'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

[UCrewX5]

Nice job, Patrick!! I added the information to the X5world article on hitch installation - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=91

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Nice job, Patrick!! I added the information to the X5world article on hitch installation - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=91

I'm honored! Glad to be able to give back!

Patrick

[ncx]

Great write-up Patrick. Glad it went well for you. Smart man to go OEM for that one. Just isn't worth the risks.

Question: Do you notice any gap between the hatch door and the bumper? I think mine appears to be a larger gap than before the hitch. I have searched around but have not found anyone mentioning this, so it may be my feeble brain playing tricks on me.

Thanks

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by ncx

Do you notice any gap between the hatch door and the bumper? I think mine appears to be a larger gap than before the hitch. I have searched around but have not found anyone mentioning this, so it may be my feeble brain playing tricks on me.

I didn't notice any unusual gap - I'll look again when the lovely wife gets home from work. The X is her daily driver and I'm only allowed to drive it occasionally. I followed the DIY instructions to leave the support brackets loose until the T55 bolts had been tightened. Then I had a friend line up the side seams while I tightened down the support bracket bolts. Might have been beginner's luck, but we got a nice even gap on both sides.

Patrick

[pseto]

Beware of thieves that take the little rubber hitch cover w/ BMW logo. Had mine stolen twice, and thankfully its only about $5 to replace.

Now, I very rarely ride around with it on b/c someone may take it.

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by pseto

Beware of thieves that take the little rubber hitch cover w/ BMW logo. Had mine stolen twice, and thankfully its only about $5 to replace.

Now, I very rarely ride around with it on b/c someone may take it.

Is nothing sacred??

Might look for a way to secure it with the hitch pin if this becomes a problem down here. I was a bit surprised that BMW didn't make it long enough for the pin to pass thru it.

Thanks for the heads-up,
Patrick

[ncx]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

I didn't notice any unusual gap - I'll look again when the lovely wife gets home from work. The X is her daily driver and I'm only allowed to drive it occasionally. I followed the DIY instructions to leave the support brackets loose until the T55 bolts had been tightened. Then I had a friend line up the side seams while I tightened down the support bracket bolts. Might have been beginner's luck, but we got a nice even gap on both sides.

Patrick

Cool. Thanks a bunch

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by ncx

Do you notice any gap between the hatch door and the bumper? I think mine appears to be a larger gap than before the hitch.

Took another look at the hitch tonight. The gap all the way around the top of the bumper cover looks even to me. My only guess would be to take a look at the side seams - where the bumper cover meets the quarterpanel on each side from the rear wheel back. If the gap widens toward the rear, you've got some room to adjust it up. If it's even all the way back, it's as good as I know how to make it...

HTH,
Patrick

[ncx]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

..If the gap widens toward the rear, you've got some room to adjust it up. If it's even all the way back, it's as good as I know how to make it...

HTH,
Patrick

Yes it does help. That is what I am seeing... the gap widens slightly going rearward. It is very slight and most would probably not notice it unless I pointed it out... but I know it's there. Thanks for the info, one of these Saturday's I'll get my tools back out and see what I can do with it.

Thanks for following up on it!