X5 Trailer Hitch Help

[iczer34]

Hey Guys,

I'm new here and this would be my first post. I've been a regular on a few other forums (E46fanatics, Bimmerfest, M3forum, etc.).

I bought the OEM BMW Trailer Hitch Kit yesterday and will be installing it tomorrow. Just bought a boat and need to tow that sucker home. I was going over the instructions that were provided (and the ones posted on this site) and had a few questions. I'm not very familiar with the whole "towing" thing since i've NEVER towed anything in my life. So please, excuse my ignorance on the topic.

Electric Brake Control - I'm towing a 3800lb boat, I was told I'll be needing one of these. The wiring harness provided by the BMW kit, does it allow for some sort of plug-n-play with my trailer? I see a 7 PIN plug that allows for a bunch of things...but am quite confused.

There is a notation in the instructions that says I can "retrofit" a electric brake control system. What does that mean?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[UCrewX5]

The harness that comes with the OEM hitch kit provides hook-ups for the lights, but not electric brakes.

There's a couple of install examples on the home page of aftermarket electric brake installs. They are http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...er%20Brake.pdf and http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/X5...stallation.pdf

and :xoutpost:

[iczer34]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

The harness that comes with the OEM hitch kit provides hook-ups for the lights, but not electric brakes.

There's a couple of install examples on the home page of aftermarket electric brake installs. They are http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...er%20Brake.pdf and http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/X5...stallation.pdf

and :xoutpost:

Thanks!

I read both those articles earlier, but it made me more confused.

Does BMW provide an OEM Electric Brake Module that would work with their wiring harness? This is all too confusing to me, I just want to tow my boat.

[LeMansX5]

You can install the Tekonsha Prodigy. I don't think there is an OEM electric brake control for hitch.

[acucu]

has anyone actually towned over 4000 lbs with the x5?
considering it with 4 big guys and the trailer full of snowmobiles for a total of 4000 tailer weight

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by acucu

has anyone actually towned over 4000 lbs with the x5?
considering it with 4 big guys and the trailer full of snowmobiles for a total of 4000 tailer weight

withidl had done 8900lbs. Check here.

[jditom]

Originally Posted by acucu

has anyone actually towned over 4000 lbs with the x5?
considering it with 4 big guys and the trailer full of snowmobiles for a total of 4000 tailer weight

As long as you have electric brakes it will be no problem. Assuming you have a V8. V6 can do it but not as easy.
I have towed a full loaded trailer 3500-4000 lbs.
It was easy.

[jditom]

Originally Posted by iczer34

Thanks!

I read both those articles earlier, but it made me more confused.

Does BMW provide an OEM Electric Brake Module that would work with their wiring harness? This is all too confusing to me, I just want to tow my boat.

After I got BMW to install hitch and electric I printed both write us and went to 2 different hitch shops and only 1 would do the brake controler.
They did a nice job and the write ups really helped since few folks have any experience with BMW and brake controlers.

[DinanX5]

At what tow weight do you begin to need a brake controller?

[boskone]

I think the owner's manual states you need trailer brakes for anything over 1600lbs.