A couple of feedback on installing the hitch

[JCL]

There isn't a way of knowing if it will fit, since the US hitch was never designed for the 2.0d, and it is unlikely anyone has done it.

Also, the Amazon hitch number listed is for the facelifted (LCI) X3, from 2006 onwards. BMW list a different part number for the earlier edition of the X3. Amazon advertise that this part number fits all years. You have to decide if you trust the BMW parts book, or the Amazon web administrator.

I would think that it may bolt up the same, but you would have to cut the bumper to fit around the hitch (as you do with all of them) and your bumper is likely to be different, so you may need to do it by trial and error.

Which begs the question, why not just install the Euro hitch?

[philfallout]

I'm sure the UK towbar would be a simpler job (and probably cheaper after taking shipping into account) and it's probably what I'll end up doing. The reason I'm not that keen on doing it though is in the difference between these 2 photos:

[JCL]

If I installed the UK towbar, I would do the removable one.

The X3 rear bumper changed year by year, but here is what it looked like on my 2007 X3 during installation. I cleaned up the edges a little where I made the cutout. When I use the hitch I unclip the centre piece of plastic to get full access to the wiring plug. The rest of the time it is pretty tidy.

[philfallout]

Looks good

The detachable UK one is kinda like hiding the fact you tow stuff though...I'm proud of it! Just like I leave my roofbars on permanently and the dog gate's always in the boot too. I like it functional looking.

[Paris92]

Has anyone ever put a hitch receiver on a 2010 X3? I have a hitch-mounted bike rack I would like to use. Do not need the wiring or anything other than the 2" receiver. Is this possible? Is a specula bumper adapter required?

[JCL]

I don't see why a 2010 would be any different than the 2007 we have, they are the same model. There can be slight differences with the bumper trim, as the aprons changed occasionally under the rear bumper.

Call your dealer, ask them to look up the trailer hitch kit specific to your VIN. If you want to install it yourself, there are lots of instructions posted here.