BMW X5 E53 DIY OEM Hitch Installation Notes and factory installation PDF

[Riggodeaux]

Check etrailer and your local hitch installers. That looks like most every 7 point plug mount I've ever seen - you probably don't need a bimmer specific bracket

[e30cabrio]

I contacted Pollak who said BMW specific & referred me to etrailer who said the same
etrailer suggested this:
No-Drill Mount Bracket, Short Tow Ready Accessories and Parts 18140

[JCL]

I would use a generic 7 pin plug mount, and not position it until the receiver is in place and the bumper is back on (at least test-fit, you may need to slide it back off to attach the bracket). My reasoning is that it is often possible to position the bracket further in to somewhat hide the plug. You just need to make sure that there is still clearance to attach the trailer harness to the plug, and for the wiring harness running to the plug.

The attached photo is our X3, but it shows the objective. By positioning the plug socket pointing more downwards than rearwards, I was able to reattach the (modified) trim piece. The X5 is slightly different, so maybe it wouldn't work; you would have to play with it, but I think it is worth trying. My trim piece is only rough cut in the photo, and hadn't been neatened up yet. I can get the electrical connection on with the cover in place, but it is usually easier to just snap it out when I am hitching, for better access to the hitch pin.

[e30cabrio]

Thanks. I ordered that no drill mount. I figured it was cheap enough so I might as well get it and if I find the right one it's ok.

[JCL]

Make sure you got the right one. They have a bracket, and then a mount (two pieces). You need the face plate for the 7 pin plug, which looks to be here:

Mounting Bracket for 7-Way Draw-Tite Accessories and Parts 18138

[e30cabrio]

That's the one I have.

[e30cabrio]

I got an empty 7 pin connector from BMW thinking it was the harness that came with a mount. I mocked this up and will see if I can cut it at the correct level to use the oem mounting point.





etrailers already shipped wow that was fast!

[Junkycosmos]

Posting follow up here to say thank you to the many posters here on hitch install info.

Found the kit I stock at BMW of Bloomfield in NJ. Scott in their parts dept was easy to deal and noted they often stock pile a few of them when in and ship anywhere. It was his ad on eBay someone noted month back. Came fully complete with all parts, wires, trailer module etc. seeing the design and how the bumper bracket builds into the rear of the X I agree with prior comments about only using factory hitch.

Installed the factory hitch kit yesterday. Noted with the 4.8is exhaust I found it easier to start by removing the nuts for the 2nd exhaust bracket from the rear before trying to remove the bumper. This allowed for some wiggle room of the exhaust tip to get the socket past while the bracket still covered by bumper (with ground wire) fully supported the mufflers weight.

Having someone human help would make this job a lot easier for three parts: removal of bumper, lift on of new bracket and reinstall of bumper but it can be done on your own with care. Trick being something to hold bumper at near right height when reinstalling.

If you drop the bumper off before unplugging the PDC harness and the box to support the bumper is not ready for 100lb bumper and bracket it will tear the wire harness. With some time and patience you can remove the pins from the connector, solder the wires on, and fully reassemble the harness (joy).


Bumper alignment/reinstall: I left the four long bolts bumper that hold the new bumper U tube brackets only finger tight until after I had bumper reinstalled. In other words, put the bumper on boxes to correct height, open tail gate, slide bumper onto side mounts, get one side lined up and put the two small screws by wheels. Repeat on other side as it will have popped out. Now install the two long bumper bolts from ground up (lift up the bumper up snug before you tighten). Now go into trunk and tighten the nuts for the four bumper bracket bolts while lifting the bumper up.

Thank you again X members.

Anyone want to buy my "hitch delete kit" ? What did the rest of you do with your old bumper parts?

J

2005 4.8is

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by Junkycosmos

Anyone want to buy my "hitch delete kit" ? What did the rest of you do with your old bumper parts?

J

2005 4.8is

^^ I wonder about this too! LOL!

[e30cabrio]

Originally Posted by Junkycosmos

Posting follow up here to say thank you to the many posters here on hitch install info.

Found the kit I stock at BMW of Bloomfield in NJ. Scott in their parts dept was easy to deal and noted they often stock pile a few of them when in and ship anywhere. It was his ad on eBay someone noted month back. Came fully complete with all parts, wires, trailer module etc. seeing the design and how the bumper bracket builds into the rear of the X I agree with prior comments about only using factory hitch.

Installed the factory hitch kit yesterday. Noted with the 4.8is exhaust I found it easier to start by removing the nuts for the 2nd exhaust bracket from the rear before trying to remove the bumper. This allowed for some wiggle room of the exhaust tip to get the socket past while the bracket still covered by bumper (with ground wire) fully supported the mufflers weight.

Having someone human help would make this job a lot easier for three parts: removal of bumper, lift on of new bracket and reinstall of bumper but it can be done on your own with care. Trick being something to hold bumper at near right height when reinstalling.

If you drop the bumper off before unplugging the PDC harness and the box to support the bumper is not ready for 100lb bumper and bracket it will tear the wire harness. With some time and patience you can remove the pins from the connector, solder the wires on, and fully reassemble the harness (joy).


Bumper alignment/reinstall: I left the four long bolts bumper that hold the new bumper U tube brackets only finger tight until after I had bumper reinstalled. In other words, put the bumper on boxes to correct height, open tail gate, slide bumper onto side mounts, get one side lined up and put the two small screws by wheels. Repeat on other side as it will have popped out. Now install the two long bumper bolts from ground up (lift up the bumper up snug before you tighten). Now go into trunk and tighten the nuts for the four bumper bracket bolts while lifting the bumper up.

Thank you again X members.

Anyone want to buy my "hitch delete kit" ? What did the rest of you do with your old bumper parts?

J

2005 4.8is

I like your supervisors, making sure you do it properly.

lol