Trailer Hitch

[beedee]

Hi everyone,
I recently bought a 2006 CPO X5. I need a trailer hitch, however, my dealer is telling me that they are on backorder and have been for some time. A search at parts distribution warehouses throughout the US and in Germany all came up "0".

Does anyone have any information on the situation or advice on how to get a BMW hitch? Don't want to go the aftermarket route, only OEM.

I love my X5 but hope this does not sour my first experience with BMW ownership.

[UCrewX5]

Common issue on many related threads. See these for a few...

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

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

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

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

[LI-X5]

good luck !!

as i type im on here gathering all the info i can get cause im going aftermarket tomorrow !!

i just cant wait anymore , i dont even care if i bend up the frame or whatever anymore !!

[EOD Guy]

Somewhere in Huntsville, al....... there's one in the junkyard as my 03 was totaled in Dec

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by LI-X5

good luck !!

as i type im on here gathering all the info i can get cause im going aftermarket tomorrow !!

i just cant wait anymore , i dont even care if i bend up the frame or whatever anymore !!

I'd go with the curt, NOT the hidden hitch or uhaul. And definitely go with the OEM trailer module rather than any aftermarket crap that ties into the tail light's wiring and cause numerous problems.

[cobra94563]

Yesterday I installed the curt hitch. Took me a little longer than expected, (It wasn't difficult but I was taking my time. )

The curt hitch is sturdy - I don't expect see any flexing from the hitch and it bolts to the same location as the OEM model. I think it will be more than adequate for my use.

For the wiring, I know many will say non-OEM will cause problems. I used a "Tow Ready HD Protected ModuLite Harness" which is wired directly to the battery and eliminates the draw off the vehicle's taillight circuit and works with multi-plexed systems. It tests out fine with no error codes. I know the OEm trailer module does a couple other things(turn off the PDC), so your choice.

[beedee]

I just got off the phone with BMW customer relations and was told that this issue should be resolved "very, very soon". The rep would not give me any time frame.
This is a very frustrating situation.

[LI-X5]

Originally Posted by beedee

should be resolved "very, very soon". .

they told me the same shit like 4 mo's agoooooooo !!

[beedee]

So, the hitch being available "very soon" is BS. I was afraid of that!

This really sucks!!!

[Tapia]

Here it is 8 months later and I heard the same...It's on back order and should be here 9-1-09.
I called and BMW Northwest says there coming off back order and should be here in about 2 weeks.
Part#71600009698
hmmm