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

[TerminatorX5]

Hey Riggo... The AHM module is an extension of the LCM module, it provides the lighting solutions for the trailer lights (non-LED), and when the trailer lights are connected, the AHM will disable the rear PDC if so equipped, will disable the manual operation of the 4-corner ride height control, if so equipped and will disable the rear fog lights if so equipped, or if wired properly through the LCM and not via the trailer module (see the rear fog threads on this forum). The AHM will not provide the brake control, but you already know that...

If your trailer has LED lights, you can get yourself a 7-pin to 4-pin converter (the US plug is 4-pin), and solder in three resistors that will act as additional load for the AHM to make it think that there is an incandescent light bulb - also is helpful to have the 7-pin-to4-pin adapter with resistors if you hook up a basket or bicycle carrier, the adapter will cut off the annoying rear PDC...

you can see the adapter in my thread referenced in my signature...



Congratulations on the install!!

[Riggodeaux]

Thanks Terminator, that's what I figured on the X609 AHM Module. I have a 7-4 pin converter, but the added resistors in it would make sense to cut off the annoying PDC if I find myself carrying a hitch box.

[JCL]

The trailer module essentially tells the vehicle a trailer is there if the harness is connected. In addition to the features mentioned, it enables the vehicle to use the Trailer Stability Control mode of the DSC. I've never had TSC intervene, even towing on snow covered roads, but it is nice to know it is there.

Depending on your vehicle date of manufacture you may require coding to get the vehicle to recognize the trailer control module. That started with vehicles built from 2004 onwards IIRC.

[TerminatorX5]

I had the trailer set up on 2002 4.6 and then i transferred the same set up from '02 to the '06 4.8, all the same inner hardware and electronics. I did not code though...

I used the hitch for the bicycle rack and the basket - both with the 7-to-4-pin adapter with the resistors (maiden voyage was without resistors, and the turn signals were acting up, they would blink normally, and then blink fast as if bulb was blown - the adapter had built-in LEDs that threw off the LCM. Once I fitted resistors, the light mayheim stopped).


But, I did not tow a real trailer yet, so maybe I do need some programming...

[Riggodeaux]

Thanks guys, I had noted the posts about the possibility of requiring coding in my 2006. If I can't do it myself, maybe a dealer can get to it when they do the warranty fix on my passenger seat airbag warning pad ..... .

[LVP]

So, lesson learned. Installation is reverse of removal. If you forget to install the heat shields before you put the bumper on, you will need to pull the bumper off again, install the shields and then do the bumper again.

Other than a few fitment issues, it went well. Looks sweet. I'll move my sleds around towards the end of the week and give it a test. Not sure if bulb or LED trailer lights or if that will mess up the system, but I'll know soon enough.

Thanks for all the write-ups on the forum that helped throughout the install.

Cheers.

[Riggodeaux]

LVP, being above the 49th parallel, in a land of road salt, I'm surprised you could get the heat shields off. The inside? nuts on mine had corroded so that I couldn't turn the heads so I just removed the outside fasteners and folded the screens down enough on top of the 'lowered' mufflers [used milk cartons, no jose cuervo cases handy ] to reach where needed. I'm looking forward to confirming my electronics with a load of hay, and getting ready for the real test: hauling 5k plus of quarterhorses, tack and trailer to the trails in the N. Ga. mountains [once I hook up the brake controller] ......

[LVP]

4/4 screws and 3/4 of the nuts came off for the shields. I want to say I was lucky, but then forgetting to put them back on makes me reconsider that statement.

As for rust, this one, although high mileage and not maintained particularly well, lived a sheltered life in underground parking for at least half its life. That owner washed and detailed it a lot, so it was kept pretty clean. The guy before that did all the 4.8 looks, so I assume he cared a lot about how it looked too. There is a small spot of rust lower inside of right door and the underside is near spotless (a few small patches here and there, but barely an issue).

Good luck with the tow. I'll keep you posted on how mine works too.

Cheers.

[LVP]

Looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller (Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Tekonsha Brake Controller 90250). Can anyone using it confirm the need to still take the signal wire from the front LCM module all the way to the back harness connector pin? I suspect from all the threads I've read, that regardless of whether you have the RF or hardwired version, this signal is still required as the OE harness doesn't have that pin pre-wired.

Thanks!

[Riggodeaux]

LVP, my impression is that the RF version of the Prodigy does not require any additional wiring to stock - primarily from the owner reviews. The key is getting the two units [a sending unit, portable, in the cabin, and the receiver, mounted on the trailer] to synch, and it appears the best method is to do it on a domestic US vehicle, then move the sending unit to your X5. I plan to get one to mount on the next horse trailer and move the sending unit between the X5 and the CEO's Benz diesel SUV.