Where did you get the hitch from and what brand is it?

I think paying $500 for a hitch is insane! The Class IV on my Expedition cost me $200 and it could handle over 7,000 lbs.

What does carrying expensive mountain bikes have to do with overpaying for a hitch?? My bikes are worth well over $3,000 but they weigh next to nothing so who cares if it is an OEM BMW hitch?? Any regular old hitch will do the job just fine. Mind you if you are towing substantial weight buy a higher class hitch... and once again it does not matter who makes it as long as it is a quality hitch.

I also do not see how putting on an OEM hitch keeps the "integrity" of your X5. A hitch is a hitch.

My only quesion would be if the hitch fits in with the body work and you do not have to make any alterations. I assume the OEM hitch goes on with out body modification. This would be the only issue which may affect the value and the integrity of your X5.

Fits: 2002 to 2003 Bmw X5 IS
Brand: Reese Towpower
Notes: Class III/IV; Custom Fit Professional; Trailer Hitch; 7500 lb. Gross Trailer Weight/12000 lb. Weight Distributing; 750 lb. Tongue Weight/1200 lb. Weight Distributing: $168