Installing Electric Trailer break controller: how to remove trim?

[miamipanther]

Installation pictures attached;

Our X5 does come with backup sensor but no camera, so I can't comment on zoom feature; But I know it's coded properly, when the tailer is attached, in reverse gear, a hitch icon will show up in the back of car on idrive screen, and rear backup sensor is disabled.

Tools and materials needed:
1. You need 18 feet trailer 4 wires, there is 14 gauge one you can find at Woodinville Mclendons; 12 gauge would be better, but I couldn't find locally.
2. the trim remover tool you can find at Bellevue Haborfreight.
3. P2 wire harness at Amazon, any car type less expensive is fine, you are going to cut the car adapter any way.

Installation tips:
1. You DO NOT need to remove cargo area trim and storage pocket as BMW suggested, there is enough space to push the wire through to the rear panel. Removing storage pocket requires removing two one time use plastic pivot, too much trouble to do that.
2. In order to remove rear arch trim, there are two screws need to be removed, one holds seat belt, another is hidden under rubber as in pictures.
3. Tips to remove the carpeted console trim: remove the screw holding it,
pull out front end, and then pull the trim in the direction of car.
4. Cut the P2 harness 4 pin adapter and the BMW 4 pin adapter, and hard wire them; There is no way to find 4 pin male adapter for BMW wire hardness.
5. We put the P2 on the right side under the steering wheel, it doesn't bother either my wife or me.

The whole process should be under 1 hour, and your X5 has full capability to tow after the process

[miamipanther]

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[miamipanther]

wiring:

[Hit_Apex]

Originally Posted by miamipanther

wiring:

Brilliant. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again for your documentation.