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

[TerminatorX5]

I Electric-taped the sh!t out of the area that would be rubbing on the lower lip... Once I was done, i just cut the tape... If the trailer is your personal property, you may consider using some rubberized stuff on the links that are closest to the lip

[LVP]

Trailer is mine. I've got a half-baked idea on something I can attach that'll hold the chains off. If it turns out, I'll post pics.

[mendes9]

And just think for my ford explorer it cost $25 for the ball and nut and took all but 30 seconds to install, wiring harness comes with the car. I just about fell back when I read here what it's going to take to add a hitch to my X. Jesus remove the bumper? $450 for the hitch wtf'

[JCL]

Originally Posted by mendes9

And just think for my ford explorer it cost $25 for the ball and nut and took all but 30 seconds to install, wiring harness comes with the car. I just about fell back when I read here what it's going to take to add a hitch to my X.

You are comparing a bumper hitch to a receiver hitch. Further, if you expect costs for your X5 to match your Explorer you've got the wrong vehicle.

[e30cabrio]

Originally Posted by JCL

You are comparing a bumper hitch to a receiver hitch. Further, if you expect costs for your X5 to match your Explorer you've got the wrong vehicle.

qft

[Clockwork]

Originally Posted by 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?

I removed my bumper cover/bracket/shock absorbers from loosening the 6 bolts inside the cargo area and took the bumper off as a whole. I could not fit the torx 55 bolts out of the shock absorbers with my 4.8iS mufflers in the way. I even removed the muffler hangers too but they were still in my way, so I re-attached the mufflers (for this part) and then removed the six 17mm nuts inside the cargo area and pulled off as one part then removed everything VERY easily from there. then I dropped the mufflers and continued on with the replacement/install of the new brackets for the hitch.

My other piece of advice, is to paint all parts (even if new like mine) with a black rust paint coating so nothing get a chance to rust easily.

[Bouchedag84]

I found a used hitch in the classifieds near me for $150. Is it worth getting? I dont have time to google, running out the door, but do i have to cut anything? easy enough to isntall by myself??

[TerminatorX5]

There are many parts in OE hitch. You need all of them - can you pull all parts? Then go for it. The list and pictures of parts involved are in this thread

[LVP]

For a quick look, go to ECS site for detailed pics.

[Brads2002]

Like the guys said above you really need to make sure all the parts are there. Is it a factory hitch? It seems odd that someone would take the time to remove one after it was put on. Its very involved and unless the car was being parted out they would have to source a lot of parts to put it back together again.