Hitch wire installation.

[X5 Meister]

If you can scan those installation instructions and send them to me that would be great.

As far as coding being mentioned, note that at least for the euro hitch there are two sets of instructions. One set just for the hitch components (which makes no mention of coding). And one set just for the hitch wiring harness (which does mention coding). I only assume the same is true for the US hitch; that's what I'm working on (as I currently don't have a hitch installed).

I think what might be confusing to some people is that the BMW instructions on the tips and tricks page are:
- only for the euro hitch
- not complete, since they do not include the wiring harness installation instructions
- an older version of the instructions

Originally Posted by JCL

My dealer printed it out for me at the time, I don't still have it. I do have the installation instructions, a 25 page book numbered 01 29 0 009 710 VII/00, titled Installation Instructions for Parts and Accessories - Retrofitting Tow Bar (E53) US. It doesn't mention coding. It mentions everything else though.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

If you can scan those installation instructions and send them to me that would be great.

As far as coding being mentioned, note that at least for the euro hitch there are two sets of instructions. One set just for the hitch components (which makes no mention of coding). And one set just for the hitch wiring harness (which does mention coding). I only assume the same is true for the US hitch; that's what I'm working on (as I currently don't have a hitch installed).

I think what might be confusing to some people is that the BMW instructions on the tips and tricks page are:
- only for the euro hitch
- not complete, since they do not include the wiring harness installation instructions
- an older version of the instructions

All this and you haven't installed a hitch?

The instructions that I have are very similar to the ones on the tips and tricks page for the ECE region. The book has the same layout. Mine has three languages, and fold-out 11x17 sets of wiring diagrams, so it is longer that the 15 page book posted already. The only real differences are the bumper carrier (heavier on the US version), the wiring harness # of pins and plug location, and the holder for the swan-neck hitch. The instructions are complete, and do include the wiring harness, both in my version and in the one already posted. The instructions were shipped with the hitch, as well as being available from the dealer. I am pretty sure that everyone who bought a factory hitch got a copy.

[X5 Meister]

I haven't actually done a lot of things in life, but I could certainly explain to someone how to do them. That is a ridiculous point.

I've asked about a dozen people so far for the US hitch instructions and still have yet to get a copy. Most people give the same answer as you. It's amazing this board has been operating for what 5 years now and no one has posted the correct instructions anywhere. There are people every week with the same questions and the debate continues. I'd like to put it to rest and clear up some confusion with actual documentation, but it appears that until I actually buy a hitch myself, scan the instructions and post them no one will take the time to do it.

Originally Posted by JCL

All this and you haven't installed a hitch?

The instructions that I have are very similar to the ones on the tips and tricks page for the ECE region. The book has the same layout. Mine has three languages, and fold-out 11x17 sets of wiring diagrams, so it is longer that the 15 page book posted already. The only real differences are the bumper carrier (heavier on the US version), the wiring harness # of pins and plug location, and the holder for the swan-neck hitch. The instructions are complete, and do include the wiring harness, both in my version and in the one already posted. The instructions were shipped with the hitch, as well as being available from the dealer. I am pretty sure that everyone who bought a factory hitch got a copy.

[JCL]

Relax, it was a joke. I should have used a smiley.

Anyone having installed the OEM hitch has been through this. They are all well-qualified to answer questions on how to do it. It may be better to follow advice from someone who has done it, rather than someone who hasn't, that is all I was saying. Nothing beats experience.

You advised Rob that his Trailer Stability Control doesn't work without programming, when we don't know that. My installation book says it works. Maybe it doesn't, and if we can find a reason for why some vehicles need reprogramming that would be great. I just know that mine didn't, and the instructions shipped with the hitch did not mention reprogramming, in 2003.

The instructions in the BMW booklet are the same between the ECE and US versions. The bolts are the same sizes. I haven't checked the torque values, but I am willing to bet they are the same. There are also How-To articles posted that expand on how to do it. Just because the BMW book posted here has a picture of the swan neck hitch doesn't make it wrong. It is perfectly acceptable.

[X5 Meister]

Hey I am relaxed, if I was any more relaxed I'd be in a coma.

You're points are correct, and I jumped the gun.

In regard to your setup, maybe it was recoded without you knowing about it or prior to your ownership? Again, I think the only way to know for certain is to hook it up to the diagnostic computer and see what it has to say; at least until someone like KiwiJochen figures out how to do retrofit coding with NavCoder!

Originally Posted by JCL

Relax, it was a joke. I should have used a smiley.

Anyone having installed the OEM hitch has been through this. They are all well-qualified to answer questions on how to do it. It may be better to follow advice from someone who has done it, rather than someone who hasn't, that is all I was saying. Nothing beats experience.

You advised Rob that his Trailer Stability Control doesn't work without programming, when we don't know that. My installation book says it works. Maybe it doesn't, and if we can find a reason for why some vehicles need reprogramming that would be great. I just know that mine didn't, and the instructions shipped with the hitch did not mention reprogramming, in 2003.

The instructions in the BMW booklet are the same between the ECE and US versions. The bolts are the same sizes. I haven't checked the torque values, but I am willing to bet they are the same. There are also How-To articles posted that expand on how to do it. Just because the BMW book posted here has a picture of the swan neck hitch doesn't make it wrong. It is perfectly acceptable.

[X5 Meister]

Didn't get around to this until now. If I find anything else I'll add to this post.

In regards to the need for retrofit coding, according to the various instructions it is as follows:

- US 7-2000 - No mention of coding
- US 5-2009 - No mention of coding
- Euro 3-2000 - No mention of coding
- Euro 8-2009 - Does not require coding
- Euro 10-2001 Wiring Harness - Cars built prior to 10-2001 do not require coding. Cars built after 10-2001 do require coding
- Euro 4-2004 Wiring Harness - Does require coding

Attached:

1. US Hitch installation instructions - Date 7-2000 (in 2 parts due to board size constraints)
2. US Hitch installation instructions - Date 5-2009 (p/n 71-60-0-009-711 Retail $495.00 (Class III with a 2" receiver))
3. Euro Hitch installation instructions - Date 3-2000
4. Euro Hitch installation instructions - Date 8-2009
5. Euro Wiring Harness installation instructions - Date 10-2001
6. Euro Wiring Harness installation instructions - Date 4-2004 (in 2 parts due to board size constraints)
7. 8 photos of Euro Hitch Tow Bar and it's mounting location in the trunk
8. Hitch Step instructions (p/n 82-11-0-417-602 Retail $79.00)

I came across information confirming the existence of an "Electric Trailer Brake Kit" P/N 82-11-0-420-083 however I still have no other information on it yet.

Great link on installing an US Hitch:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tion-tips.html

I put together a similar post for the E70. See post # 27. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...tml#post725271

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

If you can scan those installation instructions and send them to me that would be great.

As far as coding being mentioned, note that at least for the euro hitch there are two sets of instructions. One set just for the hitch components (which makes no mention of coding). And one set just for the hitch wiring harness (which does mention coding). I only assume the same is true for the US hitch; that's what I'm working on (as I currently don't have a hitch installed).

I think what might be confusing to some people is that the BMW instructions on the tips and tricks page are:
- only for the euro hitch
- not complete, since they do not include the wiring harness installation instructions
- an older version of the instructions