A couple of feedback on installing the hitch

philfallout · #1 09-11-2011, 04:14 AM

Okay, so It seems I may be able to fit the US style tow hitch with the UK wiring (thanks for all the help, on this and other threads). After searching through the US versions of BMW, Amazon and Ebay it seems all the BMW X3 hitches are listed as 2005 - 2010, but this must be a mistake?

e.g. Amazon.com: BMW Trailer Hitch Kit-Class 2 Trailer Hitch - Class 2 - X3 SAV 2005-2010: Automotive

On realoem it lists the same part number for the Dec 04 X3 3.0i, Dec 05 X3 3.0i and Dec 06 X3 3.0i So...does anyone know will the one listed above fit my Dec 04 2.0d?

JCL · #2 09-11-2011, 01:39 PM

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 · #3 09-12-2011, 11:14 AM

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 · #4 09-12-2011, 05:29 PM

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 · #5 09-12-2011, 05:40 PM

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.