BMW 1 Series Towbars

All you need to know about towbars for BMW 1 Series

BMW first introduced the 1 Series into their range in 2004. The BMW 1 Series is available as a Convertible, Coupe, or Hatchback. So you know you are installing the right towbar on your BMW 1 Series, we have looked at towing capacity, electrical kits, bumper cuts and more for each variation of BMW 1 Series below.

BMW 1 Series Hatchback Towbars

The BMW 1 Series Hatchback was first released in 2004. To determine which variant of BMW 1 Series you have, check your vehicle logbook. This will ensure you purchase the correct towbar.

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BMW 1 Series Hatchback Nose Weight

Hatchback models made between 2004 and 2012 have a minimum nose weight of 75 kg and a maximum nose weight of 75 kg, between 2007 and 2012 have a minimum nose weight of 75 kg and a maximum nose weight of 75 kg, between 2011 and 2014 have a minimum nose weight of 75 kg and a maximum nose weight of 75 kg, between 2012 and 2014 have a minimum nose weight of 75 kg and a maximum nose weight of 75 kg, between 2014 and 2019 have a minimum nose weight of 75 kg and a maximum nose weight of 75 kg.

What does nose weight mean?

Nose weight is the force on the towball when a caravan or trailer is attached. Every towbar for every vehicle will have a specific nose weight for that vehicle which can differ between the age of the vehicle and the variation of the model. It is crucial that you don’t exceed the nose weight set on the towbar as this is dangerous and can decrease stability when towing.

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BMW 1 Series Hatchback Electric Kits

Electrical kits connect the electrics in your Hatchback to the electrics on your trailer, bike rack or caravan so your lights are still visible.

Electric kits for BMW 1 Series Hatchback

We would always recommend having a dedicated electrics kit installed, where possible. This syncs with modern computer functions of your Hatchback, like ABS and trailer stability, rather than just basic lighting.

Why is a dedicated kit important? Well, not only does it work with the specific features of your vehicle, but it also protects the warranty of your Hatchback and works with any enhanced safety features you may have.

Of course, you can choose between a dedicated kit or a universal kit, and we do offer both, but a universal electrical kit can affect your manufacturer warranty and you might also need to install a bypass relay.

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BMW 1 Series Hatchback Software Update

We will alert you as to whether your Hatchback requires a software update when you choose your towbar electrics kit.

Does my vehicle need a software update?

Sometimes your vehicle may need a software update to accommodate your new dedicated electrical kit. This is so all of the latest computer features in your Hatchback can accurately co-ordinate with your towbar electrics.

Software updates can take place at your local BMW dealership when your vehicle is in for service. Or, this can sometimes be updated at your local garage when you arrange towbar fitting through WebFit.

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BMW 1 Series Hatchback Bumper Cuts

Hatchback models made between 2004 and 2012 will require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted, between 2007 and 2012 will require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted, between 2011 and 2014 will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted, between 2012 and 2014 will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted, between 2014 and 2019 will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted.

Does my vehicle need a bumper cut?

Some towbar styles might require a bumper cut in order to be fitted to your vehicle. But, this is improving and newer vehicles are less likely to require a bumper cut due to better towbar designs.

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BMW 1 Series Hatchback Towing Capacity

Hatchback models made between 2004 and 2012 have a towing capacity of 1200 kg to 1200 kg, between 2007 and 2012 have a towing capacity of 1200 kg to 1200 kg, between 2011 and 2014 have a towing capacity of 1200 kg to 1200 kg, between 2012 and 2014 have a towing capacity of 1200 kg to 1200 kg, between 2014 and 2019 have a towing capacity of 1200 kg to 1200 kg.

Be sure to check the EXACT towing capacity of your vehicle before towing on your VIN plate.

What is towing capacity?

Towing capacity is the weight that your Hatchback is capable of towing safely, but it can vary even across the same model of car. It is important to note that the capacity of the towbar and the towing capacity of the Hatchback may differ, so you should always go by the specific towing weight of your vehicle, indicated above.

To find specific details for your BMW 1 Series, select your vehicle below.

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