'nother Newbie Hitch Install

[diogenes!]

Picked up the install kit from Hank Aaron BMW Friday afternoon and started 'bout 10:00 Saturday morning. From backing up on the ramps to driving off was a little over 6 hours. A few things I learned that I didn't know(or completely understand) beforehand:

• There really are only two T55 bolts and two trim screws holding the bumper on.
  
• There are two trim screws in each rear wheel well and only the bottom screw in each needs to be removed.
  
• It's a bear locating where the PDC harness enters the body. On our 2002, it's in the passenger side corner.
  
• A pair of small jack stands works well to support the mufflers.
  
• You really need at least two people - preferably three - to pull off and replace the bumper.
  
• A door panel tool works pretty good at removing the "dammit" plastic fasteners. Just work it up under the pin's head and pry up. When the pin pulls up far enough to release the fastener, the whole assembly pops out.
  
• Definitely install the wiring harness before mounting the hitch and be darn sure it's in the right position before bolting the hitch down
  
• The mounting tab for the trailer light socket had to be "encouraged" rearward slightly with a 4 ft. pry bar to allow room for the bracket to fit. That was the only "fit" issue that I had.
  
• The vehicle side trailer harness connector has a dummy connector on it that must be removed. Took me five minutes to figure that one out...

A few observations:

• Yes - the OEM kit is expensive, but IMO, well worth the price now that I've seen it. I've installed at least a half dozen aftermarket hitches over the years, so I know what you get for $150 - $200 and there's no comparison.
  
• This is a big job - I'd definitely recommend getting the help of a couple friends. $500 - $600 labor to get the dealer to do the install is probably not a bad deal.
  
• I found a Stanley Torx bit kit at Wally World that included all three necessary bits for $20. Not Snap-On quality, but at 50 years old, this is the first time that I've ever needed a T55
  
• The little rubber plug with "BMW" on it is so cool!

I made a run to Home Depot Saturday evening to pick up some pine bark mulch for the lovely wife. The X did a fine job pulling the trailer. With the light load('bout 1,000 lbs.), the 3.0 hardly noticed.

Thanks to everyone that answered my questions and convinced me to go with the OEM kit. Maybe someone will find my notes useful.

Patrick