Interested in a Low Cost Tow/Bike Rack Hitch?

Cyberdemon · 05-19-2013, 03:46 PM

EDIT See Page 2 for details

Updated 8/3 with pics and info:

So I got the hitch for $150 shipped and installed it today.

Installation was semi-complicated (compared to pure bolt on hitches) and required pulling the bumper off, but if you've worked on your car before it wasn't that bad. I did it start to finish in under 2 hours by myself. A second set of hands is highly recommended for helping to get the bumper back on, but I have long arms so I managed it by myself. Plus my bumper is scratched, so if I scratched it again I don't really care, it'll have to go to the body shop at some point soon. The fitment was great even with the Msport kit + PDC + 335i (Curt had only confirmed fitment on the standard bumper 328i). So this should fit the F30 and F31 without any issues. The 328d should be OK too but someone would have to look under their bumper to see if theres any reason why there would be a problem.

Aside from one cross threaded bolt on my bumper beam (from the factory) the installation went off without a hitch (budum*cha*)

You notice it, but compared to a hideous wind whistling roof rack or a paint destroying trunk rack, this is the way to go!

Worst "stage" of the install. Oh the humanity!

Hitch from far away, can't even see it in the shadow. Most people probably won't even notice its there if they aren't looking.

Closeup. Ignore my filthy bumper, scratch, and dirty tailpipes...the car wash was closed and my hose is broken.

Rack installed! Thule 2 bike wheel held fold up.

Hope that helps for anyone who's been looking!

rjc32000 · 05-19-2013, 07:31 PM

I'd love a hitch for my 328. The BMW bike rack is hideous beyond words.

Cyberdemon · 05-20-2013, 08:15 AM

Thank's for the responses so far. Keep em coming. If they can confirm the fitment I'll post pics as soon as it's installed.

ColoBlueMax · 05-20-2013, 10:42 AM

Would this hitch fit the f31 sport wagon?

Cyberdemon · 05-20-2013, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColoBlueMax

Would this hitch fit the f31 sport wagon?

It's impossible to say for sure since the car isn't available in the US yet. The same would go for the 328d.

If they don't change the design from the rest of the F30 chassis, it might be ok, but you can't tell until you actually get a car to prove it on. The F31 does have a slightly longer wheelbase so its theoretically possible that some other dimension with the car has been tweaked.

F30SD · 05-20-2013, 03:03 PM

I definitely want one, I like the clean look of the invisihitch but it is way too pricey. How much weight will it add? Will it be visible?
Thanks.

Cyberdemon · 05-20-2013, 04:41 PM

Weight I'm not sure about, but given the general size tubing these things use and the size I'd say maybe 20-30 lbs?

Yes it would be visible and sit below the bumper. But it's only a 1 1/4" receiver so it's pretty small and should fit pretty snug to the bumper. It's the tradeoff of not having to deal with a roof rack though and since it's black it's pretty obscure until you go to look for it.

How far it's protruding/recessed is TBD.

ColoBlueMax · 05-20-2013, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

It's impossible to say for sure since the car isn't available in the US yet....

Beg to differ, took a test drive in one last week (here in Colorado) and several folks have posted pictures of there new F31s.

DangerousTacos · 05-20-2013, 10:22 PM

Interested in seeing this.

Cyberdemon · 05-21-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColoBlueMax

Beg to differ, took a test drive in one last week (here in Colorado) and several folks have posted pictures of there new F31s.

Ah, thought they weren't shipping till this summer. Hadn't seen any show up at my dealer yet or maybe they all just went straight to buyers.

If anyone has an F31 and can post pictures of the underside of the back end it would help.

Cyberdemon · 05-23-2013, 08:41 AM

Bump

DaaamnGina · 05-23-2013, 01:00 PM

I've been looking for a way to haul bikes as well. Definitely interested. Not sure if it will matter, but I'd be looking for a hitch on an xDrive M Sport.

Cyberdemon · 05-23-2013, 06:41 PM

So they are currently working on welding up the first round of hitches.

I was told that they typically only do a small first run, and then will wait a while to do the second one. If anyone is interested in pre-ordering one of the first batch, shoot me a PM for info.

Steve33 · 05-24-2013, 02:17 AM

definitely! I cycle and wouldn't dare put one of those ugly things on my roof

ynguldyn · 05-24-2013, 01:23 PM

Would love a hitch for F31 or F34 (not yet settled on what I'll get).

F30SD · 05-24-2013, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

So they are currently working on welding up the first round of hitches.

I was told that they typically only do a small first run, and then will wait a while to do the second one. If anyone is interested in pre-ordering one of the first batch, shoot me a PM for info.

How much?

Cyberdemon · 05-24-2013, 02:36 PM

PM replied. Should have more info next week after the holiday weekend, but it should be several hundred dollars cheaper than the Invisi hitch.

psst · 05-24-2013, 02:44 PM

Yes, I'm interested.

slip10 · 05-24-2013, 09:46 PM

Interested! Please PM price and other info..

Cyberdemon · 05-25-2013, 12:19 PM

Thanks for all the replies - I'm hoping to have more details next week after the holiday weekend. I'll see what I hear back from and post then.

I'll also see if there's enough interest if it's possible to do a group buy.

dmk11 · 05-25-2013, 09:37 PM

Also interested - would like price, details & pictures.

F30SD · 06-12-2013, 07:11 PM

Any update on availability? Cost?

