Q4 M3 deliveries with Tow Bar - problems?

[BatteryPowered]

I'm in the same boat. Had the car delivered without a tow bar. The electronics, fitting, and 'tow mode' are all on the car, but the actual tow bar wasn't with the car when it was delivered. I did a service appointment through the app, and that was swiftly followed by a phone call from someone telling me that all the tow bars had been removed in Southampton because they were the 'wrong size'. He suggested that it'd probably be late January or early February before a replacement would be sent out to me.

 

[BlueM3SR]

Had a similar response from Tesla as you one day before my appointment was booked. They said they will get back to me 'early 2022' as they are waiting for a new batch of tow bar to be shipped.

 

[TallPaul]

Tesla not replied to my latest email asking for update, chasing chasing…

 

[BatteryPowered]

Tesla not replied to my latest email asking for update, chasing chasing…

Did you get anywhere with them? I wonder why they suddenly started removing the tow hitches in Q4, but nothing public about Q3 cars having a problem.

 

[JonB]

Pre-emptive recall of the hitch. They have probably gone back to Westfalia or Witter to be checked over. I would not expect to see them returned until early Feb, which is a proper bummer. I did ask Gatwick SC about it, and the tech didn't know but surmised we would start to see them arrive in the post at some point.

Now the scary thing is, it was in my boot when I inspected the car. Only removed after I asked the rep if it was covered by the recall. Good job I did. I mean, imagine if it came loose while towing a trailer? Disaster.

On the other hand - they may have pulled the hitches because there is a suspected issue with the bar itself, and this is just a convenient way of preventing its use. Considering who makes the removable hitch, it does seem unlikely there is a problem... but it's conjecture at this point; we are going to have to be patient.

 

[TallPaul]

Still waiting here, one reply from Tesla it will be posted and that’s it no replies since.

Need to go back and read terms of the contract, I paid for it and they haven’t supplied it…

 

[BlueM3SR]

I've called them and they gave me the textbook answer 'We have a supplier issue regarding the tow bar and don't have any in stock at the moment. We will let you know as soon as we get some back in stock.'

 

[Rustybkts]

I also have the sub-frame and the 13pin electrical connection, its all well tucked away so good for not catchng it on something but not soo good for crawling in a puddle to connect it!

I've had mine for two years now and its paid for itself many times over for hauling loads in my trailer but the 13 pin plug is a bugger to plug/unplug as my trailer has the old type plug with an adapter. Can anyone here let me know if a 13 pin plug on its own is easier to plug/unplug?
The tow hitch is held in place by ball bearings and I understand a spring loaded tapered shaft behind them that keeps them extended (simplified description).
It looks too simple to work but once you hear the "clunk" when fitting it, it is solid. Knowing it is supplied by Westphalia does give some confidence.

BTW, I note that the MY tow bar and plug stick straight out the rear of the bumper according to pics I have seen. Much easier to install/remove both parts but does that mean the ball bearings are holding the tow hitch against the pull of the trailer rather than the weight of the trailer on the tow ball.
Does it matter?

 

[TallPaul]

The Westfalia one on the M3 reminds me of the removable on the Discovery 3 - which are rated to 3.5T I am pretty sure the 1T M3 is no problem.

13 pin plugs are pretty easy to 1/4 turn to lock in place, the fiddly bit can be holding the socket sprung cap out of the way in my experience which given the location could be a M3 headache.

As I don't have a towbar still I have not tried to attach the plug yet!

 

[JonB]

Yeah, 13 pin much easier to insert/remove even with an adapter (as I have on my trailer). The design of the pins / socket means there is less force needed to insert/remove and the twisting action does it anyway. It's a much better design than the old system IMHO.

 

[Rustybkts]

Yeah, 13 pin much easier to insert/remove even with an adapter (as I have on my trailer). The design of the pins / socket means there is less force needed to insert/remove and the twisting action does it anyway. It's a much better design than the old system IMHO.

But have you tried inserting/removing the 13 pin plug on an M3?
Its underneath the already low car and deep inside the bumper with little room around it. You have to bend your wrist around 90 degrees to twist the collar whilst lying on the floor. Not easy at all with an adapter and old style plug and I am considering swapping it for the correct plug.

 

[JonB]

Well no, not yet, as Tesla have still not supplied the tow hook I paid for six weeks ago!

 

[TallPaul]

Still waiting, still no update from Tesla…

 

[BatteryPowered]

Still waiting, still no update from Tesla…

Waiting here too. I'm a lease customer and I'm tempted to ring up Lex Autolease. The tow bar wasn't a cheap option and I ordered it because I need one. My generosity on paying for something I can't use is beginning to wear thin.

 

[TallPaul]

Sounds like another month to wait…

 

[BlueM3SR]

Sent them an email today to chase up on an update - haven't heard back yet (not sure if I ever will)

 

[otherslackjaw]

My towbar equipped car is due in mid March... it better come with the bloody towbar! If not then we'll have to rename this thread..

 

[kshar]

My towbar equipped car is due in mid March... it better come with the bloody towbar! If not then we'll have to rename this thread..

I got towbar with mine. Collected on 11th Feb.

 

[otherslackjaw]

I got towbar with mine. Collected on 11th Feb.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[TallPaul]

I have appointment in mid March for mobile service to bring the tow bar… let’s see if it arrives!
3 months without bike carrier - not really great service