OEM Hitch for 2009 - what is included?

[ard]

Originally Posted by FaMaK

Thanks everyone! The parts guy swore to me that those two items are not included. I got the shop foreman out and he thought they were normally included and was surprised that they were not in my car (the dealer installed the hitch). He went into the back and opened a new kit and guess what, they were in that box. I guess I should not be surprised, this is the same parts guy that told me that "BMW would never cut a bumper on an X5 to install a hitch", he was of course wrong! I don't understand, when someone does not know something, why insist that they are right?? If you are not sure, go check the computer or ask someone! Sheesh!

Why ever would you rely on a BMW dealership for the best and most accurate information?!??!

Kind of tongue in cheek, but dead serious as well. They really are poorly informed as a whole, and most definitely just make up stuff as they go along to keep customers 'happy'..and if not happy, then 'out of their face'...

[X5dieselfan]

I have the OEM trailer on my 2010 X5 (installed at factory where I did delivery) but I do not have zoom on backup camera - have not yet checked with dealer to see if they ever did the programming during installation. It is on my list for when the car goes in for first service. In the meantime, I do not yet have a trailer to confirm if everything works.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by jammit

Can I extend the original question on this thread and ask what are the additional capabilities and changes made to vehicles with the OEM hitch installed?
From what I have read the following changes may be made to vehicle:

1) rear camera zoom view onto hitch
2) rear PDC is turned off when a trailer is plugged in
3) software changes are made to the stability control

Is the above list correct - what else have I missed?

My information is concerning an X3, but may assist. I am in the process of installing the OEM hitch (just picked the OEM hitch up, and it goes on next weekend). I got the dealer to print out the technical instructions for the install. Those instructions specifically state that no programming is required for this model. Now, there is no camera involved on the X3, but the stability control is specifically mentioned as working with the hitch electrical module (without coding) and I expect the PDC to also include the defeat, same as my X5 (which didn't require coding when it was produced).

YMMV.

[HUK]

Got the plug, the extender and zoom on the camera. (Dec 2009 installation)

[gaughanj]

Have any of you self-installers had problems with making in-warrenty repairs? My PDC hasn't worked since my OEM hitch was installed, and I get a back-up camera malfunction alert when I move into reverse (the camera does indeed work in reverse). I'm taking the truck into the dealer next week and am curious as to what to expect.
FWIW it's an '07 3.0 and the install with experienced help took about 3 hrs.

Jack