Tow-Trust Towbars
Important: Please read General Notes overleaf before fitting
Issue 8
[Wrench icon]
TBM904VK Towbar Fitting Instructions
Vehicle Compatibility:
- BMW 3 SERIES SAL 1998 – 2005
- BMW 3 SERIES TOURING EST 1999 – 2005
- BMW 3 SERIES COUPE 1999 – 2006 & CONVERTIBLE 2000 – 2007
Parts List:
| Item | Qty | Description | Item | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | Crossmember | F | 1 | Flip Up Socket Plate |
| B | 2 | Handed Bumper Brackets | G | 4 | M10 x 30 Bolts & S/P Washers Only |
| C | 1 | Detachable Housing | H | 2 | M12 x 35 Bolts, 6 Nuts & S/P Washers |
| D | 2 | Handed Boot Brackets | J | 2 | M12 x 25 Bolts & S/P Washers |
| E | 2 | Clamp Plates with Nuts | K | 4 | 10 x 25 Flat Washers |
| L | 10 | 12 x 25 Flat Washers | |||
| M | 2 | M12 x 22 Bolts & S/P Washers |
Installation Steps:
- Remove the boot covering, side trim, and battery cover.
- Remove mud flaps (if fitted). Remove the rear bumper. Remove 6 nuts on the rear panel inside the boot, 1 steel clip in each wheel arch, and 1 push-in clip in each wheel arch. Remove the central bumper strip. Remove the torx bolts securing the bumper support brackets (these are no longer required); retain the torx head bolts. Cut a slot in the lower edge as shown in the sketch. (Trim to suit).
- Locate item E through the access holes in the rear panel and over the existing holes in each chassis member. Using item G with item K, bolt item D into position.
- Using item H with item L, loosely bolt item A at the top holes only, to the existing holes in the rear panel.
- Using the existing torx head bolts, loosely bolt item B to the inner bumper shell (see sketch), using the original push-in clips, refit the inner bumper shell to the bumper.
- Using the nuts and washers provided (item H), refit the bumper through the existing holes. (Temporarily remove inner bolt G to give improved access to nut (item H)).
- Using item J with item L and item M with item L, bolt item F and item C to item A.
- Fully tighten all nuts and bolts and ensure the towbar is rigid and secure.
- Refit battery cover, side trim, and floor covering.
Diagram Description:
The diagram illustrates the Tow-Trust TBM904VK towbar assembly and its installation on a BMW 3 Series. It shows the main crossmember (A) which attaches to the vehicle's chassis via handed bumper brackets (B) and handed boot brackets (D). The detachable housing (C) and flip-up socket plate (F) are also shown. Various fasteners including bolts (G, H, J, M), nuts (E, H), and washers (K, L) are listed and depicted. A separate sketch labeled "INSIDE VIEW OF BUMPER" shows a cross-section of the vehicle's bumper, indicating a specific area (shaded) where a slot needs to be cut, with dimensions provided: 90mm, 45mm, and 215mm. The diagram also notes "TOP", "PART B", and "NOT SUPPLIED IN THIS KIT PART No. TTFP/RH".
Notes:
- 1. Recommended Torque Setting for M12 Grade 10.9: 139 Nm. (For other Torque Settings, see notes overleaf.)
- 2. Nose load limits and vehicle manufacturer's trailer / caravan weight limits must be observed.
