install towing receiver and electric brake control

[nomadicm]

Hi, there;

I need to install class III towing receiver and an electric brake control on my X5 in order to tow a trailer.

I tried to call two dealers in my area and none of them responded yet. I am under pressure to get it installed.

I wonder if I can get non bmw dealer to install them. I don't know how complicated it is.

Thank you for helping

Joy

[what have i got into]

It might depend on what year and what model.

I ordered the harness from ECS:
https://www.ecstuning.com/ES262790/

And then the hitch from AutoAnything:
Draw-Tite Hitch | Free Shipping on DrawTite Trailer Hitch

Now to install the brake controller gets a little different. There is apparently one that is wireless. Tekonsha - Prodigy® RF
Since I already have a controller, the harness has the 4-wires to run to a controller, but is just stubbed out at the rear quarter panel. So you need a 12-4 wire to run from the harness to the front where you plan on mounting the controller. I plan on using this: https://smile.amazon.com/Cable-Matte...ords=12-4+wire
This to me is the hardest part running the wire under the seat and carpet because you have to remove trim and carpeting.

Instructions come with the hitch on removing the rear bumper fascia and I also found some info online. Definitely get one of the non-marring trim removal kits (just a bunch of plastic trim removal tools).

For the 7-wire trailer plug, the hitch didn't come with a mount so I bought this one because the harness has a Pollak connector:
https://smile.amazon.com/12-711U-Mou...+7-way+bracket
I welded mine onto the hitch, but I have seen some people say they screwed theirs on.

So all in all, it depends how much you want to do or you want a shop to do. Most of the time I figure is going to be ordering all the parts and waiting for them to come in.

Hope that helps.

[nomadicm]

Thank you very much.

I don't think I can do this myself.

Just got off the phone from my dealer. they quote $3229 for parts and installation!

I am beyond frustration. They ripped me off before. So I think I will look somewhere else.

but who can help me in Dallas, TX? I even called uhaul...

[Tuesday]

If you bought the parts listed above any auto body shop could perform that task.

[m3buzz]

My X5 has the factory tow hitch, but I hear Execuhitch (or something like that) might allow you to keep your existing bumper.
THe Tekonsha RF brake controller is a good unit, but you will need a domestic truck to plug in when you try to pair it to the controller, and there are threads out there about how to do that.
You will also probably need to code the X5 to add a towing module. Mine had the factory package, and yet I couldn't figure out why i was getting a bulb out indicator when I'd connect the trailer...it turned out I didn';t even have the module coded, so I had to add it. Go to bmwcoding.com and search for towing info for details.
Good luck / happy towing!

[nomadicm]

finally I got response from my dealer. But I think in the quote there is redundant part 71602156526 electrical kit should be already included in hitch trailer kit 71602156525?

Please verify if you know because the rep became inpatient when I asked him to confirm.

[Txchoicemotors]

I'm looking to do the same thing, let me know what you end up doing! I'm also in the DFW area

[ard]

There are A LOT of posts here and on bimmerfest about this...

The BMW SIB says 2.5 hours. You should hold the dealer to 2.5 hours.

You are correct that the '525 kit already includes the 'electrical kit'. Take 199 off

The are also double dipping on the cap, '882, so a big $6.80 off.

HOWEVER, I dont see them pricing in the 82-11-0-420-082, the Electric Brake Controller.


If they are saying $1400 for the hitch, the electrics AND the brake controller wired up to the dash, that is probably an OK price.

Towing with the X5 3.5d (E70) - Brake Controller? - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

DIY - Installing OEM BMW electric trailer brake - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Note: the detailed post on the install of the controller says "1.25 hours"...hence 2.5+1.25= 3.75...


My WAG:

500 for the kit
38 ball receiver
19 trim kit
225?? Brake Controller 82110420082

782 total
3.75 @ 140(?) = 525

1307 'out the door'


Let me ask- WHO are you speaking to? The salesmen there? They are idiots and thieves. Trick is to call and speak to a SERVICE ADVISOR. Or drop in. With the two SIB/instructions printed, and you own list (ie my list of parts and hours above) and say "I need the installed, these are your prices- can you do it for the labor BMW publishes?"


I assume you are a gal (Joy)...that $3000+ price is repugnant. The salesrep getting impatient is also annoying.

Again, dont talk to salesmen- go to the service guys.

If you do go forward MAKE SURE the document you sign to start the job has PRECISELY on it what you want. "Hitch. Electrical wiring kit. Electric brake CONTROLLER. Trim panel, receiver" DO NOT let them verbally say one thing and leave stuff off- dont let them steamroll you and make it seem like you dont know what you are saying. I can see them saying 'yes the electric includes the ebc, so we dont need to add that'... you response should be "well then, it doesnt mater in that case- indulge me"

Report back, ask questions.

[ard]

As an FYI these are what you need:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/821...FUiTfgodexkNlA

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h_X5/ES262789/

get the ball part later when the hithc is installed and you know what you need for the trailer

[Kostyan]

guys what kind of weight I will be able to tow without brake controller, if anything?

I ordered towing hitch kit from ECS tuning that comes with harness and heading into installation this Friday. If I get just that installed, how difficult is to install brake controller at a later time?