitch here: https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-E...product=303230

[Gt4]

Wayback machine is a wonderful thing: https://web.archive.org/web/20160307...d.php?t=349258

AFAIK you can still get the hitch here: https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-E...product=303230

I had the Westfalia non removable version, a lot cheaper. Part#303196

[Gt4]

Here is the Westfalia hitch I modified. Diffuser needed to be cut, didn't want something lower than diffuser.

[Pklauser]

That's pretty slick, thanks for sharing! Did you follow a similar path as the link I shared for getting your bumper cover mounted/aligned? I feel like I've seen some folks say you can just swap to the aluminum non-M bumper structure and it makes life easier.

[Gt4]

And my custom Harbor Freight trailer setup

[Gt4]

That's pretty slick, thanks for sharing! Did you follow a similar path as the link I shared for getting your bumper cover mounted/aligned? I feel like I've seen some folks say you can just swap to the aluminum non-M bumper structure and it makes life easier.

I ended up never using it on my E46 M3 ZCP track car and switched it on my E46 325 Touring instead.

Yes they are made for non-M aluminum rebar so would be direct fit on a 2001 E46 M3 I think.

[Pklauser]

I ended up never using it on my E46 M3 ZCP track car and switched it on my E46 325 Touring instead.

Yes they are made for non-M aluminum rebar so would be direct fit on a 2001 E46 M3 I think.

Am I not looking at pictures of it mounted to your M3 with the bumper cover in place?

[Gt4]

Am I not looking at pictures of it mounted to your M3 with the bumper cover in place?

I think bumper cover was installed without the rebar just to see fitment of hitch height vs bumper/diffuser and to see fitment of hitch with OEM muffler