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

[OctaveCircle]

[JCL]

Worth mentioning that 2004 and onwards may require coding by the dealer to allow the vehicle to recognize the trailer wiring module that you installed in step 12. Earlier X5s didn't require coding (my 2003 didn't) but it appears to depend on the specific software that your vehicle has, whether the module is recognized or not. If not, trailer wiring and PDC cancellation will not function correctly.

[X5Ghost]

JCL, is the coding can only be done at the dealer? If not coded what are the symptoms? Constant beeping when towing or only when reversing?

[JCL]

Trailer lights not operating correctly, and rear PDC coming on when a trailer is connected. You can defeat the beeping by turning PDC off manually.

Since the vehicle doesn't know a trailer is connected, trailer stability control and rear camera features may not work correctly either.

While a gt1 may be able to code it I would want the benefit of the most recent software, which means the dealer.

[PropellerHead]

Late build 2004 (Oct 2004) 4.8is here with no coding necessary.

[subieworx]

Originally Posted by JCL

Trailer lights not operating correctly, and rear PDC coming on when a trailer is connected. You can defeat the beeping by turning PDC off manually.

Since the vehicle doesn't know a trailer is connected, trailer stability control and rear camera features may not work correctly either.

While a gt1 may be able to code it I would want the benefit of the most recent software, which means the dealer.

I just installed an OEM hitch and wiring last week and ever since the PDC will not work from behind. Will coding fix this?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by subieworx

I just installed an OEM hitch and wiring last week and ever since the PDC will not work from behind. Will coding fix this?

Depends on what you mean by won't work. With no trailer connected, the rear PDC should work just like before. When a trailer is connected and plugged in to the receptacle, the rear PDC should be disabled (otherwise it would beep all the time since it thinks the trailer is a wall that you are about to back into).

If it isn't working as described above, then yes, coding can help because the vehicle software will then recognize the presence of the trailer wiring module, and function as above.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by JCL

Worth mentioning that 2004 and onwards may require coding by the dealer to allow the vehicle to recognize the trailer wiring module that you installed in step 12. Earlier X5s didn't require coding (my 2003 didn't) but it appears to depend on the specific software that your vehicle has, whether the module is recognized or not. If not, trailer wiring and PDC cancellation will not function correctly.

The trailer module is the cylindrical thing which goes next to receiver? I had installed on 2005 4.8is and don't recollect any coding by dealer and no PDC issues either. Maybe the software version recognized it.

[JCL]

The trailer wiring module is the white box that mounts near the spare tire. The cylindrical adaptor that plugs into the receiver-mounted receptacle is just an adaptor to get a flat four plug connection.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by JCL

The trailer wiring module is the white box that mounts near the spare tire. The cylindrical adaptor that plugs into the receiver-mounted receptacle is just an adaptor to get a flat four plug connection.

Now, I remember. It has been several years since I visited that area. Thanks.