2008 tow hitch picture... - Page 2

JCL · #1 01-22-2011, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdbretz

You are partially correct that the software update is not required, however you are wrong that the instructions don't mention it. I attached the instructions in an earlier post which at the bottom clearly state that programming is necessary. The programming also allows you to use the back-up camera to zoom in to facilitate lining up the hitch ball with the trailer. I would like to see instructions that state the TSC will function without the update. The software update specifically address how the stability control will react to compensate for trailer sway. Will DSC continue to function without the update, of course, it just won't work as optimal as possible. You are correct that TSC is part of the DSC programming, however it is not inherently active. I will have to find the article confirming this and post it so there is no confusion. If you plan on towing a light trailer, or just putting on a bike rack then I wouldn't bother with the update. If you are towing a boat or anything above 5000 lbs. I would strongly recommend it.

I didn't say that the instructions don't mention it. I said that it wasn't required on my two vehicles, according to the instructions. The instructions mentioned it in both cases, and my year and serial number did not require reprogramming. Those instructions noted that I would have TSC. That is why I concluded that it is already programmed into the DSC. All that is missing is the flag that says there is a trailer back there, otherwise I don't think it will activate. If the vehicle doesn't recognize the trailer wiring module, then there would be no such flag.

My vehicles were not E70s. I find it hard to believe that BMW put TSC in the E83 and E53 DSC programming, but left it out of the E70 DSC programming. I guess it is possible.

I should note that I have towed for thousands of kilometers, and have never had TSC intervene to my knowledge. I believe that if it does intervene, it will allert me with a dash warning exactly the same as when DSC intervenes. On slippery roads I can get DSC to activate, and in snow it is easy to activate DSC. I towed one load 1500 km in winter storms through the Rockies, on snow-covered roads, and never had it come on. I pay attention to tongue load when towing, and so don't have much if any sway. I suspect it would take something approaching a jackknife to make it intervene. In that case it would be most welcome, but I don't think it plays much of a role in day to day towing.

No comment on the camera functionality, I suppose it would be easy to tell if it was working or not though.

Ron07x5 · #2 06-19-2015, 11:31 PM

Putting a hitch on a x5 isn't the big cost. If all you were ever going to use the hitch for was supporting a bike rack it would be no big deal. But if you want trailer lights and a trailer weighing on car then it is a big deal and I am sure a big expense at bmw. As someone pointed out the electrical isn't just tapping into existing light but a separate system. I bet bmw charges $2000 before you are done! A significant selling point on my 2007 is it has the tow package.

eugeneflim · #3 01-25-2011, 06:14 PM

Independent of dealer programming, the installation itself is NOT trivial at all, and IMHO can only be done by a relatively handy person, with a lot of patience, and experience. I am somewhat handy (not an expert by any means), and it took me 6 hours from start to finish. I previously installed tow hitch on Honda Pilot and it took me 3 hours I think. I do have parking sensors, so it took a bit of time as well. Also, I didn't need the electrical connection, since I only needed this for bikes, so I just cut the bumper enough for the hitch to go in, and the opening is virtually non-existent, much cleaner install.

bluvalley · #4 01-27-2011, 08:01 PM

Here's what I tow. Had the dealer do the install including the break controller.

ChuckG · #5 01-27-2011, 09:56 PM

Looks great! How long is your trailer?

Chuck

bluvalley · #6 01-30-2011, 09:25 AM

It's 22 ft. and about 4k lbs. It tows it beautifully.

I would definitely recommend having the dealer install the hitch.

jimk · #7 01-31-2011, 12:40 AM

Thanks for sharing the picture. I see you are using a weight distribution hitch. What type is it and how do you like it? There isn't much information out there about BMWs and WDH but it appears that the WDH is not recommended on the X5. I plan on towing a 23 ft Jayco that weights 4200 lbs with my 35d and I'm not comfortable towing it without a WDH. Any input would be appreciated.

JCL · #8 01-31-2011, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimk

Thanks for sharing the picture. I see you are using a weight distribution hitch. What type is it and how do you like it? There isn't much information out there about BMWs and WDH but it appears that the WDH is not recommended on the X5. I plan on towing a 23 ft Jayco that weights 4200 lbs with my 35d and I'm not comfortable towing it without a WDH. Any input would be appreciated.

Personally, I wouldn't use a weight distributing hitch for something that light. I would if I was up in the 6000+ lb range. BMW don't recommend them, but I think that is more to do with lack of knowledge than anything related to the vehicle itself.

Suggest you do a search for posts by withidl. He towed 8300 lbs of Airstream over the continental divide several times, tens of thousands of miles. He used a Hensley Arrow, IIRC. He documented his towing in the E53 forum. Great information. I think poster hayaku used an equalizer hitch as well, also documented in the E53 forum.

Here are a few threads to get you started:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...airstream.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...y-6900lbs.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...on-towing.html

MudyOvl · #9 06-19-2015, 12:34 PM

bluevalley, Have you had any issues using the WDH? With the hitch point extended farther from the vehicle hitch, does it seems to cause the hitch to rotate any? I know JCL does not recommend WDH, but I am considering a PP3P just for the added comfort of sway control. I planned to put minimum weight on the WDH portion to minimize any torqueing of the factory hitch.

JCL · #10 06-19-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MudyOvl

bluevalley, Have you had any issues using the WDH? With the hitch point extended farther from the vehicle hitch, does it seems to cause the hitch to rotate any? I know JCL does not recommend WDH, but I am considering a PP3P just for the added comfort of sway control. I planned to put minimum weight on the WDH portion to minimize any torqueing of the factory hitch.

It isn't that I don't recommend a WDH, it is just that I personally had a cut off point under which I wouldn't have bothered. For me personally, that was around 4000 lbs. I towed that much without a WDH without issue, paying attention to load distribution and tongue weight. I would not tow more than that without a WDH, particularly a trailer with a larger bluff area to catch crosswinds, etc.

No European manufacturer recommends a WDH because they are not legal in Europe. Electric brakes aren't used there, and surge brakes don't work with WDHs. The absence of a recommendation to use one by BMW and other manufacturers is not a recommendation not to use one, just a lack of knowledge about them. All IMO.

If you are using a PPP hitch, then I would personally go with a Propride. Pretty much the ultimate setup for towing, a diesel SUV with a Propride.

Lots of good info on airforums, the Airstream discussion board. You can do a search there and see all the X5s (usually 35d models) towing larger Airstreams. All with WDHs. In some cases, the hitches have been reinforced by CanAm in Ontario, to resist the bending moment that they weren't necessarily designed for and which results from using a WDH.

Jeff