BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      03-11-2012, 07:10 PM   #1
pnosker
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Boat towing

I installed a hitch on my 135i several months ago but haven't had the opportunity to use it until now. Just bought a 16" 1972 Starcraft aluminum boat yesterday and towed it home. It didn't feel too bad towing it. The boat, trailer, and engine weigh ~1200-1400 lbs I would guess. Anyway, it's pretty funny watching the little 135i tow a boat that looks bigger than it is.

I will post some pictures sometime in the near future. And before you hate on me for towing a boat with my 135i: I don't care. I am a semi-poor student working on my PhD and can't afford the several thousand for pickup and insurance to tow a boat a few times a year.

Unfortunately my tow hitch came with a defective wiring harness and the tail lights don't work due to some electrical issue. I'm going to get a new harness and will put it in and hopefully get it all working.

Now I just need to learn how to do some minor boat work (the plywood floor has a 2x1 ft rectangular area of soft flooring).
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      03-11-2012, 07:20 PM   #2
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Thats pretty interesting...you'll have to post up some pict's for sure.

Just a little advice, when you launch your boat w/ a small vehicle w/ rwd, be sure you will have enough traction (especailly if on an incline) when releasing the boat/trailer into the water. I've personally seen a car roll back into a lake from lack of traction. Kinda scary...
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      03-11-2012, 10:41 PM   #3
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Yeah, I have heard of issues with that. I convinced my parents to buy a hitch for their minivan and will hopefully be able to borrow it whenever I need to launch from a steeper incline.
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      03-12-2012, 12:10 PM   #4
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Another precaution, the 135i has a short wheel base, towing something in high winds like you find in a mountain pass on the way to the lake can be exciting.
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      03-12-2012, 01:14 PM   #5
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towing a boat with my car would sketch me out so badly haha
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      03-12-2012, 02:46 PM   #6
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Interested in those pics too! I'm looking to do an enclosed trailer setup for 2-3 bikes for track days. glad to hear these cars can tow that weight fine.
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      03-12-2012, 06:50 PM   #7
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Went out to a local reservoir today. The boat was a little slow with a 9.9 HP motor and 4 people, but it was still fun. Launching is a little scary. I had to get the exhaust slightly in the water in order to get the boat to come off the trailer.

As I was leaving a local police officer pulled up and told he he couldn't believe he was watching a BMW 1 series tow a boat. I said it was kind of funny and he replied that it was hilarious. I guess it is. The boat is taller and longer than the car.
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      03-13-2012, 01:53 PM   #8
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I also had a hitch installed on my wife's 128i auto. Use it to pull a 3 seater sea-doo. Took it all over the place last summer, no problems what so ever, pulls good handles good with trailer attached and had no problems pulling a sea-doo out of water at all kinds of grassy and muddy launch ramps The only reason I did not put it on my 135i just because it's a manual and to be honest I was afraid of smoking the clutch. but honestly with the quality of the traction control on these cars you got nothing to worry about
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      03-13-2012, 06:03 PM   #9
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I have a manual and the hill assist really helps. I had no traction issues even with the rear tires in the water. Thankfully, the boat isn't very heavy and I have some very grippy tires (Michelin PSS).
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      03-15-2012, 09:16 AM   #10
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Be careful...

135 and you cant afford a beater pick-up? Toyota trucks 2nd gens going for $1000
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      03-15-2012, 09:28 AM   #11
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      03-15-2012, 09:42 AM   #12
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Amazing. it doesn't have proper cup holders, but you can tow a boat with it.
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      03-15-2012, 11:33 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dread1 View Post
Be careful...

135 and you cant afford a beater pick-up? Toyota trucks 2nd gens going for $1000
My 135i is financed (I'm working on my PhD and my stipend isn't very high) so I can't afford 2 NJ insurance policies. Also I live in New Brunswick which is a city and only have 1 parking spot on the street. I also own a 1995 318ti which I keep at my parents' house but they recently told me I have to get rid of it because they want the space. So no, I can't afford another car + insurance + a second parking spot in this city.

Especially for a boat that I will use 10 times a year.
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      03-15-2012, 11:40 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pnosker View Post
Went out to a local reservoir today. The boat was a little slow with a 9.9 HP motor and 4 people, but it was still fun. Launching is a little scary. I had to get the exhaust slightly in the water in order to get the boat to come off the trailer.

As I was leaving a local police officer pulled up and told he he couldn't believe he was watching a BMW 1 series tow a boat. I said it was kind of funny and he replied that it was hilarious. I guess it is. The boat is taller and longer than the car.
THAT IS EPIC
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      03-15-2012, 04:30 PM   #15
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Rent a truck. 135i towing anything just don't look right.
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      03-15-2012, 05:11 PM   #16
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Go ahead tow it!

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      03-15-2012, 06:58 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pnosker View Post
My 135i is financed (I'm working on my PhD and my stipend isn't very high) so I can't afford 2 NJ insurance policies. Also I live in New Brunswick which is a city and only have 1 parking spot on the street. I also own a 1995 318ti which I keep at my parents' house but they recently told me I have to get rid of it because they want the space. So no, I can't afford another car + insurance + a second parking spot in this city.

Especially for a boat that I will use 10 times a year.
Well goodluck then. Best of luck with school too
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      03-15-2012, 08:49 PM   #18
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too much power for that boat!
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      03-16-2012, 08:37 PM   #19
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BMWs are designed for the towing! I have pulled lots of stuff with my '88 535i. The E28 even has a smaller wheelbase than the E82/88.

Now you guys have just answered my question whether or not the 135i is good at towing.
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      03-19-2012, 03:09 PM   #20
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I tow my Doo with no issues. My room mate tows his 18' Seadoo Challenger with his 335xi with no issues either. We both have custom heavy duty hitches.

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      03-28-2012, 09:26 AM   #21
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Put smaller tires on the trailer - like standard 12". This will allow you to launch without backing so far into the water + real trailer tires vs. car tires will reduce the amount of trailer sway.
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      03-29-2012, 12:31 PM   #22
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LOL thats looks so crazy!!
I used to always tow the sea doo's with the 1984 volvo 240..that little turbo could tow
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