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Originally Posted by X5 in AK
I recently bought an OEM hitch from the dealer in Anchorage. $495 for the hitch, AND the wiring harness/module. It all came together in the same box. Any dealer that is trying to charge you extra for the wiring harness and module is pulling a fast one on you. The OEM hitch is a very high quality unit that is worth the extra couple hundred bucks over the aftermarket ones.
As far a towing with an X5, it can do it just fine, and it will not destroy your tranny and brakes if you use a little common sense. And change your tranny fluid. The reason, IMHO, that all these trannys fail is because no one is changing thier fluid. BMW is full of it trying to tell us not to touch it, all that does is wear the tranny out prematurely.
JCL is correct, the distance from the hitch to the rear axle is key, on the X5 its only a couple feet, on a pickup its about 4 feet. As the wheelbase on the X5 is only about 10 inches shorter than that of a full size regular cab pickup, it tows just fine.
Anyways, enough ranting, buy the OEM hitch and tow away! Its rated for 6500 lbs, and it will tow that just fine if the trailer is braked, and it will tow 2500-3000 lbs just fine with an unbraked trailer.
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Couple of comments:
There are two part numbers for the hitch, one with the electrics and one without. Two prices does not mean the dealer is stealing from you, it means he is selling the parts separately, possibly because he has them in stock. It is cheaper to buy the kit with the electrics, than the two separate parts.
The hitch may be rated for 6500 lbs, but the vehicle isn't. Mine is rated at 5000 lbs due to the Steptronic, and other model years are rated at 6000 lbs.
You can't tow 2500-3000 lbs without brakes. From memory, it is something like 1600 lbs. Towing more than that is asking for trouble. It is easy to determine the weight, look up the Sea Doos and see what they weigh each, then add the trailer. I am sure it is over 1600 lbs, but still any easy pull for the X5 if the trailer has brakes.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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