I got some replies mentioning a change in the structural integrity by using the non-OEM hitches. I applaud all the "purists" who will remove their OEM hitches as not to distort the weight distribution of their X5s when not towing. As to all of you who leave their hitches on when not towing, that's your decision to be lazy and carry that extra weight, technically distorting the original design of the stock vehicle. There's even some who foolish enough to say it improves the structural integrity, without any evidence or testing. Some of you will say there's an implied safety issue having the non-OEM hitch. My reply, because my non-OEM hitch is EASILY uninstalled within minutes, it's a non-issue. I drive around daily without a hitch, whereas some of you "purists" leave the OEM hitch on because its too much a hassle to take off. 'Nuff said. It's dead.