BMW 320D G20 - Towbar error

[yasirm]

Hi Guys,

Need help please.

I recently purchased a 2021 320d G20 and the following error on the tow bar has popped up. BMW has mentioned the motor is locked because the gears are stripped, and they will need to supply the complete unit which the cost is ridiculous. When I press the button in the boot I can hear the motor running, but the tow bar does not fold in.

Has anyone had the same issue and can assist? Also, I do not really need the tow bar to be functional as I do not use it, would just like for it to be folded in as i hate the look of it sticking out.

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Mytfine]

If the car is out of plan, just remove the motor and have a look if the gears are stripped, if so im sure a replacement can be scourced on the used market.

 

[Faraaz001]

There is usually an adapter on the plug for SA trailers on the tow bar, it won't fold in until you remove this, long shot, but maybe the cause

 

[Kyle]

It's a common issue since the gears are plastic in there. These don't get used very often so the grease turns to rock and when you try to extend the towbar it damages the gears.

Only solutions would be to remove the towbar assembly and remove the coding for it or replace unfortunately. Even if you manage to get it folded back in you'll still get the error.

You mention the car was a recent purchase, was it from a dealership? Shouldn't they cover the cost?

 

[Tlhogi M]

I have my towbar out, this after getting bumper bashed twice in peak PTA CBD traffic

 

[yasirm]

I have given the vehicle back to the dealership to sort out, will see what happens.

 

[Tlhogi M]

Hi Guys,

Need help please.

I recently purchased a 2021 320d G20 and the following error on the tow bar has popped up. BMW has mentioned the motor is locked because the gears are stripped, and they will need to supply the complete unit which the cost is ridiculous. When I press the button in the boot I can hear the motor running, but the tow bar does not fold in.

Has anyone had the same issue and can assist? Also, I do not really need the tow bar to be functional as I do not use it, would just like for it to be folded in as i hate the look of it sticking out.

Any help will be appreciated.

Howsit. I have the same error message on my G20. Did you manage to sort this out?

 

[Nastaliq]

If your gears are stripped and youre never going to use it again, remove the towbar assembly and then taking it to a coding specialist for them to code it out.

You cannot just remove the mechanical bar since theres a control unit in the boot which will throw errors constantly on startup.

If you plan on using the bar, i would suggest checking scrapyards for one on a donor car (no guarantee it wont have the same issue and fit, then code). these things are connected via torx bolts to the rear chassis.

In days gone by, these towbars were manufactured by an OEM, either Westfalia or Brink.

With BMWs shit quality control, theyre probably coming from Temu with the dash and all the plastics as well as the doors (likely also Temu), since you cant lean against these cars, the aluminium is that thin.