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

[Rev Engineer]

Thanks for the tips! Sounds like it is as essential as any other piece in the kit. I'll be headed back to the junkyard to salvage that piece, just hope that it's still there! Thanks!

[Riggodeaux]

Since we are on the trailer towing angle, I thought I would pass on from CM Trailers on my request for info on one of their new bumper pull models - a two horse aluminum. It weighs 2270 lbs empty [another 2H BP aluminum model, with more 'stuff', weighs in at 3480 empty]. They guesstimate loaded hitch/tongue weight at .17 times the load; if that is accurate, it would put loaded weight [around 5k] at more than our recommended max of 600 lbs. [850?] I think they have it wrong. The horses ride over the two 3 or 5k axles; if you don't load lead ingots in the nose, I would think the hitch/tongue weight, loaded, would be down in the 500 range. I seem to recall from my trips to the scales that my loaded, 4 horse gooseneck add about that to the bed of the F350, making it ride better than empty.

[Riggodeaux]

Rev Engineer, take the parts list from the instructions, and the pictures from the original post, with you and forget nothing, including bolts and the electrical module from behind the battery. I think ECS Tuning sells it, alone, for around $200 .....

[Riggodeaux]

Originally Posted by 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.

JCL, Terminator, after installing the module, I'm getting intermittent 'check brake lights' and 'check rear lights' messages on the dash display. Both appear to be working. I'm assuming this is an indication I need to visit a dealer to get coded. What think you?

[JCL]

If the module is recognized by the vehicle, the rear PDC will not engage when a trailer is connected. That was my standard test.

If you are getting error messages with the module and before a trailer is connected, I would try coding it.

If you are not getting error messages with the module and no trailer, but then do get errors when a trailer is connected, I would check to see if you have LED trailer lights and if so use an adaptor.

I would expect to have to code a 2006 model

[LVP]

I found this. Seems to be the adapter that works for LED

7-Way to 5-Way and 4-Way Trailer Adapter for VW, Audi and Porsche Towing Trailers with LED Lights Tow Ready Wiring TR20141

[fronton]

Got started on the OEM install today and had to quit because my t55 bolt was starting to strip since I can't get good upward pressure while I turn. I know on a E30 there is a top nut that secures the similarly designed vertical bumper bolt. Is the e53 design the same or should it just unscrew from the bottom side with the t55 only? If it strips out I can still remove the bumper by taking out the 17mm bolts on the bracket correct? Should I switch to that method now rather than further risk stripping the t55?

[LVP]

You may be able to do as you suggest and remove the bumper with the insert and the shock absorbers still attached to them. Seeing as you'll be replacing the absorbers and the bumper insert with different pieces, you could leave them attached and just get new T55 bolts if yours are done/seized. In all the write-ups I have never seen it documented this way or attempted, but worth a try I'd say.

[Riggodeaux]

I continue to get intermittent 'check rear lights' and 'check brake lights' messages, when both appear on check to be working fine. I towed last Saturday with a light trailer [1 7/8ths ball, maybe 1500 lbs of hay and trailer] and the lights [parking, turn and brake] worked through a 7 to 4 prong adaptor. I'm stopping by the dealer tomorrow am to have the computer reprogrammed to recognize the hitch electronics: they quote me $215 for this service. Typical ..... The service rep. passing on the info told me E70s absolutely required this, and checked with the diagnostic tech who reported [as some here reported] that at least late version E53s required the same. Hopefully, this will clear the warning faults, too.

[LVP]

For the record, adding factory OE wiring kit to my 2004 4.4 required no programming. Plugged in a trailer with standard lights and it nicely disabled the PDC. Lights functioned without any bulb errors. If I plug into LED trailer, I'll likely need the adapter. I'll be building a car trailer with e-brakes over the winter, so I'll be using the wireless prodigy unit for that. Stay tuned!

Only question I have for those that tow - what do you use to cover the trailer chains or bumper trim? My chains rub on the lower lip and will make a mess of it if I don't do something.

Cheers.