What type of hitch?!?!?!

[AceWynn]

Hey guys,

So I'm looking to purchase a hitch for my 2002 BMW x5 3.0 but I don't know which one to get. I've been doing some research and it seems like OE is the way to go but it is fairly expensive and I can't find a site online that I can purchase it from. It also seems like after market ones can do more harm to my vehicle than good. So what would be 2nd best? Have they redesigned any aftermarket ones that would be good?

I'm looking to tow a mid size trailer that would fit 2 dirt bikes and hopefully a quad. Pretty much anything in the class 3 towing specs. I'm looking at this one right here.



What do you guys think?

[JCL]

That isn't a picture of a hitch that fits an X5, that is a generic drawing by an aftermarket hitch manufacturer.

If you want a decent hitch, go with OE. Costs more, but is the only one that attaches properly to the X5 unibody, and includes the wiring harness.

If you want a cheap hitch, buy any one, I don't think they are any different from one another.

[AceWynn]

Oh sorry. I went to the site that's advertised on this site. Anyone of the 3 any good? http://http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2002_BMW_X5.htm Do you know of a site where I can get the OE?

[Quicksilver]

You can buy the hitch from the dealer. Just call around.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by AceWynn

Oh sorry. I went to the site that's advertised on this site. Anyone of the 3 any good? Do you know of a site where I can get the OE?

That link doesn't work for me, but it is etrailer. Of the three hitches they show, two are the same, sold under different names. Those are the Drawtite and Hidden Hitch. They don't attach to the rear of the vehicle where there is any strength, but they have an ugly low hanging mount added to help prevent them ripping off the rear pan. Some owners have been fine with those hitches, others have had problems. The third hitch is the Curt. It attaches to the proper place, but without any reinforcing. That means it can twist. Again, some have been fine with it.

The proper hitch is sold by BMW. Here is an online site, a board sponsor:

BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0l > Exterior > Trailer > ES#185392 E53 X5 Trailer Hitch Kit - 71600009711

Notice the reinforcement plates in the photo. They have pentagons on one end. They go into the formed rails on the chassis, and tie it all together. That is what is missing in all the aftermarket hitches. You can also see the OE electrical interface wiring box and harness in the photo. Seems like a good price. Call and ask them when it is back in stock, or look around the web. Or buy it at any dealer, it is a standard part that they can all get. Watch out for shipping charges if you buy on the web, as it is heavy.

Good luck.

Jeff

[AceWynn]

Thanks Jeff. I've decided to go with the OE one. I've called around and the dealerships in my area are charging $495 + tax which comes to about $550. I think I'll wait until ECSTunning has some in stock and save about $50 from them. Does anyone know of any other places that might sell it cheaper?

[Quicksilver]

If you're just trying to save $50.00 which is about 10%
then use a AAA card or something like that. Most dealers
give discounts of one sort or another. You just gotta ask.

[tonytsai0429]

Originally Posted by AceWynn

Thanks Jeff. I've decided to go with the OE one. I've called around and the dealerships in my area are charging $495 + tax which comes to about $550. I think I'll wait until ECSTunning has some in stock and save about $50 from them. Does anyone know of any other places that might sell it cheaper?

make sure the electronics is all in placed, dealer might render some parts for the trailer to work. my learning curved were tough...!!!

[tonytsai0429]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

If you're just trying to save $50.00 which is about 10%
then use a AAA card or something like that. Most dealers
give discounts of one sort or another. You just gotta ask.