Latest BMW Hitch Kit - Bumper Supports (16mm receptacle and 17mm bolt heads)

[X5Newb]

How many people have installed the latest BMW hitch kit on their E53 X5?

The integrated bolt holders on the bumper supports (and the tow bar itself) appear to be for 16mm bolt heads, but the M10 x 130 bolts included in the kit are 17mm. The other bolts that only go through the tabs on the tow bar and not through the tow bar itself (M10 x 50) have 16mm heads.

This is actually the second kit as the first came without the left/right supports so they needed to send me out another. Both are exactly the same way.

Have others found the same thing and, if so, what did you do to get the bolt heads to fit properly? I'm thinking of grinding off a bit from every side of the hex head of the four bolts until they seat flush like they're supposed to (at which point the metal tabs can be bent over the top of the bolt head).

I'll try to take a pic in a bit and add it to the post.

FRUSTRATING!

Added two pics. First is one of the M10 x 50 bolts that fits perfectly fine into the receptacle. The second is the M10 x 130 that is supposed to go there and doesn't fit.

[tomcat]

I remember bending the tabs out a bit and forcing them into their slots. Thought about shopping around for ones that fit, but figured I'd use what came with. I'll see if I took any pics.

Scott

[X5Newb]

I tried that for awhile on one side of one of the bumper supports, but figured I'd post before mangling something too much. It looks like you'd have to break at least some of the bends between the sides to get it to wedge in there.

Just seems to me they should actually test the damn kit and make sure things fit before they start selling them! I guess that's asking too much

I had to bend a few tabs out to get the 16mm bolt heads to fit, but once I did that, they dropped right down into place like they should. The four long ones however (being 1mm larger), don't.

[tomcat]

Yeah sorry I've changed laptops since then and apparently didn't transfer all my photos over. Until I get home in a few days I won't be able to see if I have them. I remember being a bit PO'd but I was so far into the process that I just snipped the trim and bent it until they would fit.

Scott

[X5Newb]

I ground the edges of the hex bolts until they fit. Problem solved!

Hopefully I can finish the install tomorrow and then I can test it out with the Harbor Freight trailer I'm building.

[redlinev8]

Having the same issue. Pushing BMW to send me the correct bolts once they admit to the issue. I don't have access to a grinder so have to hold off until I hear back from them! The bolt cage on the bumper carrier was made for a 16mm head and the bumper carrier bolts in the kit are 17mm heads!

Seems like a lot of work to get them to fit. Grinding each one of the 4 on every side of the bolt head to keep it centered to fit! How long did it take you and what kind of grinder did you use?

Also, are there any concerns about the strength of the bolt after all the grinding?

Germans being all about precision, I am disappointed that the BMW factory kit had such an elementary issue!!!

[X5Newb]

I used a bench grinder such as below:

[redlinev8]

Thanks X5Newb! I recently bought my x5! Putting on new wheels on it with 315s in the rear. Thinking of getting a light weight space saver spare to offset the weight of the tow hitch and the bigger wheels!

[frozenwaffles]

My kit came from ECS about a year ago. I remember having to bash those puppies in real hard, but once they were in it was a very nice snug fit. I think they are meant to be 17mm...

[frozenwaffles]

My kit came from ECS about a year ago. I remember having to bash those puppies in real hard, but once they were in it was a very nice snug fit. I think they are meant to be 17mm...