2003 X5 BMW - time for a trailer hitch

Meestahbig · #1 05-02-2018, 02:30 PM

always wanted one - I guess why not now. Can someone point me to the details of how to make this happen? Can I get one from a junk yard on the cheap??? thanks.

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Meestahbig · #2 05-02-2018, 02:32 PM

I did see this - 54 steps... seems like a lot of effort.

https://xoutpost.com/articles/x5/mis...tion-tips.html

mike325ci · #3 05-02-2018, 02:39 PM

The installation is not the hard part, if you're generally mechanically inclined and have worked on cars before.

The hardest is sourcing the parts for it (assmuing you are going with the OEM BMW / westfalia hitch). If you buy it off someone or a parts car, make sure it is as complete as possible: wiring harness, ecu, bolts, bumper bar, etc. If not, you will have to source or create separately. Generally the full kit sells for $500-800 in the used market but doesn't come up that often. You have to find parts cars and make sure they take off all the parts needed for the conversion/install...

Took me over a year to find mine, and even so it didn't come with the euro bumper bar so I ended up cutting out my stock us one, that being the only part missing. I occasionally tow my race car with a uhaul trailer, solid setup.

Good luck.

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Meestahbig · #4 05-02-2018, 02:45 PM

thanks for that information. Makes sense...

What about an aftermarket hitch? Surely someone must make one?

Thanks.

mike325ci · #5 05-02-2018, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meestahbig

thanks for that information. Makes sense...

What about an aftermarket hitch? Surely someone must make one?

Thanks.

Yes, there are many, from known names such as Curt, Hidden Hitch, Draw-Tite. However, the problem is that they are designed differently from the OEM units in how they mount to the chassis (remember our X5s are unibody like a car, not body on frame like a truck). Earlier designs were flawed and could cause crack in chassis. Later designs improved on it by adding a brace (mounts to rear subframe). However, still not the same design.

However, if you are not towing a boat or trailer/car (max towing capacity of our car is 6000lbs) then you might be okay with one of the aftermarket ones. Like, if you simply wanted to put a bicycle carrier in the back...

That was based on many post readings on this forum and internet, and since I am using it tow a car and trailer, decided I needed the OEM solution.

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Meestahbig · #6 05-02-2018, 02:57 PM

awesome Mike, thanks for that great intel... I will see if I can find details of what a "complete" OEM hitch kit would be... then I would at least know what I am buying if one were to come my way. I want to be able to trailer a uhaul flat bed with some small equipment rental from Home Depot, likely not even 1,000lbs.

e53sg · #7 05-02-2018, 05:26 PM

I have the factory hitch for sale. All parts included including the ecu & harness. The only thing missing is the bumper bar and I had planned on modifying the one on my x5. $600 plus shipping.

bbigjohn · #8 05-04-2018, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meestahbig

always wanted one - I guess why not now. Can someone point me to the details of how to make this happen? Can I get one from a junk yard on the cheap??? thanks.

Go to entrails.com. And get one there only about 200.00. And I installed myself in about 1.5 hours. Real easy to do. Just my two cents.

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semcoinc · #9 05-04-2018, 11:04 AM

I installed an aftermarket Class III trailer hitch on my 4.4i like this one

It has worked very well for me on two occasions where I pulled a 5x8 U-Haul trailer and about 2500# of granite for 1000 miles from Texas to Wisconsin and Indiana.

The hardest part of the whole install for me was sourcing the OE wiring harness, which is NLA in the aftermarket or BMW. This harness was key to integrating the connector into the factory wiring plug in the rear hatch area aft of the spare tire.

Also you will need a brain box controller like this for your install to integrate it into the traction control and parking distance systems.

Here is the OE Westfalia wiring harness that I was able to find several years ago in new condition:

This is a very functional set up for me and it works well for my needs, others may choose to select a more OE set up.

Mike

mike325ci · #10 05-04-2018, 12:51 PM

Mike, your aftermarket receiver has the "new" design of the bracing (the bottom bar that goes forward) that I mentioned earlier-- so that's what you want (if going aftermarket).

If you can't find the stock (Westfalia) wiring harness, you will have to make it yourself if you are good with wiring/soldering-- trailer shops and online resources should help here.

BTW, I love the trailer LED light setup you have: is the bottom light bar permanently installed (top looks that way)?

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