trailer hitch saga

[ncsucarjock]

Mexico - well, I presumed it would be the same as North America...and honestly...it didn't even cross my mind.

I took European Delivery of an '08 335 last year, and saw how many different vehicles towed...and my buddy Bram lives there, and I knew that although their hitches were different - even a Fiat Panda can get a hitch and a trailer behind it...so... I just went with the route that I knew was available.

My hitch is packaged, and about to be shipped from the EU in the next week. I'll post results and pics of it when it arrives, and so forth. I saved on shipping by combing some stuff for some volvo guys, in a pallet, and having that air-freighted over.

[X5 Meister]

Wow! You REALLY went to some effort. How much did the euro hitch run you in the end? And make sure you post pics, part numbers, source, etc. for those interested in doing the same.

If Mexico was the same as North America it would be in the same boat! SOL. According to some guys in BMW Canada, that's it, no more will be made for the E53. So we'll have to see. Personally I'm very curious as to why the Euro hitch cannot be sold over here? Isn't TUV approval at least 50 times better than anything we have over here (except of course our incredibly rigorous minimum cupholder standards).

[ncsucarjock]

well, I bought the vehicle to tow...and though this is not cheap - it's not *that* much more than an OEM BMW hitch and harness. It's rated for about 6000#, and I *much* prefer to play safe when it comes to towing. One accident, one mishap, one bumper being ripped off...is a heck of a lot more expensive than whatever it costs me to buy a hitch from overseas. My total cost including wiring harness and shipping is going to be about $1500.

[X5 Meister]

Are you doing the install yourself or taking it to a dealer? (Reason I ask is that I believe it requires coding, and some BMW Euro-only accessories cannot be coded in the USA).

[JaronsToy]

I got lucky and found one on a 06 that was traded in :} I just bought the truck to tow and did not know what i was going to do

[X5_Rob]

Hey Guys,

I too have been through the saga of this damn trailer hitch BS. I know a good lawyer and am thinking of duct taping my sea ray to the back bumper and seeing how much damage I can do... let the law suits begin

Seriously - I found a hitch at BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport. It's $199 and does not come with the wiring assembly. Am curious if any of you are familiar with the hitch and if its good/bad/etc. Also - I understand the guys at u-haul can install a wiring kit... not sure how they're doing it without the backordered module assembly that I understand is needed... any thoughts out there?

Thanks,
Rob

[goedhart]

Ordered the OEM wiring harness and OEM module on 2/26. It came in and shipped today. BMW E53 X5 M62 4.4l

I still need the hitch and since I am towing a boat I am worried about putting the Curt hitch as it seems like people are having problems with them flexing the frame. Is anyone having trouble with the drawtite Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver BMW X5? Looks like it is rated for 6000/600 and has the bottom support. I am fine with drilling the hole on the bottom of the frame if it provides the support lacking in the Curt.

Also the one at Bavarian looks interesting. Can anyone tell me if this one is configured the same as the OEM? I don't know that I want to wait for BMW to get it on the market or if I believe the 2 month timeframe stated in this forum. Please anyone an expert yet???

[goedhart]

OEM wiring harness and module are available at ECS tuning. BMW E53 X5 M62 4.4l

[Weasel]

A friend of mine had the drawtite hidden hitch on his X5 when he bought it, used it for towing his boat... within the first couple trips it was pointing down quite noticeably... He had to remove it and use a body sealer caulk to keep the back dry before he traded it in on a new truck. I have the curt hitch currently, but plan on adding an internal brace in the frame before towing anything heavier than a small utility trailer.

[goedhart]

Thanks. I will cross that one off my list.