trailer hitch saga

[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.

[odo]

I have a 2001 4.4 with OEM trailer hitch. The guy I bought it from told me he had it installed by BMW after he bought the car for $1200. I don't know if that's true. I have never used the hitch myself. I assume all the wiring and stuff is there too, although I don't recall seeing anything. I suppose I could have it removed along with the assorted wiring and harnesses and sell it, if it's that hot an item.

[jigaro]

2 Days ago, i took my Hitch off my 4.8is, that shit was ugly, i have it in my garage, i could sell it i guess, but i'am thinking 2 things.
1. Might need it to pull family friends 800 horsepower yahama boat
2. currently i'am in Republic of Georgia Tbilisi, how in hell can i shipp it to you guys in case you buy it.

-there are so manny 2000-2006 x5's imported from states in my country every month it's a joke, and i see them in city LOT I MENA A LOT OF THEM HAVE HITCHES, usually youngsters drive X's her and they all take it off, some even just throw it out.

So it's a hot item there and not much of an item here, strange world

[odo]

Originally Posted by odo

I have a 2001 4.4 with OEM trailer hitch. The guy I bought it from told me he had it installed by BMW after he bought the car for $1200. I don't know if that's true. I have never used the hitch myself. I assume all the wiring and stuff is there too, although I don't recall seeing anything. I suppose I could have it removed along with the assorted wiring and harnesses and sell it, if it's that hot an item.

Wow, looks like a 3-hour job to install, so I assume same to remove. Personally, I don't have 3 hours to spare or the ambition to tackle that mess. I'll get a quote from my mechanic. Some one has to want a hitch package really bad to pay for removal, shipping and part. Maybe I'll put it on Ebay.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by odo

I have a 2001 4.4 with OEM trailer hitch. The guy I bought it from told me he had it installed by BMW after he bought the car for $1200. I don't know if that's true. I have never used the hitch myself. I assume all the wiring and stuff is there too, although I don't recall seeing anything. I suppose I could have it removed along with the assorted wiring and harnesses and sell it, if it's that hot an item.

Assume 3 hours for a mechanic to remove it, but it isn't that simple. When the hitch was installed, the rear crossmember was replaced. You need the non-hitch crossmember to reintall your bumper. You also need the replacement struts for the collapsible bumper supports. That means that the only realistic way to sell the hitch is to have the two trucks in the same place, and swap the parts over. Otherwise, one of you is going to have to drive around without a bumper until you get the parts shipped.

[odo]

Does ugly mean "pain in the ass to remove?"
Here in south FL, you don't see too many with hitches.
Is it just the E53's that have the availability problem? Ebay has a couple for E70's.

[jigaro]

Originally Posted by odo

Does ugly mean "pain in the ass to remove?"
Here in south FL, you don't see too many with hitches.
Is it just the E53's that have the availability problem? Ebay has a couple for E70's.

By ugly i meam cosmeticly, 4.8is back lower bumper plus the exhaust it has, hitch just does not look good with all that, removing it was not hard, BMW mechanic who i'am friends with did it for me, at my house.
He removed the whole back bumper, plus minor things from the trunck, unscrewd the bolts and wallah.

[odo]

Thanks for the info. My mechanic already clued me in on the logistics this morning. I'm selling the truck and getting a new vehicle soon... like this week. Maybe I should put the hitch on ebay with a reserve of $13550 (clean NADA trade in value) and winner gets free 2001 X5 4.4i.