Westfalia Tow Bar Installation and Operating Instructions

Product Overview

This document provides detailed installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia tow bar, specifically designed for the BMW 3 Series (E90 / E91) Saloon, Touring, and Coupe models. It outlines the necessary steps, safety precautions, and technical specifications required for proper fitting and use.

Manufacturer: Westfalia-Automotive GmbH

Address: Am Sandberg 45, D-33378 Rheda-Wiedenbrück

Technical Specifications and Approvals

The tow bar is identified by the following:

• Part Number: 303 428 600 001
• Vehicle Compatibility: BMW 3 Series (E90 / E91) Saloon / Touring / Coupe
• Approval Number: e11 00 00-7347
• Tow Bar Type: 303 428
• Coupling Class: A50-X
• D-Value: 9.23 kN
• Vertical Load (S): 75 kg

The D-value is calculated based on the vehicle's gross weight (T) and maximum towing capacity (C) according to EU Directive 94/20, using the formula: D = (T x C) / (T + C) x 0.00981 kN.

General Installation and Safety Guidelines

Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for safe and compliant installation:

• Regulatory Compliance: National guidelines concerning the approval of auxiliary equipment must be observed.
• Prohibited Modifications: Any alterations or modifications to the tow bar are strictly prohibited and will void the operating license.
• Vehicle Preparation: Remove any insulating material or underbody protection from the vehicle's contact surfaces where the tow bar will be mounted.
• Intended Use: The tow bar is designed for towing trailers and carrying loads. Use for any other purpose is prohibited.
• Professional Installation: This tow bar is a safety-critical component and must be installed exclusively by qualified companies. Incorrect installation poses a serious risk of accidents. The German text of these instructions is binding.
• Parking Assistance Systems: If your vehicle is equipped with a parking assistance system, malfunctions may occur after tow bar installation if parts of the tow bar (e.g., ball bar, coupling ball) are within the sensor's detection range. In such cases, the sensing range should be adjusted, or the parking assistance system deactivated. This is less likely to occur with removable or pivoting ball tow bars when the ball is not in the operating position.
• Weight Limits: Ensure that the vehicle's permissible gross weight and maximum towing capacity are not exceeded. Refer to the vehicle's registration documents for specific limits.
• Clearance Requirements: The installation must ensure the clearance specified in Appendix VII, Diagram 30 of EU Directive 94/20/EC is maintained. This includes specific angular and dimensional clearances for the tow ball and related components.

Note on Complaints: If you encounter any issues, please contact your contract partner directly and provide the charge number found on the type plate. Complaints cannot be processed without this information.

Installation Steps

The following steps describe the visual installation process:

1. Step 1: View of the rear of the BMW 3 Series vehicle. An arrow indicates access to the rear bumper area for installation.
2. Step 2: View of the underside of the vehicle's rear, showing the chassis mounting points where the tow bar will be attached. Exhaust pipes are visible.
3. Step 3: Diagram illustrating the tow bar component. Dimensions of 100mm and 35mm are indicated, suggesting specific measurement points or cut-outs required on the vehicle. An arrow shows the direction of fitting the component.
4. Step 4: The tow bar (labeled '1') is shown being positioned and aligned with the vehicle's chassis mounting points.
5. Step 5: The tow bar (labeled '1') is shown being attached and secured to the chassis.
6. Step 6: The final tightening of the M12 bolts is depicted. The required torque is specified as 139 Nm, indicated by a wrench symbol and the value.
7. Step 7: Final view of the rear of the vehicle with the tow bar fully installed.

Declaration of Correct Installation

The manufacturer's declaration confirms that the tow bar type has been installed correctly, adhering to the attachment points and specifications provided by the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle owner must be informed about the proper use and maintenance of the tow bar.