Hitch wire installation.

DoubleA · #1 04-29-2009, 08:09 PM

Does anyone have install the wire harness from Bavarian Autosport:

I will install it over the week-end, but I tough of asking and see if anyone has a tips or two before I go ahead and do it.

Thanks

AA

X5_Rob · #2 04-29-2009, 08:18 PM

AA - That link brings you to the home page but I believe your asking about part #71 60 0 009 698... It looks identical to factory wire harness... very simple to install... I'm assuming you already have the hitch installed... you can download the DIY hitch install instructions from the forum homepage... you need to remove a weather cap just behind the rear bumper and snake the harness from up under the car, thru the hole into the rear vehicle compartment. You then need to remove a panel on the back interior compartment and locate the connector and your done.

You'll also need to install the trailer hitch electrical brake module that goes into the compartment where the battery is located. AGain, the step by step DIY instructions on the home page are very simple to follow. should take no more then 30 minutes or so...

Good luck!

gianvito16 · #3 04-29-2009, 10:44 PM

its really simple, just follow the instruction X5 ROB gave you. do you have the hitch installed yet? if you dont mind me asking how much did you pay for that, im sure a few people on here are looking for that.

Weasel · #4 04-29-2009, 11:10 PM

And you will need to have the module retrofitted in (programmed/encoded) after installation for it to work. (at least on the US models)

JCAPX5 · #5 04-29-2009, 11:25 PM

Weasel,

Is this the case for ALL hitch wiring installs? Even the OEM Hitch KIT needs to be programmed at the dealer to work???

I just picked up the hitch kit from a local dealer and am looking to install in the coming weeks.

Thanks very much and please advise.

Weasel · #6 04-29-2009, 11:34 PM

Yes. I hear some of our members with euro models saying it's plug and play, but with the US model the vehicle needs to retrofit encoded to let the rest of the vehicle (DSC, PDC, LCM etc.) know that it's there for it to work. Otherwise the other modules just don't know it's there and snub it out so to say.

But the retrofit encoding should only be 1 hour labor charge.

X5 Meister · #7 04-30-2009, 12:34 AM

The euro hitch requires coding too for all cars manufactured after 10/2001.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weasel

Yes. I hear some of our members with euro models saying it's plug and play, but with the US model the vehicle needs to retrofit encoded to let the rest of the vehicle (DSC, PDC, LCM etc.) know that it's there for it to work. Otherwise the other modules just don't know it's there and snub it out so to say.

But the retrofit encoding should only be 1 hour labor charge.

JCAPX5 · #8 04-30-2009, 12:15 AM

Shoot!

I was under the impression you simply install the Hitch and wiring from the OEM kit and you're good to go! Will the trailer lights function at all if I DIY this one and then the other electronics (DSC, PDC, etc) will "snub it out" shortly thereafter or will the trailer lights not work at all?

I'd hate to spend 4 hours installing my hitch kit only to have have no electrical when connecting my ttrailer. this would lead me to believe that I have something installed wrong and have to rip it all apart again...when really I NEED to have the dealer program the X for the hitch wiring module!?!?!?!

Thanks again Weasel please confirm for us oh wise one!!!

(PS everyone should thank Weasel and all the wonderfully knowledgeable people on this great forum for their experience and assistance! THANKS WEASEL YOU DA MAN!!!)

JCL · #9 04-30-2009, 12:25 AM

I have great respect for Weasel's dealer-specific knowledge.

However, when I installed the OEM hitch on my 2003, I did not need to have any programming done. It was not referenced in the factory instruction that my dealer printed out for me, and which was current then, and everything worked fine.

For several years on this board many of us installed hitches, and it wasn't until 2004 or 2005 that discussion started about needing programming. I suspect that it is due to later versions of the vehicle-specific programming, which required a dealer reset, while earlier versions/models just didn't need it.

Or I could be completely wrong. But mine worked fine, all of the lights, and including the PDC feature. It is hard to test the trailer stability control, so I don't really know on that count.

JCAPX5 · #10 04-30-2009, 12:29 AM

Awesome JCL thanks for the input and good thought on the programming...maybe it's a pre/post facelift thing who knows. I'll get some feedback up once I get mine on.