Does the Trailer Control Module have to be coded after it was installed with hitch?

[Roadkill]

Just wondering if I hook up a trailer will the lights and electric brakes work if the module wasn't coded? Thanks.

[X5_Rob]

can't speak to the break controller but I installed the OEM hitch in my 2005 4.4 and it worked on the fly no coding.. the parking assist would disable when a trailer was hooked up, lights worked, etc.. I had read that none of those would potentially work unless I brought it to the dealer to have them "code" it...

[Whitecat]

We are presently looking at hitch installation on the X and the Mechanics just advise me that i will have to get the code set at the $ealer for $150 !! OEM or jobber ....X5_Rob are u saying no code re-set required when we go OEM ?.... Because i'm seriously thinking at a no OEM ...BMW asking price $700 + coding + installation ...to me it doesn't make sens to spend 1$k+ for an hitch ...

[X5_Rob]

You should be able to find the X5 e53 OEM hitch for $495.. Includes the wiring harness and everything you need. You can also install yourself in a couple of hours if you have basic mechanical skills.. There is a great DIY write up on this forum.. I did mine and was not very difficult..

I do not believe you will need BMW to code anything.. I believe the X will recognize the controll box once you plug it in to the harness next to the battery. Mine worked perfect as soon as I was finished installing it... screw the dealer and do it yourself!

[Whitecat]

Thanks X5_Rob, is very basic mechanical skill's ok ? Would you recommend to stay OEM ?

[JCL]

Absolutely stay OEM. No comparison to the aftermarket hitches. Yes, it costs more. Easy home install with hand tools, takes four hours.

You MAY have to have the vehicle coded after installing the wiring module. By design, it is plug and play, but often the vehicle (especially post 2004) does not recognize the module. You will know, because the rear PDC won't disable when the trailer is plugged in, and the lights may not work on the trailer. The recoding is to get the vehicle to recognize the module, nothing more. It should cost an hour at a dealer, if required.

Whether or not the vehicle recognizes the module appears to be based on the consist of what modules are on the vehicle. Some have worked, some not. Prior to 2004, there was no coding requirement. You won't damage anything by trying; if it doesn't work there is no harm, no foul, just get it coded.

Note that the trailer wiring module is a separate device to any brake controller you may require.

[TerminatorX5]

guys, it has been covered several times - only OE hitch... anything else will compromise the integrity of car-hitch-trailer (accessory).

most E53s are prewired for the trailer, the module does NOT need programming, it is for the light controls, also cuts off the rear parking sensors, and if you have user adjustable air suspension, it will NOT allow change in ride height when trailer is connected electrically.

installation is involved, so mechanical skills are needed...

again, only OE hitch...

[JCL]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

...most E53s are prewired for the trailer, the module does NOT need programming, it is for the light controls, also cuts off the rear parking sensors, and if you have user adjustable air suspension, it will NOT allow change in ride height when trailer is connected electrically.

Not true. While I agree that the module doesn't need programming, in many cases the vehicle software will need to be updated to permit the vehicle to recognize that the module has been connected. This came about in 2004, prior to that flashing was not mentioned in the BMW installation procedure.

[Whitecat]

Ok 10-4 guys ....thanks again....PS the $700 cost material (and wire) is really the dealer price here in Canada....

Cheers

[TerminatorX5]

interesting - somehow, a trailer module was working fine in the '06 without any programming... i installed it about 6 months ago... maybe because it is a 4.8?