Trailer hitch question?

[MarkR]

What is the diffrence between the BMW OEM hitch and the after market hitches?

I'm ready to buy one but I would like to know if the BMW one is worth the extra dollars. BMW 450.00 after market under 200.00

I'm wanting to hall a small utility and maybe a cargo basket.

Thanks'
Mark

[UCrewX5]

Lot's of info on this topic, but in general I would say that if you are using it for a bike carrier or other very light or non-towing needs then an aftermarket hitch is fine. For any real towing, get the OEM, it's worth it.

See http://www.xoutpost.com/ebay-finds/90...20-49-pst.html for a great deal.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Lot's of info on this topic, but in general I would say that if you are using it for a bike carrier or other very light or non-towing needs then an aftermarket hitch is fine. For any real towing, get the OEM, it's worth it.

See http://www.xoutpost.com/ebay-finds/90...20-49-pst.html for a great deal.

I have the OEM hitch and have used it to pull up to 4000 lbs without any problems.

[withidl]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

I have the OEM hitch and have used it to pull up to 4000 lbs without any problems.

I've pulled 8,300+ lbs. with a 1,000 lb tongue weight with my BMW OEM hitch (just thought I'd one-upsmanship you :p ).

[jditom]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

I have the OEM hitch and have used it to pull up to 4000 lbs without any problems.

I agree, if you are doing serious towing then go OEM.
The extra money is worth it.

[MarkR]

Ok It looks like the OEM is the way to go.

The only place I found that had one in stock was woodlands BMW and they want 585.00 for it. Does anyone in the Houston area know of a better place?

Thank's
Mark

[MarkR]

So the OEM has a higher towing capacity than the aftermaekets?
If that's the case then I'm sold.

Thank's
Mark

[DinanX5]

From what I've read on this forum, the OEM hitch is just a much better, more solid, cleaner integrated system than most (if not all) of the after-market hitches... well worth the extra $100-$200 IMO.
Also, I'm guessing that the OEM hitch adds a lot less weight to the car b/c most of the heavy parts of the kit actually replace some very heavy stock bumper parts... net/net, I wouldn't think the OEM hitch would add more than 25-50 lbs.

[hopz]

In addition to all that has been said above.... If you plan to have lights on whatever you are towing, you will want to invest in the OEM wiring harness, which plugs and plays.
An after market hitch installer WILL NOT KNOW HOW to TAP INTO THE BMW wiring system, and may damage it trying to do it.

Therefore you will have to purchased the wiring harness anyway- why not just go ahead and get the correct hitch too?

[acucu]

my x5 4.4 came with a drawtight hitch- and i am wondering if i can pull 4000lbs 8 hours with 4 250 lbs passengers.

the trailer is 24 foot dual axil with brakes-

thoughts?