X3 And Trailer Hitch Electric Brakes Wiring

[JCL]

Per the installation instructions, you need to cut the inner plastic piece (the white or silver one) to clear the receiver. Is that the part you are asking about?

If so, see step #39 in the DIY instructions posted here. The diffuser is different on the 2006, but the inner bumper looks identical to my 2007 model.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/...h-2006-x3.html

The attachment is a snip from the factory instructions, which are attached to the above article (at the end).

The outer clip-in piece (diffuser) needed cutting on mine, to fit around the receiver snugly, but you may have purchased a piece that is already cut, I am not sure. See my posts for photos of what mine looked like when it was trimmed to fit.

[mhouck]

Originally Posted by JCL

Per the installation instructions, you need to cut the inner plastic piece (the white or silver one) to clear the receiver. Is that the part you are asking about?

If so, see step #39 in the DIY instructions posted here. The diffuser is different on the 2006, but the inner bumper looks identical to my 2007 model.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/...h-2006-x3.html

The attachment is a snip from the factory instructions, which are attached to the above article (at the end).

The outer clip-in piece (diffuser) needed cutting on mine, to fit around the receiver snugly, but you may have purchased a piece that is already cut, I am not sure. See my posts for photos of what mine looked like when it was trimmed to fit.

Thanks for this.
Yes, I bought the diffuser with the pre-cut piece and bypassed this step as I thought the opening (on the bumper) would accommodate the receiver and wiring connection plate.
I guess I have to widen the current cutout as per the instruction. I see the drawing shows a small horizontal piece left, which I will try and leave.
(I have to say BMW really missed the boat on this one....Why bother having a piece already cut out on the bumper if one has to widen it??)

[JCL]

Originally Posted by mhouck

I have to say BMW really missed the boat on this one....Why bother having a piece already cut out on the bumper if one has to widen it??

The vehicle was designed and built in Europe, where they use a standard swan-neck hitch arrangment (not a receiver). I bet you the Euro hitch fits without cutting.

[Kuddel]

Yes you have to cut out Bumper also, its clearly marked from the back , just go along the lines.

good look Kuddel

[mhouck]

Originally Posted by JCL

The vehicle was designed and built in Europe, where they use a standard swan-neck hitch arrangment (not a receiver). I bet you the Euro hitch fits without cutting.

Correct. From any picture I have seen on the Web, there is no cutting necessary at all for a Euro hitch (swan neck). That is the part I do not get. If BMW is going to precut the bumper (as shown in my photo) then why wouldn't they make it accomodate the OEM hitch they sell?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by mhouck

Correct. From any picture I have seen on the Web, there is no cutting necessary at all for a Euro hitch (swan neck). That is the part I do not get. If BMW is going to precut the bumper (as shown in my photo) then why wouldn't they make it accomodate the OEM hitch they sell?

I was suggesting that it is precut for the swan neck hitch. BMW in Europe know very little about the receiver hitch. That is a part that is sourced by BMWNA, a marketing organization department in the US. It isn't OEM in the sense that BMW design or make it, it is simply sourced from a local fabricator and supplied to US dealers for installation. The guys that designed the bumper aren't in that loop. My installation instructions showed a picture of the swan neck hitch. I suspect that engineering would have reviewed the attachment method, but would not go so far as to modify the vehicle.

All supposition, but based on similar experiences with other manufacturers.

[mhouck]

Originally Posted by JCL

I was suggesting that it is precut for the swan neck hitch. BMW in Europe know very little about the receiver hitch. That is a part that is sourced by BMWNA, a marketing organization department in the US. It isn't OEM in the sense that BMW design or make it, it is simply sourced from a local fabricator and supplied to US dealers for installation. The guys that designed the bumper aren't in that loop. My installation instructions showed a picture of the swan neck hitch. I suspect that engineering would have reviewed the attachment method, but would not go so far as to modify the vehicle.

All supposition, but based on similar experiences with other manufacturers.

Good information and I would suppose you are bang on, given the combination of hitches BMW could see on this vehicle.
I see Westfalia even make a hitch for this...

[mhouck]

Originally Posted by mhouck

Good information and I would suppose you are bang on, given the combination of hitches BMW could see on this vehicle.
I see Westfalia even make a hitch for this...

OK, took the dremel to the Bumper and trimmed it up very nicely. Looks good.
Now trying to finesse the Bumper on but do not want to force anything.
Getting the sides in seems tricky. When I popped them off (very carefully) I thought to myself "these are going to be a treat reinstalling" and I was right.
Is there much force necessary to pop them back in or am I missing something? Tried a bit of Windex to lubricate but to no avail...
Really appreciate the help BTW. Forum has been great!

[JCL]

No force was required with mine, it just required carefully lining it up before sliding it in (one person on each side).

You mention Westfalia; Westfalia American Hitch in SC are/were one of the local suppliers I referenced, and they made my OEM X5 hitch.

[mhouck]

Originally Posted by JCL

No force was required with mine, it just required carefully lining it up before sliding it in (one person on each side).

You mention Westfalia; Westfalia American Hitch in SC are/were one of the local suppliers I referenced, and they made my OEM X5 hitch.

So you slide it back in along the channel rather than push it back in from the side like I am showing in my photo?
Thx