Trailer Hitch 5th wire problem

[richone52]

Well my X5 has been in the shop for a week as the reverse pwr pin (Center pin #7 ) would only come on for a second and then go out. I need the power to come on on this to back up the trailer and release the brakes. In the US this is usually a 5 wire connection. After many talks with BMW and several PUMAs my dealer found out the following. There are 2 hitch packages and if you have the sport package (not Aero) then the 5th wire is not working and this requires a different harness or module. Now the bad news....

BMW has not released the package for this yet and there does not seem to be an exact date of release.

I need to follow up with BMW on this and see what can be done as I need this to work properly. IF anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear it. Also I will be getting more data from the service tech this week so I can also call BMW NA and see if I can expidate a resolution.

Again, be advised of this issue if you order the Sport package and if anyone has a solution let me know.

more to come....

[X5FX]

Great, I just had the hitch added and I have the sport package.

How can I confirm a problem?

[richone52]

Easy. The center pin is pin 7 coming out of the socket. When you put it into reverse it blinks on for a second and then goes out. By the way, if you don't need a 5th wire for backing up then you will not have any issues. the 4 wire sentup works fine. Let me know if you need more info.

[X5FX]

So was your a factory install?

My was added after by the dealer, he only showed one option.

[richone52]

No it was added by the dealer and only one option showed at the time. Other option is not avail.

[richone52]

PS initial info from dealer was incorrect. There is only one kit. There IS APROBLEM with 5th wire setups however. BMW is not acknowledging the problem as of yet.