Calling all Monkey Wrenches - Tow Kit Install

[chefwong]

So me and a fellow X5 world member are planning to do a DIY tow hitch kit install together on both our rides. FWIW, I'm am mechanically inept on a car but sure can remodel a house close to a pro. The instructions seem pretty straightforward. Just short of a set of jackstands for the exhaust and a movers blanket or 2 to protect the bumper ( I'm a detailing fanatic), see the pic below. I think the only thing I may need to add just to make things easier on the plastic nuts is a set of nut screwdrivers. The articles states 4-5 hrs rougly per install. Hopefully the 2 of us can get both cars done in 7 hrs .

Does my tool set look complete ?

[UCrewX5]

As long as you have the right torx bits then you should be good to go. Let us know how it all works out

[Intel55]

I used a 12" extention to get at the two brass bolts that hold on the bumper. I used a 3/8" drive. The torx bits you need are the 45 and 50 that I recall. Also 8,10 and 13 mm sockets. Make sure you pull out all the lil pdc plugs before you completely pull off the bumper. Also, before you bolt down the tow bar, make sure you route the wiring behind it and down.

You do not need jackstands. My jackstand were too tall to hold up the mufflers so I used some small paint cans I had. There are two small screws in the rear wheel well area that need to come out.

[chefwong]

I read the tow hitch install article already - just wanted to make sure I had all the tools on hand. I'd hate to be in the middle of the install and find out I'm a socket/bit short <g>.

[SANguru]

highly recommend using a power drill with the socket set or a compressor with an impact rachets.. makes like so much easier and will save you a lot of time when taking off and putting back on the bolts holding the various components. BTW.. you missing the T55 torx bit to take the bumper off.

Originally Posted by chefwong

So me and a fellow X5 world member are planning to do a DIY tow hitch kit install together on both our rides. FWIW, I'm am mechanically inept on a car but sure can remodel a house close to a pro. The instructions seem pretty straightforward. Just short of a set of jackstands for the exhaust and a movers blanket or 2 to protect the bumper ( I'm a detailing fanatic), see the pic below. I think the only thing I may need to add just to make things easier on the plastic nuts is a set of nut screwdrivers. The articles states 4-5 hrs rougly per install. Hopefully the 2 of us can get both cars done in 7 hrs .

Does my tool set look complete ?

[x5turtle]

need Torx 55

[NoDef]

I haven't seen this mentioned before, but the box from the hitch kit was the perfect height and width to hold up both of the mufflers for me...