Towing with the X5

[ibkevman]

Originally Posted by JCL

I'll skip the lecture on using aftermarket hitches and wiring

I just read through pages and pages of lecture

Thanks for the reply!

[taosx5]

Here is my .05 worth. I too installed the Draw Tite with the support arm. The install took two of us about 3.5 hours but 2 hours of that was scratching our heads trying to figure out how to remove the rear bumper. The actual install is easy with the right tools. I think I wrote a bumpber removal thread but if you can't find it I know one exists.

I also used the wiring harness from E-Trailier and that was about a 45 min install. I did it months after the hitch install and it would not take long if you did it when you install the hitch.

Your M3 stripped down for the track is probably around 3000 lbs, your trailer maybe another 2K to 3K depending on your trailer. The Draw Tite is rated at 6000 lbs but I personally would not tow that much with my X5. It is too mountainous in my area and I would not feel comfortable towing that much weight with the X5. If I were close to the track and the drive not to demanding I would not hesitate pulling a trailer with an M3 on board with my X5. But the X5 is a mid size SUV that was not designed as a tow vehicle. You have to think about stopping and also consider the added strain on the tranny. A new tranny for the X5 will cost you more than you could by an older pick-up truck for so if I had the room I would probably buy an old pick up and save the X5 for what it was designed to do.

Lots of useful info on this board and tons of threads on hauling and hitch installs. Good luck.

[DaveInVa]

Well after two attempts and some swearing the factory hitch and electronics are installed and except for some issues with the parking sensors and the running lights on the trailer flashing slowly I'm more than happy with the results. For those of you worried about the brake controller, the Prodigy RF system is the way to go. Took 10 minutes to install and setup.

[ECS Tuning]

Congrats! The X sure makes a nice looking tow rig for that e30!

[TerminatorX5]

My head is spinning from reading so many posts on the towing, so I don't even know, if I am coming or going!!!

I do have an OEM hitch, installed by previous owner, with the module in the battery compartment and hopefully all the correct struts under the bumper.

I need to get a UHaul trailer to haul some pieces of furniture for about 20 miles one way (and go empty 20 miles back), and before stepping into a UHaul place, I wanted to know what kind of hitch mount, or ball or whatever that thing is called that I need, and also, if I need any kind of electrical adapter to go from the OEM electrical outlet to the UHaul electrical inlet. I think I saw something the ECS guys were selling for an adapter, not sure if I need it or not, but I have not seen that ball thingy being offered as an OEM device.

An advice would be appreciated.

thank you,

[JCL]

With the OE hitch kit you need a hitch ball mount which fits into the 2" square receiver, drops the ball to a convenient height, and has a 2" (or similar) ball mounted on it. You need one with the correct size ball for the trailer you will be towing. I can't remember if the hitch mount came in the kit or I bought it separately when I bought my hitch kit. If you don't have the BMW one, any one will do, as long as the drop and reach (from pin to ball mount) are within the BMW spec, ie not too long or too extended.

The OE hitch kit also includes an electrical adaptor that plugs into the round socket under the flap, and converts that to a flat four pin connector commonly used in North America. If you don't still have that adaptor, U-Haul sell a version of it for a few bucks. You can see a picture of this adaptor in post 10 in this thread, right above the white trailer wiring module. It has two ears on it, is cylindrical on one end, and has a four pin flat connector on the other end.

[RickM5X3]

Originally Posted by JCL

I can't remember if the hitch mount came in the kit or I bought it separately when I bought my hitch kit.

A least with the X3 kit, it came with.

[TerminatorX5]

Having bought the car used, I do not have the adapter nor the 2" adapter with a ball. I will check with the UHaul about those.

I don't think I have to go OEM on those parts, do I?

So, I guess, even a Wal-Mart will do, with their chinese made crap? I hope it will last 40 mile trip... lol...

[JCL]

Get them from U-Haul, not Walmart.

OE not required.

Updated my post, but you posted first.

[TerminatorX5]

Thanks!!! Let me talk to the U-Haul