Quote:
Originally Posted by davintosh
Some of the aftermarket kits I've seen attach to both the unibody and the rear subframe, which seems like a Really Bad Idea™. If you buy the UHaul kit, make sure it's not one of those.
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The BMW kit includes inserts for the longitudinal sections of the rear unibody that replace the collapsible bumper struts, in order to properly transfer the load. The aftermarket kits generally attach just to the sheet metal, and some have twisted off and damaged the vehicle pan. They have no strength to counteract the bending moment, and the receiver ends up pointing downwards if the attachment point fails.
If I had an aftermarket hitch, I would want one with the longitudinal strut that was added in to resist that bending moment. It doesn't look as good (because it hangs down low), but it will prevent damage to the rear pan. It runs forward to the rear subframe. It wouldn't be my first choice for a hitch, but it would be stronger with that strut than without it if it wasn't an OE design. And if there are no OE hitches available, the OP may have no other option.
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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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