Westfalia Detachable Tow Bar
Installation and Operating Instructions
This document provides instructions for the installation and operation of a Westfalia detachable tow bar system, specifically for the BMW X3 (E83) model from 2004 onwards.
The document is multilingual, with instructions provided in German, Czech, Danish, Spanish, French, Finnish, English, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian, Dutch, Polish, Russian, and Swedish. The primary language for this HTML conversion is English.
Product Identification and Specifications
Part Numbers: 303 189 600 001, 303 304 600 001, 14-38 (SIARR)
Vehicle Compatibility: BMW X3 (E83) 2004-
Approval Number: e13*00*1656
Technical Specifications:
- Type: A50-X
- D-Value: 12.64 kN
- Vertical Load (S): 100 kg
- Coupling Class: A50-X
Diagram Description (Page 1): An overview showing the Westfalia tow bar assembly, its part numbers, approval information, and the compatible vehicle model (BMW X3 E83 2004-).
Installation Components
Diagram Description (Page 2): Illustrates the components required for installation, including quantities: 1x receiver, 1x ball bar, 2x locking balls, 1x release ball, 1x release lever, 1x handwheel, 1x cover, 1x key, 1x plug. Specific part numbers for some components are also shown (e.g., 903 189 601 005, 903 078 630 121).
General Safety and Compliance
Important Warnings:
- National guidelines concerning official approval of auxiliaries must be observed.
- Any alteration or modification of the towing hitch is prohibited and voids the operating licence.
- Remove insulating compound and underbody coating from the vehicle in the area of the contact surface of the trailer hitch.
- The trailer hitch is intended for towing trailers and carrying loads only. Other uses are prohibited.
- Vehicles with parking assist systems may experience malfunctions after hitch installation if parts (bar or ball) are within the sensor range. Adjust sensing range or disable parking assist if necessary.
- The trailer hitch is a safety-critical part and must only be fitted by qualified companies. Improper assembly can result in serious accident hazards.
- The German text of this instruction is binding.
Diagram Description (Page 10): Illustrates clearance requirements according to Appendix 7, Figures 25a and 25b of Directive 94/20/EG, and notes that these must be ensured relative to the vehicle's gross weight.
Installation Procedure
Diagram Description (Pages 8-9): Step-by-step visual guide for installation. This includes removing the vehicle's rear bumper, mounting the tow bar bracket to the vehicle's chassis, and securing it with bolts (e.g., M12 bolts tightened to 65 Nm).
Mounting the Detachable Ball Bar:
- Remove the plug from the receiver tube.
- Ensure the ball bar is in the unlocked position (indicated by a gap between the handwheel and ball bar, and specific marking alignment). If it is in the locked position, pre-tension the mechanism by turning the handwheel.
- Insert the ball bar into the receiver tube from below and push upwards. The locking mechanism engages automatically. Keep hands away from the handwheel as it rotates during locking.
- Close the lock and always remove the key. Press the cover onto the lock.
Diagram Description (Pages 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40): Detailed illustrations of the detachable ball bar mechanism, showing the locked (ready for use) and unlocked (removed) positions. These diagrams highlight the green and red markings on the handwheel and ball bar, the gap (or lack thereof), and the locking balls.
Operation and Dismounting
Pre-Ride Checks: Before each journey, verify:
- Green marking on handwheel aligns with green marking on ball bar.
- Handwheel rests against ball bar (no gap).
- Lock is closed and key is withdrawn; handwheel cannot be pulled out.
- Ball bar is fully inserted and tight in the receiver tube (check by shaking).
If any check fails, repeat the installation or do not use the device. Contact the manufacturer.
Dismounting the Ball Bar:
- Hold the ball bar firmly.
- Pull the handwheel out (arrow a) and turn it to the limit stop (arrow b) to unlock.
- Remove the ball bar from the receiver tube. The handwheel will then automatically engage in the unlocked position.
- Store the ball bar safely in the vehicle's boot, protected from dirt.
- Insert the plug into the receiver tube.
Important Notes for Operation:
- Never unlock when a trailer or load carrier is attached.
- When driving without a trailer or load carrier, always remove the ball bar and insert the plug into the receiver tube. This is crucial if the ball obstructs the view of the license plate or lights.
Maintenance and Care
- Repairs and dismantling of the detachable ball bar must only be carried out by the manufacturer.
- Attach the provided information plate to the vehicle in a visible location near the receiver or inside the boot.
- Keep the ball bar and receiver tube clean for proper operation.
- Regularly service the mechanical parts. Treat the lock only with graphite.
- Lubricate bearing points, friction surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil. This also provides corrosion protection.
- When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure washer, remove the ball bar and insert the plug. Do not clean the ball bar with a steam cleaner.
Important Information
The detachable ball bar comes with 2 keys. Please note and keep the key number (????) for future reordering.
Weight Limits
Diagram Description (Page 7): Shows weight limits for accessories, such as a maximum of 60kg or 30kg for bicycle carriers.