Fitting a cheap (free) Curt Towhitch / Towbar on E53 - need advice

[dkl]

The bumper will mount back fine with the hitch sandwiched in there. Can't speak for its towing capacity since I only use mine to mount a mountain bike.

[shedtastic]

Originally Posted by dkl

The bumper will mount back fine with the hitch sandwiched in there. Can't speak for its towing capacity since I only use mine to mount a mountain bike.

Thanks!

[Attacking Mid]

Are you saying the bolt pattern doesn't match, or are you concerned because the mounting holes are recessed? If you're concerned about the recess, just use a couple washers on each bolt to take up the space and bolt that thing up. If you're still nervous, you could send your pictures to Curt and ask them about it.

AM.

[Bmwtvboy]

What is the measurement from the Curtis to the bumper bolt location? Consider filling with nuts/washers,other metal material to take up the space. Then, insert your bumper shocks and see if it will still all bolt up. Basically using a spacing method to connect the two. You can also use industrial grade rubber/ steel belted tire, spacer and boltup. tight. This is if your are certain your tow weight is minimal. Good luck.

[Bmwtvboy]

He's right, look closely, if it's not welded, then remove those bolts holding the shock / frame to the body and replace with your Curtis. Voila. Genius dude.

[shedtastic]

Wow, I assumed the hitch bolted to the strong structural box section piece at the rear of the car, that was held to the body in something like 12 places. Not that I had to remove that rigid structure, leaving just the sheet steel body pressing, and bolt my hitch on in it's place using only 8 of the bolts! Doh!

Hmm.. I see more why these are not recommended for towing! Ha!

But thanks guys (particularly dkl!) I had pretty much started putting everything back together.. I Shall have another go tomorrow evening..

[Effduration]

Originally Posted by shedtastic

Wow, I assumed the hitch bolted to the strong structural box section piece at the rear of the car, that was held to the body in something like 12 places. Not that I had to remove that rigid structure, leaving just the sheet steel body pressing, and bolt my hitch on in it's place using only 8 of the bolts! Doh!

Hmm.. I see more why these are not recommended for towing! Ha!

But thanks guys (particularly dkl!) I had pretty much started putting everything back together.. I Shall have another go tomorrow evening..

You might consider adding the two "butterfly" structural hitch supports that mount inside the rear. I might have an extra set. PM if interested. I'll see if I can find a photo....It's possible these supports are already on the car.

[shedtastic]

Originally Posted by Effduration

You might consider adding the two "butterfly" structural hitch supports that mount inside the rear. I might have an extra set. PM if interested. I'll see if I can find a photo....It's possible these supports are already on the car.

Hmm Butterfly supports?
Is that what these are?


I got it all bolted up today - thanks to people's advice here!

The electrical connector is only located with zip ties, but since i haven't yet bought the 'towing module', I just need to make sure it doesn't drop and drag on the floor..

[shedtastic]

Job done:

[Effduration]

Originally Posted by shedtastic

Hmm Butterfly supports?
Is that what these are?

Yes...It was never clear to me that all X5's had these installed from the factory, but maybe they were..I am glad to see them on yours.

There was an OEM tow module (ending in 019 I think) on ebay just listed for $35 I think...

Also If memory serves, the trailer harness does NOT plug into the tow module directly. There is a unused factory plug near the passenger side butterfly bracket that the harness plugs into after routing thru the hole in the body.

The module plugs into a different unused connector on the outside of the battery enclosure.