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

[e30cabrio]

I went through page 1-3. It seems that lists them all. When you can I'd appreciate if you could look at the list & what you have & conform. I won't have my hitch back for at least 9 days so there is no rush.

[e30cabrio]

Order placed.

Your Order
Product# Description Quantity Unit Price Subtotal
12006 Metric flange nuts serrated, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 10mm x 1.5mm 8 pcs $0.18 $1.44
7741 Metric flat washers, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 6mm 2 pcs $0.08 $0.16
7743 Metric flat washers, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 10mm 8 pcs $0.16 $1.28
6751 Metric hex bolts, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 10mm x 1.5mm x 50mm 4 pcs $0.63 $2.52
6757 Metric hex bolts, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 10mm x 1.5mm x 80mm 2 pcs $0.86 $1.72
6758 Metric hex bolts, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 10mm x 1.5mm x 90mm 2 pcs $1.03 $2.06
6762 Metric hex bolts, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 10mm x 1.5mm x 130mm 4 pcs $1.60 $6.40
6711 Metric tap bolts, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 6mm x 1.0mm x 16mm 2 pcs $0.11 $0.22
6747 Metric tap bolts, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 10mm x 1.5mm x 30mm 6 pcs $0.42 $2.52
Summary
Subtotal: $18.32
Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $8.62
Total: $26.94

[e30cabrio]

The harness & bumper support came yesterday.

It attached to the Pollak socket perfectly.

[e30cabrio]

This damn thing is the last piece of my puzzle and seems impossible to get.



Anyone have any idea where I might find one?

[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.