Pictures of hitch on 2011's

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

I did an aftermarket hitch which I like much better as it does not require cutting of the bumper and would then also fit under the msport bumper so you didn't have to butcher it! I have one of the hitch steps in it, but you can still see how it is lower than the bumper itself!

rob, your X looks MEAN from the back. What kind of wheels and spacers are you running?

[roadkillrob]

Originally Posted by Naz24

rob, your X looks MEAN from the back. What kind of wheels and spacers are you running?

Those are stock 20" 214's with the standard 315 tires and 15mm spacers, they get the wheels out just about flush - I could probably go 18mm but anymore would get the tires out wider than the flairs.

Rob

[pharmb]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

I did an aftermarket hitch which I like much better as it does not require cutting of the bumper and would then also fit under the msport bumper so you didn't have to butcher it! I have one of the hitch steps in it, but you can still see how it is lower than the bumper itself!

Is there a place to mount the harness plug?

[JKashat]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

I did an aftermarket hitch which I like much better as it does not require cutting of the bumper and would then also fit under the msport bumper so you didn't have to butcher it! I have one of the hitch steps in it, but you can still see how it is lower than the bumper itself!

What brand is that hitch and where'd you get it? Reasonably priced? Thanks!

[roadkillrob]

I mounted a 4 wire plug under the bumper, you can barely see it and I used one of the bumper cover mount screws to secure it.

Here are the parts I used to do my hitch

Draw-Tite Class III Hitch (Part Number: 75600) Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 75600

Tow Ready Wiring part number 119176 Upgraded Modulite Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector Tow Ready Wiring 119176

Mounting Bracket 4 Pole Flat part number 18144 Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat Tow Ready Accessories and Parts 18144

I purchased all from etrailer.com, total came to $242, if you want a 7 wire setup, you would also need to get the adapter from 4 to 7 wire.

It is a bit tricky the first time to get the bumper off, but it came with decent instructions and it comes with the plastic rivets to put the wheel arch trim back on as the plastic rivets are not reusable. I had to buy a plastic rivet gun for 30 bucks from an auto parts store (or ebay is a good source). There is already a couple grommets the come out from the fuse box area to behind the bumper, so it was pretty easy to run the wires, then 3 wires connect to one tail light and 1 to the other. There are several ground points at the back to hook to and then a power lead to the battery to power the light module so that there are no errors with the lighting computer (is just picks up a signal from the light wires and then pulls current from the battery to power the trailer so the vehicle is not upset!).

All in all it was maybe 4 hours to install being careful with the bumper removal, once the bumper is off, it is just 8 nuts to pull off the bumper support, then the trailer hitch goes on those mounts, bumper support goes back on and the 8 nuts are bolted back up!

Rob

[jimny]

I only really want the hitch for a bike rack, so I pretty much just need the first part? You think a garage would install this?

[genemish]

Originally Posted by jimny

I only really want the hitch for a bike rack, so I pretty much just need the first part? You think a garage would install this?

yup, i got a 2 hour quote from a garage here in Madison NJ.. ordering 1st party only for 2011 x5

[roadkillrob]

Don't forget if you never plan on carrying anything but a few bicycles, that they make a tow hook mount that would be about the same price as a trailer hitch installed and a little cheaper than the hitch installed plus a bike rack.

getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

[genemish]

u have Thule hitch bike rack + ski attachment.. the BMW product doesnt work for me.

[jimk]

Hi folks,

New comer here, thanks for all those informative posts. To the OP and for those who tow, are you using any weight distribution or sway bars? I plan on towing a 5500lb trailer with a 500lb tongue weight with my new 35d (on order).

Thanks,
Jim