2011 hitch install diy?

[Franklin Joseph]

Anyone successfully installed a hitch on your 2011? are the 2011 different from the pre LCI?
I installed the hitch on my e53, just wondering how difficult it will be on the e70.
My dealer ball park estimate was around $1500...dont really want to spend that much.

thanks
franklin

[GoVols!]

Man that's steep. And includes ~$900 in dealer profit.

The performance center installed mine for $680 all in. Maybe they use "training" mechanics for labor?

[roadkillrob]

Hitch is about $500 with wiring and it took me about 3 hours to install mine (remove bumper, install hitch, install wiring, reinstall bumper - I did an aftermarket Draw Tite so I didn't have to ruin the bumper cutting it - OEM will take a little longer as you have to cutout the bumper). After that you will still have to go to the dealer and pay an hour + labor to have the OEM one programmed to make the wiring work. If you go aftermarket on the wiring, you don't have to program it, but you don't get the stability program changes, which is fine for a small trailer or bike rack, but you might want the programming if you pull a big trailer. You would probably spend $650 to do it yourself, $1500 is one of the higher prices I have seen - $1200 seems to be the normal price, some people have posted that they got it down to around $1000 installed.

[jdbretz]

The DIY install is not that hard at all. Below I have attached the instructions for the wiring and OEM hitch install. It goes step by step and very simple. If you have a few hours and some patience you can easily do it yourself. I can't speak for the LCI, but I would imagine it is going to be just as simple seeing as the only real change is the rear bumper cover. You will need to purchase a plastic rivet tool ($30) if you plan on doing this install yourself. After the install you will still need to go to the dealership and have the software coding done to ensure the additional module functions correctly and the DSC software gets updated to compensate for trailer sway. Either way its still substantially cheaper than the dealership, and if you're as particular as I am, you'll do a better job than the dealer. Let me know if you have any questions.

[pk9394]

Originally Posted by Franklin Joseph

Anyone successfully installed a hitch on your 2011? are the 2011 different from the pre LCI?
I installed the hitch on my e53, just wondering how difficult it will be on the e70.
My dealer ball park estimate was around $1500...dont really want to spend that much.

thanks
franklin

I just ask the same question yesterday on bimmerfest. good stuff on reply. check the link

CURT Class III Hitch - bimmerfest - BMW Forums

looks like i can diy within $250 without wiring . i just use it for my bike rack

[Franklin Joseph]

thanks for the link guys. The execuhitch looks promising (since none of the 3 local dealers will return my call about service cost)

Will do more research on it.

[firedawgs]

Thank you so much for the DIY (PDF) instructions for the OEM trailer hitch installation.

I just went to the dealer yesterday to get a quote on the hitch and installation.
$500 for parts, $475 for installation.

I consider myself pretty mechanically incline, but after two back surgeries with a fusion, I am leaning towards the dealership just doing it. One for warranty reason, and two for piece of mind.

What do you think on the installation cost?

[JCL]

Unless you have the ability to do the programming yourself, without the dealer, installation isn't a choice between free and $475. You should ask your dealer what it will cost to reprogram after installation, and that price is what you should compare to the $475 quote. It might simplify your decision process.

[Quicksilver]

[firedawgs]

The reprogramming is 1 hr labor.

I was also asking for comparison of what others have paid for this install. Does it seem like a reasonable deal?