FYI: Putnam Hitch will fit PDC for 2000-2003 x5

Estroil 4.8is · #1 03-28-2006, 08:19 PM

I just finished the install today on my Putnam class 3 hitch pretty easy install. I was worried about clearance with the PDC. I had zero issues with the install. I just had to trim the access cover. It wasn't as noticable as I thought. I ordered my from ebay, kwik-hitch, Very nice guy and answered all my question. Just thought I would share, Rob

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fln8tive · #2 03-29-2006, 08:18 PM

Good for you. You're brave to DIY. I just had one installed. Nothing better than a stout truck with a hitch. Boo-ya!

PAPI · #3 03-29-2006, 08:33 PM

what about the electrics ??? Somebody said that it is a hasle...

dandruff · #4 03-29-2006, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver 5

I just finished the install today on my Putnam class 3 hitch pretty easy install. I was worried about clearance with the PDC. I had zero issues with the install. I just had to trim the access cover. It wasn't as noticable as I thought. I ordered my from ebay, kwik-hitch, Very nice guy and answered all my question. Just thought I would share, Rob

Did you install urself? How easy was it? Would you recommend a DIY or professional install?

The Hitch selector on Putnam's websie does not show anything before a 2003 X5? Should that be a concern?

Does it come with detailed (w/ pictures) instructions - including how to take the fascia off?

Did you price a professional install?

TIA!

Estroil 4.8is · #5 03-30-2006, 09:06 AM

Here is a quick write up, remember this was installed on my 2000 x5 4.4 with PDC:

1. Open cargo floor and remove the left and right Black plastic trays.
2 or 3 10mm plastic bolts

2. Remove 2- 8mm screws on each side in the rear of the rear tire well.
(close to rear bumper)

3. Under bumper unclip the 4 plastic clips. Very easy to do with a
flathead screwdriver.

4. In cargo area there are 3 nuts on each side that hold the rear bumper shock in place they need to be removed. If your looking down into the cargo area they are located were you removed the plastic trays. There is a black heavy gauge bracket near the studs. The studs poke through from the rear of the truck towards the front. There is one bolt on top and one on each side of that bracket. Repeat for the other side.

5. If you have PDC there is a clip that needs to be unclipped. It's located on in the right compartment in the cargo area. It's clipped to the rear of the truck. Just follow the wire to the rubber gromet that runs behind the bumper. Just push the clip and gromet through the hole. The bumper is now ready to slide off. Please have someone help you lift it. It's no light weight. I did it myself but you'd be better off doing it with a helper. TIP: lower tailgate when removing.

6. The hard part is done! Yeah!!

7. Remove all 10- T45 and 2- 10mm bolts that hold the bumper
reinforcement. You will not reuse this part. Keep it or toss it, your call.

8. This step is optional, but helpful. Remove the 2- 8mm bolts on each side that hold the exhaust hanger in place. Let if droop. Also remove the outside 2- 8mm bolts on each side that hold exhaust sheild in place, let that droop also.

9. Now bolts the hitch up using the lower most hole first. The Hitch includes all new hardware thats needed.

10. To beef up the install you need to tap out the top studs on the bumper shocks. Then enlarge the hole to a 1/2". This is so you can install a heavier duty bolt. Once again this is a simple step. The bolt popped right out on my 3rd hit.

11. Your ready to reinstall the bumper. Again nice to have 2 people. You have to side each side of the bumper into the slots near the wheel well, push the PDC clip back through the hole.

12. Now Bolt the bumper up using the supplied hardware. Remember use the new 1/2" bolt for the top of the shock and factory stub on either side of the shock. Don't worry if the bumper looks crooked. Once the bolts are snugged up it will all align. TIP: I used a piece of duct tape to hold the 1/2" bolt in place while sliding the bumper in.

13. Then install 2 bolts in the cargo area into that black bracket. There were no bolts there previously. They was a piece of clear tape over mine? Just bolts them down, I beleive that this helps stiffen things up.

14. Finally re-install the plastic trays, Your Done!!!!!

Seriously, this was a very easy install. Once you figure out how everything is removed, etc... If I was to do it again it would take me no longer then 1.5-2 hours. To finish it off I trimmed the access cover with my roto-zip. 5 more minutes for that. If you have any questions feel free to email me. Goodluck!!

Estroil 4.8is · #6 03-30-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandruff

Did you install urself? How easy was it? Would you recommend a DIY or professional install?
DIY for sure I'd give it a 4 out of 10

The Hitch selector on Putnam's websie does not show anything before a 2003 X5? Should that be a concern?
I bought it from kwik-hitch on ebay. For sure it will fit 2000. Email him for any question you have. He always got back to me right away with my answers.

Does it come with detailed (w/ pictures) instructions - including how to take the fascia off?
It comes with instructions. Look above for everything you need to know. Note: The hitch looks different then what the instructions show. But it fits perfectly. I was worried when I saw the difference.

Did you price a professional install?
Save your cash. If you have the tools mentioned DIY.

TIA!

No Problem. Glad I can help

Estroil 4.8is · #7 03-30-2006, 09:17 AM

BTW It was $129 shipped. Can't beat it!!

fln8tive · #8 03-30-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAPI

what about the electrics ??? Somebody said that it is a hasle...

That's what scared me off, the electrics. I had a Class III installed with trailer wiring for $435 including a receiver and 2" ball. This company does all the X5's in town and they use Curt Mfg. as their hitch supplier. They were using DrawTite but they had rattle issues and the aesthetics with Curt are very good. (and I'm pretty fussy). No plastic had to be cut on the oval acces area.

The weirdest thing was that for a day the onboard kept giving weird readouts and the PDC acted up, but after a god night's rest, the X was normal.

I'm hardcore DIY, so hats off the the self installers.

Estroil 4.8is · #9 03-30-2006, 09:37 AM

I've had no issues with the PDC or any other warning lights. Also I drove about 20 mile since I installed it the other day and no noises at all. I know it's to early to say but I has a very solid bolting surface so I really don't see an issue with rattles. The only down fall with the hitch is the trimming of the access cover. I really though that it was going to be worst then it is. Really not noticable. The lower edge on the reciever sticks out 1 1/2-2 inches at the most.

fln8tive · #10 03-30-2006, 09:40 AM

Now we need some cool chrome X5 receiver caps!

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