Thanks for the tip. Assuming my CA is misinformed and it can be done, the price that Jon Shafer posted on Bimmerfest for the "port installed" trailer hitch is $1024. I paid $1100. I'm not going to get worked up over $76 on a $68,000 vehicle. Have a good one.
X5 Port-Install Accessory Program - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums