Retro-Fitting The X5 with PDC and the AHM(trailer)

[Effduration]

Originally Posted by bbaxter18

Before I saw this, I went and pulled it when i saw what i could purchase it for. Its future is currently Unknown, but it is in my possession. Thanks for the heads up.

Make sure you have all of it, including the long reinforcement bar inside the bumper as well as the piston supports that get inserted into the back of the X5.

I see a lot of OEM hitches for sale that are missing these pieces, and they are nearly impossible to find individually.

[Maruzo]

Originally Posted by bbaxter18

Hi guys, long time lurker, i always seem to find the answers im looking for but this time i suppose its more of an opinion and words of wisdom. Another thread i found Via google here linked to a retrofitting guide(not OE instructions) for PDC on the E53 but the link is dead.

So i managed to come across A PDC module, 8 sensors, center button, and rear gong, as well as the AHM module and trailer connector(7pin Pigtail) at the local junkyard. I appear to be prewired for both, as i have already installed them in the battery bin. After connecting only the modules, the PDC alerts me of an issue(sensors are disconnected), and I dont have a test connector for the 7pin trailer harness so no way to verify it.

When i look at the PDC with INPA, it is found but with NCSExpert it is not, which brings me to my question. Should i use NCSexpert to edit my VO to include PDC and AHM, OR Should i use ISTA/P to retrofit the two modules?

Im comfortable with normal coding functions with NCSexpert/Dummy, but havent done a VO change. I have not used WinKFP. As for ISTA, im growing more comfortable with it but i have not used it for any kind of programming only Diagnostics and Info Stuffs. When I was poking around with ISTA/P it seemed like it wanted to update ALL of my modules, and thats a bit overwhelming for a first use. I believe it wanted to update both the KOMBI and EWS for the PDC retrofit, which is still a bit of a nail biter for me.

As for the AHM, I cant seem to find it listed in NCSdummy as a coding option, and didnt find the module with ISTA or INPA. Does anyone know why? I may be missing a fuse somewhere in the vehicle so it may not be powered but that doesnt explain why i cant find a file for it in NCSDummy.

And finally, Is there anything i can do to create a backup or can i pull all of that data from NCSExpert incase something goes wrong? Incase it isnt listed, this is all for an 04 X5, 4.4i, Pre FL i believe (08/2004 Build date) as it doesnt have the recesses in the front bumper for the corner PDC sensors, last 7 of the Vin is lv09366. Thanks everyone.

One thing about the PDC on the E53 is they always seem to be going off in the parking lot, or whenever you start up your car.

I would say you're not missing much by not having it. It's not very accurate.

I would strongly recommend getting the rear view camera option if you have the oem nav screen.

I've done it and it makes all the difference backup the big truck.

[bbaxter18]

Originally Posted by Maruzo

One thing about the PDC on the E53 is they always seem to be going off in the parking lot, or whenever you start up your car.

I would say you're not missing much by not having it. It's not very accurate.

I would strongly recommend getting the rear view camera option if you have the oem nav screen.

I've done it and it makes all the difference backup the big truck.

Thanks for the heads up, Ill test it before i actually go drilling the holes. Ive replaced the mid and radio with an android head unit and a backup camera is pretty simple to incorporate.

Originally Posted by Effduration

Make sure you have all of it, including the long reinforcement bar inside the bumper as well as the piston supports that get inserted into the back of the X5.

I see a lot of OEM hitches for sale that are missing these pieces, and they are nearly impossible to find individually.

Yup, All the pieces other than 1 of the torx bolts that goes vertically above the exhaust tip too retain the bumper. Easy to collect though.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Maruzo

One thing about the PDC on the E53 is they always seem to be going off in the parking lot, or whenever you start up your car.

I would say you're not missing much by not having it. It's not very accurate.

...

Can't say I have any issues with mine - it's been great and I find it very accurate.