So the oem uses a special hitch? Kinda glad the universal three ball hitch from my old 06 f150 fits the aftermarket hitch on my x5 lol. I pull my 2015 21' sea skiff just fine with the 3.0 x5.

On a side note are the aftermarket hitches worth anything? An 03 popped up at the upull recently with an aftermarket hitch and light pack and im wondering if its worth it to pull everything off and toss on ebay?

The hitch is definitely diff than the oem. it mounts to the bumper support and looks like it loops down and bolts to the back axle support? From a glance? The people that installed it also went and tapped in on the passenger side light vs what I did by tapping into the driver side light for most connections....though I see why in hind sight as theres nice beefy power wires in the passenger loom they tspped for the main light control box feed.

I just dont want to pay $50 for everything and it be $50 shipping when a new unit is $125 lol

Edit: after looking they sell new for $189. meh.