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Ron Stygar Carl Buckland Dale Beuning Forums Help
From digest.v7.n1286 Wed Mar 11 21:57:42 1998 Craig wrote:
> WOW, U-haul did this? Pretty exceptional. And if I understand you The receiver hitch opening is exposed just below the rear factory aero skirt. The trailer equipment suppliers sell a fancy plug to cover up the opening when the hitch is not in use (receiver mount removed). I should point out that the leading edge of the aero skirt has a slight interference fit with the hitch mounting support. This caused the very center of the leading edge to flair down slightly (~1/8" - 1/4") in the center of the skirt. Originally, I was going to trim the leading edge back slightly in a 1-1/2" wide center section of the skirt, probably 1/8" would do, but it's hardly noticable so I didn't bother. I believe the same hitch is also spec'd out for the E36 318, 325, and 328 models. On the M3, the rear aero skirt must be removed to install the hitch. It's very simple, a couple screws, plastic rivits, and snap locks are all that hold it in place; it will pop off with a good yank once the fasteners are removed (ps; if your car has any significant mileage, it's very dirty under there). The hitch itself mounts to the spare-tire well bottom and rear side sheet metal. Just center & align the hitch, then drill the holes. Once the holes are drilled there are load spreading plates that mount on the inside of the spare tire well, the bolts sandwich everything in place. I think the total cost from U-Haul, including mechanical and electrical installation, was ~$170 (~1-1/2 years ago). The hitch, with receiver mount & ball, cost $130, so you could save a few bucks if you're inclined to install it all yourself. Mark Sipe |
