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2021 M3P OEM Tow Bar retrofit
- Thread starter majeric
- Start date
When I first got my Y nearly a year ago I was let down by Tesla big time. They installed the tow bar and just sent it to me knowing they had not fitted the electrics properly due to chip shortages. It was only when l plugged in a trailer board to test no long before our holiday that I found out nothing worked. See post here.
Anyway the upshot is I do have a aftermarket M3 wiring kit going. It’s plug and play up to the point where you need reversing and fog lights. These need two taps into the wiring loom to pick up the signals. As it was a temporary install for me I just lived without.
As the car had been partially programmed by Tesla I did have trailer mode enabled so I could activate it manually
Anyway the upshot is I do have a aftermarket M3 wiring kit going. It’s plug and play up to the point where you need reversing and fog lights. These need two taps into the wiring loom to pick up the signals. As it was a temporary install for me I just lived without.
As the car had been partially programmed by Tesla I did have trailer mode enabled so I could activate it manually
The chip shortage was the reason that I never got the towbar that I ordered for my M3....I’ve been contemplating retrofitting for a while and this is the most complete thread I’ve read on the subject.... and to be honest is far too scary for me
I’ve fitted a few two bars over the years, even to my Previous car, Skoda Kodiaq. If the car is new then stripping things down in a garage or a nice summer day is fine. The problem is the electrics, no sorry, the software recoding. I had to hunt around a number of dealers until I found one. And it was a big and slow download to correctly enable the car.
I’d guess that on the Tesla it will be a lot simpler as the software integration is so much better. Probably as simple as logging on to a web portal a clicking a couple of check boxes but it will be strictly protected so you will have to find a friendly dealer/ranger if you want the features tow mode brings.
I’d guess that on the Tesla it will be a lot simpler as the software integration is so much better. Probably as simple as logging on to a web portal a clicking a couple of check boxes but it will be strictly protected so you will have to find a friendly dealer/ranger if you want the features tow mode brings.
Cardo
Active Member
I would recommend this route so you have the option of towing and you don’t run the risk of upsetting Tesla if a warranty claim were required.
It’s actually not that scary at all.The chip shortage was the reason that I never got the towbar that I ordered for my M3....I’ve been contemplating retrofitting for a while and this is the most complete thread I’ve read on the subject.... and to be honest is far too scary for me
Once I have all the parts, I’ll list them/photograph the how to.
The hardest part is taking the rear bumper off.
If you can manage that, the rest is pretty simple. You’ll need a torque wrench for the bolts. That’s the only “specialist” tool you’ll need.
It’s exactly that, finding a “nice” ranger to turn on trailer mode. But to be honest, I can probably live without it if it can’t be done.
Another update - Tesla came back with prices etc and they are all available.
Having to buy a new undertray with the tow cut out (£126) and the tow panel cover (need a price still).
The lady at Tesla did say that she's noticed that all the parts for for towing, and just confirming with me that my M3P can't be used for towing. I said that its only for carrying bikes.....her responsed made me smile - "oh! Carry on then! So much better than the roof rack option! Just dont tow anything!
TBH - it does make me wonder why anyone would really go to a breakers (ebay) to get bits. e.g. the undertray, brand new from Tesla is cheaper than ebay (used/clips busted/scratched).
Looking at early May to get the tow bar fitted now......
Having to buy a new undertray with the tow cut out (£126) and the tow panel cover (need a price still).
The lady at Tesla did say that she's noticed that all the parts for for towing, and just confirming with me that my M3P can't be used for towing. I said that its only for carrying bikes.....her responsed made me smile - "oh! Carry on then! So much better than the roof rack option! Just dont tow anything!
TBH - it does make me wonder why anyone would really go to a breakers (ebay) to get bits. e.g. the undertray, brand new from Tesla is cheaper than ebay (used/clips busted/scratched).
Looking at early May to get the tow bar fitted now......
Cardo
Active Member
The tow cover comes to about £9. No need for the extra fasteners as it comes with them.
I bought an extra one to cut out so I can use it with the tow bar in place.
Update from me - Total spent so far: £386.71.
Bits I've got already.
Tow Cross Bar (used) - £90
Tesla Bag and Tow Swan Neck (new) - £90
Final list of bits i've bought from Tesla directly - will be availble to collect this friday.
Installation will be mid May
Bits I've got already.
Tow Cross Bar (used) - £90
Tesla Bag and Tow Swan Neck (new) - £90
Final list of bits i've bought from Tesla directly - will be availble to collect this friday.
| Part Name | Quantity | Price | |
| ASY, TRAILER ECU, | 1112581-00-A x1 | 1 | £ 30.63 |
| NUT HF M10 PC10. | 1047337-00-A x6 | 6 | £ 2.40 |
| ASY,HARN,TRAILER JUMPER | 1446560-02-A x1 | 1 | £ 25.38 |
| NUT HF M6X1 0 10 PTM ZNNI | 1116066-00-A x1 | 1 | £ 0.03 |
| NUT HF M5-0 8 10 G1009 B | 1453854-00-A x3 | 3 | £ 0.06 |
| BOLT SO M5-0 8X27 88 G1009 B MAT ADH | 1495257-00-A x6 | 6 | £ 1.26 |
| Undertray | 1135410-00-A x1 | 1 | £ 105.00 |
| Undertray Tow Cover Panel | 1135412-00-A x1 | 1 | £ 7.50 |
| Total including 20% VAT | £ 206.71 |
Installation will be mid May
sounding awesome, glad you are going where no M3 has gone before!
Just wanted to chime in, as a proud M3 P- with tow owner, don't bother with the software recoding. All it does is disable the USS on the back and disable autopilot*. Given sitting in the slow lane at 60** is -exactly- the time I would want Autopilot, I disable tow mode all the time. Just gives you WINGS OF FURY on the dash as it thinks something is chasing you really closely.
* actually, it may have some smarts to detect blown bulbs/bad connections etc. But that also isn't worth the loss of AP on a long slow journey.
** approximately
Just wanted to chime in, as a proud M3 P- with tow owner, don't bother with the software recoding. All it does is disable the USS on the back and disable autopilot*. Given sitting in the slow lane at 60** is -exactly- the time I would want Autopilot, I disable tow mode all the time. Just gives you WINGS OF FURY on the dash as it thinks something is chasing you really closely.
* actually, it may have some smarts to detect blown bulbs/bad connections etc. But that also isn't worth the loss of AP on a long slow journey.
** approximately
so, my biggest worry as that the tow module plug was missing - but no way to know unless you take the bumper off. I ended up buying an ESC tow bar wiring kit just in case.
Today was the day....bumper off, plug was there!!! WOHOO!!!!! Added bonus.......no coding required - the dash shows the trailer icon
Today was the day....bumper off, plug was there!!! WOHOO!!!!! Added bonus.......no coding required - the dash shows the trailer icon
Did your M3P come with tow from factory or did you fit it afterwards......just curious....
