OEM BMW Hitch

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by JCL

True. I believe that was the same with the E53 as well, at least it was in Canada.

It was available as an option online on my 01 and 04. I didn't need it for the 08 so I don't remember if it was online then. My neighbor mentioned a few days ago that he was considering an X5 but that a tow hitch wasn't available which is what prompted my question.

[tolsson]

The dealer quoted me $1000 for the kit installed. I ended up buying the kit from them for $450, installing it myself, and then taking it to the dealer to program the computer. That was $200, so $650 total doing the install myself, so pretty good savings.

[bimmer_buachaill]

Just got an update from my SA that the 2011 hitch is now available for order but requires a different part to complete the bumper cut-out. The part number exists now (I don't have it) but will be back-ordered until late June. He got the info from a recent bulletin.

One question I have for those who have had the E70 tow package installed at the factory ($607) or dealer ($more). I'm interested in a price where an electric brake controller cable was made available at the front of the car (side or center). I'm imagining that's a lot more labor than just doing the work at the back (unless there's a spare front to back wire hanging around).

[tolsson]

The "BMW" brake controller listed in the accessory catalog is actually a Tekonsha Prodigy sold with a factory harness. Tekonsha is a very good controller, but you don't need to pay that much for it, and I didn't like the thought of losing one of my cup holders. I bought the next generation controller - the Tekonsha P3 and I'm really happy with it. $130 off of Amazon.

Mine is mounted on the left under the dash. I don't bang into it, and it's within easy reach for adjustment. The install was pretty straightforward, but took an afternoon as I was being really careful. You have to pull a fair amount of cabin trim, and most of it comes off in a less-than-obvious manner.

So I didn't have the factory harness, so I bought a roll of 4-conductor solid copper wire for the job. I followed the factory install posted on this Board, but fished the wire across the trans tunnel and over to the driver's side foot well. Install is really clean.

[bimmer_buachaill]

I have your setup tolsson in my e53 X5. The BMW dealer did the install but I brought along a Prodigy controller myself. They chose the same location for the controller.

I think I paid ~$800 for the kit + install (including wiring) which seems good in hindsight. Will know shortly what it comes in at this time.

[ard]

Originally Posted by tolsson

4-conductor solid copper wire .

I would NEVER use solid copper wire in a mobile application- too much vibration, and a single break could lead to system failure or intermittent. Stranded copper is much more flexible AND single fault tolerant (a couple of fine strands break here or there and the conductor is perfectly fine for many years.)

Do agree on the tekonsha prodigy- use it to control a 14k lb 3 horse trailer I pull with another vehicle

A