View Poll Results: Are you interested in a hitch for the F30?
Yes	55	79.71%
No	14	20.29%
Voters: 69. You may not vote on this poll

05-19-2013, 03:46 PM	#1
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Interested in a Low Cost Tow/Bike Rack Hitch? EDIT See Page 2 for details Updated 8/3 with pics and info: So I got the hitch for $150 shipped and installed it today. Installation was semi-complicated (compared to pure bolt on hitches) and required pulling the bumper off, but if you've worked on your car before it wasn't that bad. I did it start to finish in under 2 hours by myself. A second set of hands is highly recommended for helping to get the bumper back on, but I have long arms so I managed it by myself. Plus my bumper is scratched, so if I scratched it again I don't really care, it'll have to go to the body shop at some point soon. The fitment was great even with the Msport kit + PDC + 335i (Curt had only confirmed fitment on the standard bumper 328i). So this should fit the F30 and F31 without any issues. The 328d should be OK too but someone would have to look under their bumper to see if theres any reason why there would be a problem. Aside from one cross threaded bolt on my bumper beam (from the factory) the installation went off without a hitch (budumcha) You notice it, but compared to a hideous wind whistling roof rack or a paint destroying trunk rack, this is the way to go! Worst "stage" of the install. Oh the humanity! Hitch from far away, can't even see it in the shadow. Most people probably won't even notice its there if they aren't looking. Closeup. Ignore my filthy bumper, scratch, and dirty tailpipes...the car wash was closed and my hose is broken. Rack installed! Thule 2 bike wheel held fold up. Hope that helps for anyone who's been looking! __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette Last edited by Cyberdemon; 08-03-2013 at 05:55 PM.. Reason: Updated!
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05-19-2013, 07:31 PM	#2
rjc32000 Lieutenant 153 Rep 487 Posts Drives: 2014 335Xi M Sport 6MT Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	I'd love a hitch for my 328. The BMW bike rack is hideous beyond words.
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05-20-2013, 08:15 AM	#3
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Thank's for the responses so far. Keep em coming. If they can confirm the fitment I'll post pics as soon as it's installed. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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05-20-2013, 10:42 AM	#4
ColoBlueMax What, me? worry? 3 Rep 13 Posts Drives: WRX Wagon Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Rocky Mountains iTrader: (0)	Would this hitch fit the f31 sport wagon?
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05-20-2013, 03:03 PM	#6
F30SD Private First Class 9 Rep 119 Posts Drives: Waiting on 335i MG Sportline Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I definitely want one, I like the clean look of the invisihitch but it is way too pricey. How much weight will it add? Will it be visible? Thanks.
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05-20-2013, 04:41 PM	#7
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Weight I'm not sure about, but given the general size tubing these things use and the size I'd say maybe 20-30 lbs? Yes it would be visible and sit below the bumper. But it's only a 1 1/4" receiver so it's pretty small and should fit pretty snug to the bumper. It's the tradeoff of not having to deal with a roof rack though and since it's black it's pretty obscure until you go to look for it. How far it's protruding/recessed is TBD. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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05-20-2013, 10:22 PM	#9
DangerousTacos SA at Leith BMW 58 Rep 426 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Interested in seeing this. __________________ Current: 2012 BMW E89 Z4 35is DCT, 2015 VW Jetta TDI DSG Past: 2015 BMW ///M3 F80 6MT, 2016 VW Jetta Sport 5MT, 2013 BMW F30 335i 8AT, 2012 VW Jetta, 2008 BMW E92 335i 6MT, 2007 BMW E60 550i 6AT, 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS Follow me on instagram - @DangerousTacos Service Advisor @ Leith BMW \| Raleigh, NC
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05-23-2013, 08:41 AM	#11
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Bump __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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05-23-2013, 01:00 PM	#12
DaaamnGina New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: E30 325ix, F30 335ix Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	I've been looking for a way to haul bikes as well. Definitely interested. Not sure if it will matter, but I'd be looking for a hitch on an xDrive M Sport.
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05-23-2013, 06:41 PM	#13
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	So they are currently working on welding up the first round of hitches. I was told that they typically only do a small first run, and then will wait a while to do the second one. If anyone is interested in pre-ordering one of the first batch, shoot me a PM for info. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2013, 02:17 AM	#14
Steve33 Captain 50 Rep 808 Posts Drives: 2018 SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	definitely! I cycle and wouldn't dare put one of those ugly things on my roof
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05-24-2013, 01:23 PM	#15
ynguldyn Brigadier General 7652 Rep 3,441 Posts Drives: battery powered tv on wheels Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Would love a hitch for F31 or F34 (not yet settled on what I'll get).
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05-24-2013, 02:36 PM	#17
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	PM replied. Should have more info next week after the holiday weekend, but it should be several hundred dollars cheaper than the Invisi hitch. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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05-24-2013, 02:44 PM	#18
psst Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Yes, I'm interested.
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05-24-2013, 09:46 PM	#19
slip10 New Member 6 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2013 328i X Drive M Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Interested! Please PM price and other info..
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05-25-2013, 12:19 PM	#20
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1539 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Thanks for all the replies - I'm hoping to have more details next week after the holiday weekend. I'll see what I hear back from and post then. I'll also see if there's enough interest if it's possible to do a group buy. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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05-25-2013, 09:37 PM	#21
dmk11 Private 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: '14 335i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: MI iTrader: (2)	Also interested - would like price, details & pictures.
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06-12-2013, 07:11 PM	#22
F30SD Private First Class 9 Rep 119 Posts Drives: Waiting on 335i MG Sportline Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Any update on availability? Cost?
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