Folks,

I am pretty new to the X5 world, but not new to BMW's. After reading extensively about the lack of trailer hitches here in the USA, I contacted my fellow Volvo friend in Germany. He's a mechanic by night, and a computer engineer by day...anyhow...

I asked him what the options were in the EU for towing hitches in the EU, as I know their regulations are *much* more strict than ours, and there was no way that they would get away with a "draw tite" or a "curt" hitch over there.

He offered a couple options, either with a fixed ball, or a removable ball. Both are made by Thule. These hitches come with a 3500kg tow rating (7700#) and are held in by 12 bolts, in two planes, with substantial attachment to the frame.

There is not a whole lot of literature in English, but I do have a little bit, in a PDF file.

Price is 420 EUROS - plus tax and shipping. Shipping is pricey, but if we could get a few, and send a crate, it would be cheaper than just buying one.

I plan on towing with my X5 - my modified cherokee on a trailer with gear for 4 wheeling...so having a safe and secure hitch for long distance tows is of great importance to me. I will not compromise on a hitch for safety and reliability.

The hitch comes with a 50mm ball (1.96"), and in discussions with Bram, I think this is close enough to 2" that I'll not be concerned towing it with a 2" reciever. Sadly, this is the only size ball available with the kit, though you could order a 1& 7/8 ball for additonal money. This hitch is hidden, and the ball is removeable for storage.

I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, either here or off-list.

Hope this allows some of you to resolve the towing issues...

Oh, by the way - the European harness does not appear to work on US -spec vehicles. Still double-checking that, but that appears to be the information found thus far.