Towing with the X5

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

The OEM vs. aftermarket hitch debate has been a hot topic. I recall seeing some posts where there were users of aftermarket hitches that experienced some significant problems. Then there are users of the Draw-Tite that seem to be fine. I don't have a trailer hitch but if I needed one, I'd go with the OEM hitch just to be safe. The fact that ECS has the OEM unit for $430 seals the deal. It's a very reasonable price to pay for OEM and peace of mind.

Ghost Flame: Your dealer is clearly trying to rip you off. $1800 is ridiculous! You can the OEM hitch from ECS and there are excellent DIY installation instructions here.

I wish someone would have taken a pic of one of the failures.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

I wish someone would have taken a pic of one of the failures.

Sorry I can't remember the exact details. I've been around this X5 forum stuff for too long!

I think it was a Curt hitch and it torqued his entire frame. It was on xoutpost (x5world) or possibly the BMW forum that will remain unnamed from which we fled to start this forum.

[TiAgX5]

I have removed my bumper and done a visual inspection/fastener re-tq twice in the past 18 mos. I have the Draw-tite and it has looked good so far. If I see any damage I will post pics.

[PersonaNonGrata]

FOUND IT!

HERE is an excellent thread that, thanks mostly to JCL, has some history about aftermarket hitches.

[JCL]

Thanks Kev

Saves me looking for the link.

If anybody is going to tow a valuable load, I think it is misguided to use anything except the OE hitch. Yes it costs more. Suck it up. When you compare the attachment points of the aftermarket hitches, and their lack of reinforcement of the body pan, with the OE design, there is no question whatsoever.

There is no reason to pay outlandish dealer install prices. The hitch is around $500, and it is either a straightforward DIY following the links posted on this site, or an easy install for an independent shop who will charge 3 hours or so. If you have a later model, you will need to get the vehicle software flashed, so that is another consideration in choice of installer.

I have installed a few hitches on X models, and can answer any specific questions.

I also think it is worth buying the OE wiring harness, because of the integration into the vehicle. You get the rear PDC turned off to prevent continual beeping, and the Trailer Stability Control function in DSC. There is no risk of damage to the mutli-plexed wiring. It used to be possible to buy the OE wiring harness separately, but what I am seeing now is the separate parts of it, not the complete wiring kit. If you add up the parts the price is not reasonable. If you buy the OE hitch, all the wriing kit is included. It makes it pretty much a no-brainer.

On the other hand, if you are towing 1000 lbs, anything will do. But the hitch with the strut running longitudinally looks fugly, IMO. Look up the threads here where we discussed it. Edit: this thread here:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-thinking.html

Jeff

[Blade69]

Geez...$430 bucks? I guess that's not a lot considering you'll be towing cars. I'll only be towing 2-3 motorcycles so I think I'll be good with the aftermarket. but after seeing how ugly it sticks out like that, I may opt for OEM as I like a clean look. Had a Hidden Hitch on my Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi and I forgot I had bikes back there most of the time.

However my question is this. With my Jeep, there was a "TOW/HAUL" button which pretty much locked the trans into 4th gear to keep it from fishing around between 4th and 5th. I noticed my X5 4.8is doesn't have such a button. Should I manually shift over and put in a lower gear? I'll be towing the bikes for approximately 900 miles. Should I get my trans fluid changed beforehand also?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Blade69

Geez...$430 bucks? I guess that's not a lot considering you'll be towing cars. I'll only be towing 2-3 motorcycles so I think I'll be good with the aftermarket. but after seeing how ugly it sticks out like that, I may opt for OEM as I like a clean look. Had a Hidden Hitch on my Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi and I forgot I had bikes back there most of the time.

However my question is this. With my Jeep, there was a "TOW/HAUL" button which pretty much locked the trans into 4th gear to keep it from fishing around between 4th and 5th. I noticed my X5 4.8is doesn't have such a button. Should I manually shift over and put in a lower gear? I'll be towing the bikes for approximately 900 miles. Should I get my trans fluid changed beforehand also?

Get the OE hitch. It includes the electrics. You won't regret it.

While you don't have a 5th gear lockout, you do have Steptronic. Leave it in automatic, not sport mode. Determine if the vehicle is hunting for gears on a hill when towing. Unlikely, but watch the tach. If it does, shift into manual mode to stop it hunting. Don't go into a lower gear than you have to. With a 4.8 and only towing bikes, it is unlikely that will have to worry about it at all. The main thing is to prevent unnecessary shifts, and to keep the torque converter in lock-up mode. Those two things keep the heat down. No need to change your trans fluid before towing.

[TiAgX5]

Easier to get at too! I've been jacking my X the same way.

[LeftCoastErik]

ECS, does that kit work on the e70 also?

[JCL]

Ghost, TiAg:

If you could get right under the hitch attachment bolts (at the rear pan) then the OE hitch is rated for a 600 lb vertical load. This hitch would be similar in capacity, as it is loading the rear attachment point in shear, with no bending moment.

But bring the trolley jack back towards the middle of that aftermarket hitch strut, and you introduce bending forces. Also, the rear of the X5 weighs a bit more than 600 lbs. Quite a bit, in fact.

Not that I'd recommend it, but you could just as easily lift on any part of the sheetmetal underneath the vehicle, it would have the same strength.

I'd say it is a terrible jacking point, for those reasons.