Brake controller for E70 experiences

[ninekrpm]

Hi guys, still looking for some feedback on connective the Prodigy brake controller - specifically, the blue brake trigger wire that comes from the brake controller...

Lots of people have this configured, but have not been able to find it documented here...

[ninekrpm]

FYI - just found this...

2007 X5 Brake controller install!!!! - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

This method can be used to connect the Prodigy P2 directly to the BMW brake controller 4 pin connector that is part of the hitch wiring harness...

[bluetec]

Are you sure you pasted the link you intended?
I didn't find any useful information (or link) in that post. I've got the factory hitch wiring, and programming with my hitch, but no controller (yet). I want to install the Prodigy as well. Thanks,

[ninekrpm]

Sorry...

Here you go...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1656557

[bluetec]

Sweet. Thanks again for sharing.

[ZHKlie]

After doing a fair bit of research I wanted to verify my thinking around a wireless brake controller (specifically the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller - Proportional - Trailer Mounted).

I already have the stock hitch with 7point connector. It is my understanding that I can simply plug in the RF controller mounted on the trailer to that connector and everything should work. All of the complication in this thread and others are around tapping into the wire that pushes a brake signal back to the controller aren't necessary with the RF contoller.

So, I'm hoping someone can confirm that either knows how it works, or is actually using this or a similar controller and can let me know if it really is that simple. Thanks

[4MoJoe]

I have that controller on my boat trailer and used it for the first time last year. It worked perfectly. There is a wireless transmitter that you plug into a power outlet in the car with a long cable that you use to adjust the brake force, and has the status read out on it.

The box that mounts on the tongue of the trailer is quite large but there was plenty of space on my boat trailer to do it. I've used Tekonsha products for years and have had very good luck.

I chose this route to avoid the hard wiring of the existing controller I had and also because I remember what it took to get this to work on my E53, which it did, but the job was just tedious. I thought, from the research I did on the E70, that I didn't want to go through it again.

So to short hand it, it works flawlessly, I like that I can remove and stow the in car controller as needed so it's not an ugly addition to my dash.

Originally Posted by ZHKlie

After doing a fair bit of research I wanted to verify my thinking around a wireless brake controller (specifically the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller - Proportional - Trailer Mounted).

I already have the stock hitch with 7point connector. It is my understanding that I can simply plug in the RF controller mounted on the trailer to that connector and everything should work. All of the complication in this thread and others are around tapping into the wire that pushes a brake signal back to the controller aren't necessary with the RF contoller.

So, I'm hoping someone can confirm that either knows how it works, or is actually using this or a similar controller and can let me know if it really is that simple. Thanks

[ring007]

4MoJoe - any issues with your controller? Mine works great, but I get a light out error code (even when using the inline resistor that is supposed to fix the error) and the X5 keeps turning off power to the running lights on my trailer with LEDs. The dealer has had the car on 4, 5, or 6 different days (lost count) and cannot solve the issue. BMWNA claims to have never heard of the issue and has not been helpful at all.
Anyone have ideas?

Originally Posted by 4MoJoe

I have that controller on my boat trailer and used it for the first time last year. It worked perfectly. There is a wireless transmitter that you plug into a power outlet in the car with a long cable that you use to adjust the brake force, and has the status read out on it.

The box that mounts on the tongue of the trailer is quite large but there was plenty of space on my boat trailer to do it. I've used Tekonsha products for years and have had very good luck.

I chose this route to avoid the hard wiring of the existing controller I had and also because I remember what it took to get this to work on my E53, which it did, but the job was just tedious. I thought, from the research I did on the E70, that I didn't want to go through it again.

So to short hand it, it works flawlessly, I like that I can remove and stow the in car controller as needed so it's not an ugly addition to my dash.

[4MoJoe]

Hmm, well I initially I had issues with my lights going off but it was related to the grounding wire on my boat trailer.

I also had converted to LED trailer lights on mine and had issues as all of this happened at once (new controller, new car, new lights). I went through each and every connection and removed old connectors and put new ones on and then used a grease to coat it (I had to do this on my old MGB to keep it's electrical connectors from corroding) so thought I'd try it on the boat trailer. I have a 2000 Four Winns boat and their trailer and while it's a garage queen I know that dunking the trailer over the years is going to result in wear and tear and it was time to give it's electrical a thorough once over.

Otherwise it works all good now.

Originally Posted by ring007

4MoJoe - any issues with your controller? Mine works great, but I get a light out error code (even when using the inline resistor that is supposed to fix the error) and the X5 keeps turning off power to the running lights on my trailer with LEDs. The dealer has had the car on 4, 5, or 6 different days (lost count) and cannot solve the issue. BMWNA claims to have never heard of the issue and has not been helpful at all.
Anyone have ideas?

[Whizzo]

This is a really helpful thread. It really helped me determine what's required. The other two SUVs I've owned had the factory hitch and towing prep package.

My US spec is finally coming home to tow my 22 ft camping trailer this fall, so I figured it was time to prep. Our German dealer will be installing the hitch system, which I had shipped from the US. The OEM hitch assembly, wiring harness, electric brake control unit, and trim piece came as a bundle. (Turns out I could have saved a little cash if I'd known the brake controller was the Tekonsha Prodigy 2, with the label removed.)

My service rep just had to track down the firmware update for the vehicle's computer system. They have done very few of these installs, and were glad I brought the English manuals, thoughtfully provided in this thread.

The quote for the whole job is around US $850, which seems reasonable. Will report next month on how things turn out.