Hitch wire installation.

[X5 Meister]

Oh. I was simply referring to your comment:

You said:
"Just for clarification as I just installed the hitch a week ago on my 2005 and did not take to the dealer to program - the trailer lights work (which I would assume would work whether the dealer did the programming or not) and the PDC seems to disable when my trailer is attached (non-brake so can't tell if braking system is functional and hard to tell whether the trailer sway control is functioning or not? What gets activated by the dealer "programming"?

To which I replied:
"Didn't you just answer your own question."

THAT is what gets activated by the dealer programming.... the trailer sway control.

Originally Posted by X5_Rob

I didn't understand your response "didn't you just answer your own question "trailer sway control".

[JCL]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

THAT is what gets activated by the dealer programming.... the trailer sway control.

Based on what? If it is just the sway control, what about all those who found that their lights didn't work until it got activated? Wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that if the lights and PDC work, that the TSC works as well, without activation?

[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 don't have an answer for you why some functions get activated and some don't. If I had a DiS then I could tell you, but I don't. My point is simply what the instructions state and it certainly isn't too hard to imagine that plugging in a module might deactivate one function (like the PDC) but not activate a more sophisticated feature (like trailer sway); though since I did not design the system I cannot tell you how exactly it works.

Originally Posted by JCL

Based on what? If it is just the sway control, what about all those who found that their lights didn't work until it got activated? Wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that if the lights and PDC work, that the TSC works as well, without activation?

[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.

[JCAPX5]

Hi guys, great stuff and it's awesome to see our beloved X, with all is sporty spirited driving capability, still has the ability to be a great tow vehicle.

Funny 'cause I just walked in from a 4 hour install of the OEM hitch and wiring harness. Install wasn't too bad just took time as there is much more to installing a hitch on an X5 than there is on a F150 or the like. Anyway install is done and I can't wait to get towing again with our new(ish) X.

Previously on our 2002 3.0 Auto we towed about 2-3000lbs of ATV's and she performed like a dream. About 40K miles on that one and the aftermarket draw-tite hitch and wiring never gave me a problem I just decided to go OEM this time around. We're going to have our X5 for many years to come and I wanted the ultimate hitch setup. Overall perception of the BMW hitch is very good. Built like a tank!

As for the coding debate I should be able to add to the poll tomorrow. Finshing the install at 10pm I wasn't up to loading the quads onto the trailer but I'll hook her up to the empty trailer tomorrow and see how the PDC and lights go. Firing up the X after tonight's install didn't through any errors on the dash and PDC worked perfectly without any connected to the hitch so all seems to be right with the world.

Anyone looking should check our BMW of Bloomfield (NJ) for the OEM hitch. Call Peter at the parts counter...I bought mine on Tuesday for a smokin' price and they had a few left.

Meister - I didn't get to weigh the new components from the hitch kit...so sorry I was 2 hours in when I remembered. Feeling horrible about not getting the numbers for us, I made sure to collect and box-up all the pieces that came off so I can weigh them in the coming days. Regarding the instructions, JCL's pretty spot-on with the instructions I got vs the ones posted on the home page. Regardless, if I can be of help to our site I'll fax them to you the week after next. Right now I don't have the scanner setup and won;t until we move back into our house. Maybe a month or two. Hopefully a fax will work. Oh and the dealer printed a copy for me and there was also a copy inside the box.

Stupid excited to have the hitch back on the X5.

[Weasel]

And I will add myself to the group who needed to program the module after installation for the trailer lights to work and for the rear PDC to turn off with trailer plugged in. I say this ahving plugged in the trailer before doing the programming for a quick run to home depot and the lights did not work and the rear PDC was going nuts seeing the trailer there like I was backing into it. Once programmed, all worked perfectly.

As far as the sway control goes, I would hope none of us have to feel this work as the hitch is close enough to the rear axle for the X5 to not be prone to that. We would pretty much have to be doing some heavy braking with a loaded down trailer with high tongue weight going downhill to induce that.

[X5_Rob]

got it Meister. thanks. fyi I have the BMW instructions that came with my hitch right in front of me. I can scan and email if you like...