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  #1  
Old 05-16-2006, 02:11 AM
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2003 x5 Hitch (wiring harness)

Hello all.

I have a question. Is it NECESSARY to purchase the hitch/ wiring harness for the x5? Could you do without? What does the module actually do? Can I just tap into the break and turn signals off the rear taillights?

hoping I can get some feedback from anyone.
Much appreciated!!
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  #2  
Old 05-16-2006, 02:47 AM
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I can locate the parking lamp wire, brake wire, and turn signal wire(s), do i still need to purchase the OEM wiring harness? I can use a molex plug on both the hitch and trailer side to connect these wires...

I dont even know if the OEM harness comes with a module.. and if it does, what does it do?

My thinking is all you would need is parking lights, brake, hazard, and turn signal wires to tap into to make a trailer work and dont know why i need to invest into this module..

thanks all!
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  #3  
Old 05-16-2006, 08:40 AM
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I bought my X with an aftermarket wiring harness. Unfortunately it is a 4-flat and I really need a 5-flat, so I recently purchased a 7-round outlet (only plan on hooking up the 5 wires though) that I plan on installing this weeekend.

The other reason for redoing it is that the previous owner did not run the wiring thru the floor pan and out beside the hitch, so whenever using it now I have to run it between the two hatch sections.
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Old 05-16-2006, 09:11 AM
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BMW's lighting system isn't one that you just want to "tap" into. They have all sorts of sensors (current draw, voltage, etc.) that is used to detect when there are problems (bulbs out, etc.). Also, the 2003's have adaptive brake lights which are more than just a simple on/off.

If you do decide not to get the BMW wiring harness, be prepared to have a cluster full of warning lights.

Also, the other thing the BMW harness does is it integrates with the PDC system (park distance control) if your X5 has that such that the rear PDC is disabled when the trailer lighting is plugged in.

My strong recommendation is to spend the money and get the BMW harness.
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Old 05-16-2006, 10:07 AM
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You can tap into the wiring system at the rear of the car, but you will blow fuses, PDC won't work right, and warning lights all over the place, plus you probably wont get the trailer brake lights, turn signals and driving lights to operate.
BMW uses a multiplex system, not just moving 12 volts to the rear of the car.

If you don't know what you are doing you may buy a new computer as well. Think about it...
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Old 05-16-2006, 01:52 PM
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ok...

Thanks all for your opinions.
I will just go that route.

Mark
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  #7  
Old 05-16-2006, 06:31 PM
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This has not been my experience - the only issue I have had was that I had a bulb socket go out on the side that the wires are tapped into, but as I understand it this is common. No other warning lights whatsoever.

Good luck which ever way you pursue.
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Old 05-16-2006, 07:46 PM
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Hey UCrew!

Quote:
Originally Posted by UCrewX5
Also, the other thing the BMW harness does is it integrates with the PDC system (park distance control) if your X5 has that such that the rear PDC is disabled when the trailer lighting is plugged in.
Sorry about hijacking the thread, but do you know if a loopback plug exists to disable the rear PDC w/o hooking up a trailer? I've got the OEM hitch/harness and when I install the bike rack I've got to disable PDC so it doesn't go nuts w/the rack. It would be nice to just disable the read PDC with a loopback plug.
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Old 05-16-2006, 08:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fnelson9
Sorry about hijacking the thread, but do you know if a loopback plug exists to disable the rear PDC w/o hooking up a trailer? I've got the OEM hitch/harness and when I install the bike rack I've got to disable PDC so it doesn't go nuts w/the rack. It would be nice to just disable the read PDC with a loopback plug.
Not that I'm aware of. When you put it into reverse just reach down and push the PDC button and it will disable it.
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Old 06-09-2006, 02:11 PM
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Just an update on this, I installed the aftermarket 7-pin harness and it does work, however, I do occasionally get a "warning" that I have a bulb out on the rear driver's side, which is where the previous owner had tapped the wiring into (this only ocurs when using the harness).

Guess I will eventually go ahead and get the BMW harness. Anyone know where is the cheapest place to purchase one at??
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