BMW OEM Hitch - installation question

[timeslip]

My 2012 X5 diesel is in the process of being built still. I asked my CA if she could add the hitch, but she told me it's all done at the dealership. In doing my search, I saw that some people had it done pre-delivery.

How is that possible? My CA said they don't do it at the factory. My plan is to mostly tow my mountain bikes, and I already have a bike rack.

Any advice? Btw, dealer wants $1200.

[JCL]

You can get it done pre-delivery, but it is still done at the dealership. Factory doesn't do hitches; BMW sells a factory kit that the dealer installs.

[timeslip]

Aaaaaah ok that makes sense. I like the factory OEM look with the cutout, but $1200 is pretty expensive and I am afraid they will damage the bumper. It seems pretty mixed on the three forums I've been reading.

[Diesel Guy]

The only way to get the factory to install the hitch is to pick up the vehicle at PCD. Your Salesman can make the arrangements. Less than half of what he's charging you.....plus you get to go to through the BMW school and factory for no additional cost!

[timeslip]

I would love to but I imagine the drive back to California at this time of the year is rough. Anyone done it in winter?

[blue dragon]

I installed mine myself, no reason to pay the dealer $1200. Even the programming, I can do myself now. I paid an hour's programming before I learned how to do it myself

[heath3777]

I have a 2012 X5 35d in production now. I wanted the hitch installed at the factory or PCD as well. My CA informed me that the PCD used to do installs, but no longer. Therefore, I am having it done at the dealership. They are charging $1100 installed.

[ard]

Originally Posted by heath3777

I have a 2012 X5 35d in production now. I wanted the hitch installed at the factory or PCD as well. My CA informed me that the PCD used to do installs, but no longer. Therefore, I am having it done at the dealership. They are charging $1100 installed.

If the PCD charges $600, but he dealer wants $1100....makes you wonder why he is telling your the 'PDC doesnt do it'.

They do.

The Bimmer Blog: The Little-Known Port-Install Program for X5s

Only BMW drivers will pay $1000+ for a $400 hitch.

[heath3777]

Thanks for the tip. Assuming my CA is misinformed and it can be done, the price that Jon Shafer posted on Bimmerfest for the "port installed" trailer hitch is $1024. I paid $1100. I'm not going to get worked up over $76 on a $68,000 vehicle. Have a good one.

X5 Port-Install Accessory Program - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

[ard]

Glad it worked out for you.

Others have paid far less than the MSRP Jon posted. (Remember this is Jon's MSRP...)

For me, the benefit of having a VPC or port install is not price, but rather QUALITY. I simply do not trust BMW dealers to work on cars, in general.