Another OEM Hitch Thread

[RamVA]

Hey guys - I think I'm going to buy the OE hitch, and I have several questions:

1. What's a good online source and what should I expect to pay?
2. Which pieces do I need? (Hitch, Ball/Tongue, and Wiring Harness?)
3. If I get the wiring harness does that also give me trailer brake control, or do I need a separate brake controller unit?
4. How long will the DIY install take (give or take)?
5. Any words of wisdom/caution?

Thanks!

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by RamVA

1. What's a good online source and what should I expect to pay?
2. Which pieces do I need? (Hitch, Ball/Tongue, and Wiring Harness?)
3. If I get the wiring harness does that also give me trailer brake control, or do I need a separate brake controller unit?
4. How long will the DIY install take (give or take)?
5. Any words of wisdom/caution?

1 - I picked mine up from BMW of Richmond (VA) with a BMWCCA discount of 15%. I think my final cost was around $400, give or take.
2 - It should come as a kit with all the required pieces.
3 - You definitely want the wiring harness. I don't even know that you would want to do the hitch install without it. ( can't really address the trailer brake controller issue, as my trailer is pretty light and doesn't require brakes. it may very well be there, I just can't answer for sure.)
4 - Hmmmmm...I did it pretty much by myself in 4 hours, but two buddies came by just at the right time when I needed a little extra muscle. An extra hand is also good for lifting the heavy items and removing/reinstalling the bumper cover. Everything else is pretty straightforward. I'd allow 3-5 hours, depending upon how mechanically astute you are and if you've got help when and where needed (I see you have an Elise, so I'm assuming you'll have the necessary tools and expertise to end up on the shorter side of the install).
5 - In some places the install procedure didn't translate well. I researched the install online and got as much extra ammo as possible before I tore into it. The only problem I encountered was with the trailer light module that installs under the spare in the rear compartment, and it wasn't as much as problem as it was a clarity issue with the directions. Once I figured it out, it worked like a champ.

Good luck!

[bimmerFanatic]

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...-pictures.html

Edit: Never mind...you wanted info on the OEM hitch...the link above isn't it....sorry...

[Quicksilver]

This should help.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/m...tion-tips.html

[JCL]

Originally Posted by RamVA

Hey guys - I think I'm going to buy the OE hitch, and I have several questions:

1. What's a good online source and what should I expect to pay?
2. Which pieces do I need? (Hitch, Ball/Tongue, and Wiring Harness?)
3. If I get the wiring harness does that also give me trailer brake control, or do I need a separate brake controller unit?
4. How long will the DIY install take (give or take)?
5. Any words of wisdom/caution?

Thanks!

1) See Driver8's response.
2) The kit includes the receiver and all bolts/fasteners. There are two part numbers, one with the wiring harness and one without. Get it with, it is cheaper than buying the two parts separately. The tongue is on the trailer. I refer to the hitch as the 2" square part that goes into the receiver. The hitch and ball are available separately from the dealer (not included in the receiver kit, as I recall), or you can buy them from any autoparts store. The BMW hitch has the correct drop and extension; the ball is generic. Your call.
3) The wiring harness does not include any trailer brake control. That is a third party item, not available from BMW. It is required for any trailer over 1600 lbs, unless you have surge brakes. I don't have one, I use trailers with surge brakes unless they are very light.
4) I agree with the 3-5 hour estimate, depending on how many breaks you take. Took me 5, stopping for lunch and a few other times.
5) Have the TORX bits ready before you start. Have a couple of empty cardboard boxes ready for the bumper to sit on. Go slow and steady unless you have done one before. My second one would take 3 hours.

Good luck

Jeff