E53: Trailer Hitch Parts

[Chandy70]

Hey Guys,

I have just the trailer hitch. None of the bolts or additional pieces that I'll need to install my Trailer hitch! Any suggestions on where to source the parts?

Cheers,
Chuck III

[Clockwork]

it could be very hard to get the acessories. bolts you can find at a hardware/automotive store... its the other BMW parts that will be very hard to track.
You may want to sell it yourself

[JCL]

Take a look at the parts you are missing in the photo.

Also see this recent thread http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ation-pdf.html.

Looks for posts in that thread by e30cabrio who went through the same. The most important parts you will require are the two inserts and the bumper reinforcement. Bolts can be purchased elsewhere, but the hitch needs the above parts to attach to the vehicle.

[Chandy70]

Yeah I think the hardest part is gonna be the inserts. once i get a part number maybe I'll see what they will cost at a dealer.

As for the bolts I saw they give all the details. Its just google and order them from there.

I have an areo kit I'll have to get the special cover for it too
Thanks so much for advice !!

[e30cabrio]

I sourced piecemeil from junkyards & eBay.

Bolts from bolts.com based on sizes listed in install instructions.

Insert PN here:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ion-pdf-9.html

[rolfi]

Not to hijack the thread, but I wonder...
I can't remember seeing any US X5s with the "normal" detachable towing hitch. The one that is hidden by the cover on the bumper when not in use.

Aren't they available/legal in the US? I would seriously ditch the tow bar, if having a tow bar meant I would have to have a hideous square pipe sticking out of the bumper at all times.

[ExpensiveTaste]

Originally Posted by rolfi

Not to hijack the thread, but I wonder...
I can't remember seeing any US X5s with the "normal" detachable towing hitch. The one that is hidden by the cover on the bumper when not in use.

Aren't they available/legal in the US? I would seriously ditch the tow bar, if having a tow bar meant I would have to have a hideous square pipe sticking out of the bumper at all times.

The European removable tow bar is not legal in the US. It is lacking attachment points for safety chains. Not to mention, they have different ball sizes...60mm versus 2".

[Riggodeaux]

JCL, nice picture of the hitch kit parts. Reminds me of those old USAF pix showing all the ordinance a Thud [F-105] or Warthog [A-10] could carry ..... It and E30cabrio's posts make me dread my pending install project. Weather was nice enough on the MLK holiday yesterday to do it, but Max the Wonderdog and I took a long hike in the woods instead ....

[JCL]

Not my photo, I stole it from our site founder, but it is a great shot.

Warthogs - that takes me back. I got a tour of the USS Ranger on e, complete with A10s. No expert here, but it was interesting.

Don't dread the install. I enjoyed mine. I didn't rush it, just went slow and steady and learned about how they had designed it. Very completely, as it turned out. It was a lesson in German engineering thoroughness. Collecting the parts could be a hassle, but the install can be fun.

[e30cabrio]

My hassle was undoing UHaul's handiwork.