trailer hitch saga

[BlackE32_SilverE53]

So I just can't go get a hitch to plug into that square and make it work??

[we350z]

i can just get the oem harness for and module for $100 but I will likely need it myself...

I will just chuck the draw-tite and get a curt if i go that route.

[Weasel]

That square IS the hitch that we need... the piece you'r thinking of is only about $20. For those of us that don't have that already it is tough times trying to find an oem piece, which is the best/strongest designed one out there.

I am currently working some good leads and contacts to get a few oem hitches for those of us here that really need them... but it likely won't be the cheapest.

[BlackE32_SilverE53]

OK, I understand now. I was looking for the other piece so I can tow my bike to Atlanta next summer and I was starting to think I would have problems getting the hitch for it, but I guess now my only problem will be in getting the wiring harness? But I think I can just go to AutoZone and grab one of thiers and rewire it if it is that proprietary of a harness on it.

[Weasel]

You can get the tow ball part of the hitch at autozone, and the round flap to the right of the vehicle's part of the hitch is the lights output plug. You will need ot get the adapter to go from that to the wiring on your trailer... which should also be available at autozone.

The parts we're having trouble finding you already have installed on your truck, consider yourself lucky!

[BlackE32_SilverE53]

Thanks for the info!!

[markesq]

From what I have heard, you can't use just any wiring harness. You also need to module that comes with the kit.

Do a google search and you will all the problems people have had using all the other options.

[Weasel]

Yeah... the aftermarket bullsh!t harnesses just tie into the wiring to the tail lights, which causes problems on most cars... but worse on BMW since the lights aren't just 12v switched circuits and run from a lighting control module. The BMW is pre-wired and ready for the module and output harness, the plug is there waiting in the area by the battery under the spare and just needs to be "retrofitted" into the vehicle via programming to tell the rest of system that it's there.

[TowX]

Absolutely need the factory wiring harness. It does 2 things for you- 1) when the trailer is plugged in it disables the rear park sensors, and 2) it works without having to cut up the factory wiring like all the aftermarket pieces.

Also, you will need the dealer to initialize the module to the car too. Many have complained about their blinkers flashing fast, or that the trailer parking lights will flash by themselves every few minutes, even when the X5 is turned off. Initializing cured both of those problems for me.

It does NOT provide a place for wiring in an electric brake controller, you have to do that yourself.

[SANguru]

do you mean this along with the wiring harmess after? If so I have to dig it up. It should be in one of the boxes in my garage.