Last minute advice on hitch install?

[N S]

I'll be installing the OEM hitch and harness this weekend on my '06 4.4L X5. I plan on using the instructions from this site to aid in the installation. Any last minute advice or suggestions on things you would have done differently? Thank you!

Also, what would be a conservative amount of time to plan for the change?

[ncx]

Do you have the right torx drivers? I'd allow 4-5 hours if you are going to take your time. Are you going to do it by yourself? Make sure to have somewhere soft and close by to place the bumper when you remove it (blankets/towels, etc). Also, have some things ready to support the mufflers when you drop them down. I used two paint cans last time. Finally, I suggest a nice six-pack of your favorite brew for the last, yet critical step in this procedure.

[N S]

Originally Posted by ncx

Do you have the right torx driver? I'd allow 4-5 hours if you are going to take your time. Are you going to do it by yourself? Make sure to have somewhere soft and close by to place the bumper when you remove it (blankets/towels, etc). Also, have some things ready to support the mufflers when you drop them down. I used two small paint buckets last time. Finally, I suggest a nice six-pack of your favorite brew for the last yet critical step in this procedure.

Ha ha, already got the beer. I'll have to check the torx bit size, I have a set but will verify it has the correct size in it.

I was planning on using my floor jacks to support anything that needs to "hang", but that brings up a good question, to do this swap there is no need to jack up the vehicle right? There is enough room underneath to do the work without raising the vehicle?

Thanks for the advice.

[ncx]

Floor jacks will work fine, the exhuast will only have to be dropped 6 inches or so. You won't need them to jack up the X... everything can be done without raising it up.

Have fun. The OEM hitch is a brute, you'll love it.

[N S]

Originally Posted by ncx

Floor jacks will work fine, the exhuast will only have to be dropped 6 inches or so. You won't need them to jack up the X... everything can be done without raising it up.

Have fun. The OEM hitch is a brute, you'll love it.

Wonder if I should send it out for powder coating or chrome plating first......bling like whoa!

Ha ha, jk.

[ncx]

[munchkin29483]

Just did my 2006 on Tuesday.
Somebody sugggested a door panel removal tool for removing bumper skin.
I used one from Advanced Auto and it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I used a small drift punch where panel tool couldn't be used.
I put the hitch on myself using a floor jack. My Grandson showed up at end of job and gave me a hand with bumper replacement.
Whole thing took me about 5 hours.
Hitch came from Bloomfield BMW and it fit like a glove.

[N S]

Did you get replacement trim fasteners for when you put everything back together, or did you just re-use the old ones?

[X5 Meister]

Do a thread search, a few people have done the installs recently and posted some great tips.