Wow, I assumed the hitch bolted to the strong structural box section piece at the rear of the car, that was held to the body in something like 12 places. Not that I had to remove that rigid structure, leaving just the sheet steel body pressing, and bolt my hitch on in it's place using only 8 of the bolts! Doh!

Hmm.. I see more why these are not recommended for towing! Ha!

But thanks guys (particularly dkl!) I had pretty much started putting everything back together.. I Shall have another go tomorrow evening..

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2000/12 BMW X5 3.0L
1989/12 BMW 325ic
2000 BMW E39 528i