Hi everyone,

New member here. Just bought an '03 X5 4.4i a few weeks ago. Absolutely love the truck, and I'm working hard to "make it my own." I gave up an '04 325i convertible to buy it, and so far, I have no regrets.

I'm trying to resolve a very specific situation, and hope those of you with more experience will be able to help me out:

I've searched high and low for a definitive answer about installing an electric brake controller. The size and weight trailer I'm hauling requires one. I've read the two "how-to" posts here at X5World about installation, but I'm trying to find out exactly what parts are needed, how many of them are OEM, and what exactly is needed to make this work. The biggest questions are about where to connect the wiring to the unit to get proper performance.

I spoke to my local dealer (BMW Seattle) and got nowhere. I called BMW USA today, and the rep I spoke with was genuinely suprised to learn BMW doesn't offer a brake controller, and doesn't even recommend one, even though the OEM hitch installation instructions advise the installer to call BMW Service for recommendations on what to use. He had no answer when I asked why BMW would make a vehicle that is rated to tow 6000 pounds, and even provides an OEM Class III hitch, but then can't tell me the right way to install a brake controller that a large trailer would require. The trailer dealer that installed a brake controller on my previous tow vehicle told me there are a number of vehicles they won't install brake controllers on, and BMW heads that list. This has been a very frustrating search.

I've had an OEM BMW hitch installed by a reputable local company. They did a great job, but they can't install a brake controller without having the right parts, and knowing the best way to connect it. Due to the X5's brake system, a conventional connection doesn't work.

So what I'm trying to find out is what do YOU have? If you have a brake controller installed in your X5, how is it connected? What parts did you use? Was your BMW dealer involved, or was it totally after market? Has anyone made a direct installation kit with the right parts in it? Or is there a perfect "how-to" somewhere that I can provide to the installer? If not, is anyone here from the Seattle area who can refer me to an independent shop that knows how to properly install a brake controller? I want my X5 to have a long and happy life, and I really don't want to make a mess of thigns by some kind of jury-rigged installation. I need this to be done right.

Can anyone help me out? I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks very much in advance.

Dave