Trailer Hitch wiring

[mrmag]

I have a 2004 X5. I installed an aftermarket trailer hitch at UHaul. Since the installation the dash display indicates "check brake lights" when I step on the brakes. My local BMW dealer has told me that in order to solve the problem I must install a BMW wiring harness at a cost of $1,000.00 +. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Thanks

[JCL]

The correct (and safe) way to install lights for a trailer is with the BMW wiring harness. It powers the lights, but it also turns off the rear PDC when a trailer is connected, avoiding the annoying beeping. I believe it activates the trailer stability control mode of the DSC as well.

Some have installed the wire-tap connectors that U-Haul uses with no reported problems. Many others have had problems as you indicate. My local U-Haul facility (where I rent trailers, but not where I bought my hitch) had a note in their system regarding the X5. They recommended the factory hitch, and would install their aftermarket hitch if asked, but would not touch the BMW electrics. I asked about that, and they said that they had had to remove them too many times, and weren't interested in attempting the electrical install any longer as it cost them too much money. I filed that away. It appears your local U-Haul hasn't learned the lesson.

Recommend you buy the BMW harness. Good luck.

[arhude]

I bought an aftermarket hitch with the intention of buying and installing the OEM wiring harness. I went to a BMW dealer and said I'll take one and they said they don't sell the wiring harness without the hitch anymore. What a ridiculous rip-off. Now I'm stuck with a hitch and no harness. Anyone know where/how I can get an OEM wiring harness?

[mrmcreynolds]

mrmag,

Check out my post...

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...tallation.html

I haven't updated it but the uhaul controller crapped out after about 6 months. It worked fine with my boat but once I hooked it up to the uhual trailer the module blew up and they won't replace it because I didn't buy the warranty.

The aftermarket hitch is great... wiring is a different story.

Would love to help you...

Do you have the back up sensors has mentioned above?

-mrmcreynolds

[markesq]

The wiring harness kit is about $225 from the dealer. The problem is last time I checked there was a 200 unit national backorder.

If you can find the trailer kit and harness get it. It most likely not be made ever again.

One avenue I was going to go down when I was searching was to see if the UK had wiring harnesses that might work.

Good luck!

[arhude]

I'm sitting right in BMW land (Germany) but the problem is American spec BMWs have different wiring than European spec ones.

[markesq]

So that option is now out.

[JCL]

Start phoning the wreckers, all you need is the harness and they can take it off an X5 in their yard in minutes if you can find one. It includes a special plug that attaches near the spare tire, so you do need the entire harness with the plug and not just the wires out at the hitch receiver.