My Version Of a 2003 X5 Hitch Installation

[2x4nyc]

By no means am I suggesting you do this, I just wanted to share my version of how I installed a Draw-tite hitch on my X5 without cutting the fascia under bumper or any other parts other than the bumper hitch fascia door.
I purchased a Draw-tite hitch from 1800hitchit.com for $116.00 plus $20 to ship it to Birmingham Al. I didnt want to cut the bottom of the bumper fascia or drill an 11/16 hole in the FORWARD ATTACHMENT CROSS MEMBER bar to attach the hitch sway bar
so, I took my Hitch reciever to my locale auto body shop and had them cut the sway bar off the hitch and weld some extra support on the back of the remaining part of the hitch. The X5 bumper only took about 20 minutes to get off due to the to screws under the tail pipe being very tite After I got it off, the rest was easy, I just pulled the bumper straight back, Make sure you unclip the fascia underneath the tire well Now all I had to do was unscrew the 6 bolts that hold the factory hitch in place and replace them with new bolts for the Draw-tite hitch. Get a second hand to help Replace the bumper and your ready to go. Note: be sure to buy a quality T50 and T55, I purchased an off brand and it shreaded
on me I had to go back to O'reillys to get another T55.
see the attachment I posted my pictures so you can give me your opinion of my job.

P.S. I'm only gonna tow about 1000 lbs tops when I need to use the hitch. The auto body shop advised me the modification of the hitch wouldn't be a problem as long as I don't try to tow a camper
I hope this helps someone. My next project is putiing on the factory wiring harness I purchased from circle bmw.com for $170.00 I'll post those photos next