when I first got my new X5D in 2012, I need a hitch install. checked all my local stealership, none of them really wants to do it. gave me the turn around, so I checked a place called Rack N Road. they do hitches and rack for all cars/tracks. when I dropped by the shop, they got an 2010 X5 really to install a hitch. The owner was cool and I asked for his number to check how his new hitch install. After a few weeks, I called him. he told me no issue and he uses it daily on a trailer. so I went back to Rack N road and got mine install.
Here are mine findings:
the aftermarket hitch is a replacement of the stock rear reinforcement bumper
Hitch sits lower than stock
no bumper cutting (when I did this, my X5D was new. did not want to cut my new ride)
they hacked the wires in (Not sure how, but it works fine) the only bad thing I can think of its when I need to reverse with a trailer. The parking sensor go off. since I do not use my hitch very often, I just live with it.