Need an OEM Trailer hitch please! 71600009711

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by wpoll

"OEM" is sometimes different in different countries - especially where local regulations apply. My tow bar was supplied by BMW NZ and fitted to the vehicle from new, by BMW NZ (at least, by the local dealer anyway).

Pictures coming...

I wasn't seriously suggesting that someone state-side buys a 'bar from NZ but I guess if they are that hard to find...

Okay this makes more sense. Wesfalia was indeed the original manufacturer in the US and Europe. Really all that matters is how the hitch attaches to the unibody of the X5. The Wesfalia had replaceable bumper frame mounts that the hitch would attach to thus distributing the weight of the hitch and trailer over the frame rails of the X5. Most of the aftermarket ones bolt directly to the rear body metal of the X5 which does not properly distribute weight and less robust than the Wesfalia hitch.

[wpoll]

"OEM" tow bar in New Zealand...

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by wpoll

"OEM" tow bar

Yeah by the 2700Kg rating (approximately 6000lbs) it would appear that this hitch is just are real/robust as the WesFalia. When you get a chance would love to see how the tow bar attaches to the X5. Even with shipping this might be the real deal enough for members in the states to order one. After all it cant be as costly as the rusted out one for $1000+ that Murad is selling on Ebay?

[wpoll]

I'll pop off the exhaust covers later and eyeball the chassis mounts but I'm 99% sure it's the same as the Westfalia...

[swissfrank]

Originally Posted by wpoll

I'll pop off the exhaust covers later and eyeball the chassis mounts but I'm 99% sure it's the same as the Westfalia...

Yes please, let us know when you do.

Thanks

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by wpoll

I'll pop off the exhaust covers later and eyeball the chassis mounts but I'm 99% sure it's the same as the Westfalia...

As promised....



Looks the same as the Westfalia mount - large square section steel tube running across rear of body with two large "diamond" shaped plates and stubs that feed in to chassis. Bumper carrier then mounts rearwards of the tow bar frame and the plastic bumper cover over that.

Hard to photograph!

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by wpoll

As promised....



Looks the same as the Westfalia mount - large square section steel tube running across rear of body with two large "diamond" shaped plates and stubs that feed in to chassis. Bumper carrier then mounts rearwards of the tow bar frame and the plastic bumper cover over that.

Hard to photograph!

Looks good. So if anyone wants an OEM hitch then they should at least inquire to the amount of shipping to get it from New Zeland. wpoll thanks for the insight and follow-up. Swissfrank order up

[swissfrank]

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is

Looks good. So if anyone wants an OEM hitch then they should at least inquire to the amount of shipping to get it from New Zeland. wpoll thanks for the insight and follow-up. Swissfrank order up

I sent an email yesterday. Still no word.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by swissfrank

I sent an email yesterday. Still no word.

Good luck

[jdd]

An interesting point I notice on the NZ unit is that its max tongue weight is listed as 120kg (265lb).
Having just purchased a second hand OEM towbar in Australia recently, it has a plate on it stating the max tongue weight is 270kg (595lb).
Both the Aus & NZ units are rated at 2.7 tonnes (5,952lb).
Assuming a rule of thumb of 10% load on the towball, this would imply the NZ unit could really only tow 1.2 tonnes (2,646lb), perhaps a little more if you reduce the 10% slightly.
Presumably this is because the NZ one is not a receiver hitch setup like the OEM Aus or US versions.
I also wonder if the NZ version has the brackets that mount up inside the chassis rails.
I'm unsure who actually makes the Aus version but the plate on it has BWM Australia written on it.