New Member - Hitch Question

[diogenes!]

Hi Xers, Patrick here. Recently picked up a 2002 3.0 for the wife and I'm looking for a receiver hitch. I understand that the BMW kit is approx. $500, but includes a wiring harness. I've found a source for the Da'lan hitch($152 + shipping). Is the wiring harness available from BMW as a separate part?

Thanks!
Patrick

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Hi Xers, Patrick here. Recently picked up a 2002 3.0 for the wife and I'm looking for a receiver hitch. I understand that the BMW kit is approx. $500, but includes a wiring harness. I've found a source for the Da'lan hitch($152 + shipping). Is the wiring harness available from BMW as a separate part?

Thanks!
Patrick

Patrick, welcome to the board. Quick question, what are you using the hitch for? We have had major major problems with aftermarket hitches on the X5 to the point that some, if you tow something heavy enough, damage the frame of the vehicle. No joke.

I would highly highly reccomend you order the OEM BMW hitch. Order it from Pacific BMW or Crevier BMW out in California. Just tell them on the phone you want Internet pricing and you'll get like 30-40% off dealer retail cost.

We have a how-to on installing the hitch on X5 world. I'm sure Jeff will chime in here. If you have the tools and a day to do it you'll save yourself some good money on labor.

Regardless of whether you install it or have the dealer install it, save a few hundred bucks and order the hitch through the above mentioned dealers.

Good luck and don't forget...avoid aftermarket hitches on the X5. They are bad news!!

[bimmerfan]

I purchased my X5 from Crevier BMW about three weeks ago and had them install the tow hitch, with labor it was $1500.00. After seeing the DIY for it, I would have saved myself the thousand bucks and done it myself.

I found out later that if I just wanted to mount an aftermarket hitch without hooking up the wiring harness (which in my case would be fine as I only use it for a mountain bike rack) it would have been about $400 installed at the SUV accessory shop down the street from me...

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Hi Xers, Patrick here. Recently picked up a 2002 3.0 for the wife and I'm looking for a receiver hitch. I understand that the BMW kit is approx. $500, but includes a wiring harness. I've found a source for the Da'lan hitch($152 + shipping). Is the wiring harness available from BMW as a separate part?

Thanks!
Patrick

First, :welcome: to X5world, glad to have you here.

In answer to your question, yes the BMW wiring harness can be purchased separately. Crevier was selling it for about $160 plus shipping, but check for current pricing. The part number is #71 60 0 009 698

I concur with the statements above. If not used for heavy towing, aftermarket hitches are fine. But if you plan to do any serious towing, go with the BMW hitch.

Jeff

[diogenes!]

Thanks for all the replies! I'm not planning any real heavy-duty towing - the worst would be a small utility trailer; 'bout 2,500 lbs. loaded. I've read that the Da'lan is basically a copy of the factory hitch - since I read it on the Internet, it's gotta' be true - right . Also read that it doesn't interfere with the PDC sensors.

So far, I really like the X5(when the wife lets me drive it!). Talked her out of getting a RX300 and so glad I did!

I appreciate the warm welcome and honest responses!
Patrick

[SANguru]

welcome Patrick... the Dalan hitch is nowhere like the BMW one... The BMW comes with new shock mounts and a new cross member... Rob from awhile back and a couple of other people had bent subframes from towing boats and small trailers (2500lbs) .. think 10-15K in damages. The BMW kit itself from Crevier was $450 if I remember correctly... I did the install myself as it was extremely straight forward. I would seriously stay away from the aftermarket ones...

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Thanks for all the replies! I'm not planning any real heavy-duty towing - the worst would be a small utility trailer; 'bout 2,500 lbs. loaded. I've read that the Da'lan is basically a copy of the factory hitch - since I read it on the Internet, it's gotta' be true - right . Also read that it doesn't interfere with the PDC sensors.

So far, I really like the X5(when the wife lets me drive it!). Talked her out of getting a RX300 and so glad I did!

I appreciate the warm welcome and honest responses!
Patrick

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by SANguru

The BMW kit itself from Crevier was $450 if I remember correctly...

Currently $495 on their web site. Unfortunately, I'm on the opposite side of the US from Crevier. Their site doesn't quote shipping, but I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty.

Thanks!
Patrick

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Currently $495 on their web site. Unfortunately, I'm on the opposite side of the US from Crevier. Their site doesn't quote shipping, but I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty.

Thanks!
Patrick

I agree with SANGuru -- 2500 lbs is still a good load (when we meant 'light' load, we went putting a bike rack on the hitch or something). Definitely go with the BMW hitch, even if its more expensive.

[NBNGator]

I would opt for the OEM hitch because you won't have to trim anything to fit. Plus, if the stories about aftermarket hitches damaging the frame are true you don't want to risk it. IMO, it does not matter if you are only going to use it for a bike rack because over time people forget. The X5 maybe sold and someone will use it to pull a heavy load and possibly damaging the vehicle or worst, someone gets hurt.

I installed it myself and it took about 5 hours, it's pretty easy, I had an air wrench for the big bolts. It just takes awhile because of all the stuff you have to remove just to access the bolts that mount the hitch supports.

The hitch kit is about $500 + tax and it is complete. BMW did a great job with it but the instructions could be better. Between the instructions here on X5 World and the installation instruction in the kit you can figure it out. The BMW wire harness is needed regardless on whether you go with the OEM or aftermarket because it comes with a control module; the wire kit alone is about $200. So, the real cost of the hitch is only $300 and the Hidden Hitch is about $165 - not a big difference really....

Good luck.

[diogenes!]

Thanks to all who replied! I ordered the OEM kit this afternoon. Should have it by the weekend!

Patrick