yikes it may work but idk about the looks. how far does it stickout? like why is the space so wide?

I'm guessing the space is so wide to make it look symetrical, but it is big opening.

I'm guessing your sticking with stock BMW parts for warranty reasons, but I used a Module Master on my X5 and it works perfectly fine. I didn't need any of the additional wiring stuff they "recommended" as all the wire lengths were long enough. Just throwing it out there if they can't figure it out for you.

ModuLite Trailer Light Power Module 118146: eBay Motors (item 190261031771 end time Aug-11-10 15:47:28 PDT)

I was looking for hitch and after a long while I couldn't find an OEM unit so I purchased a Curt hitch. I removed the rear bumper and installed the hitch without any modifications. I also bought the OEM wiring harness and hitch module on ebay and everything works great! The whole project was around $300 plus my labor.

Here's a link on how to install the BMW hitch which is the same as the Curt without any mods: http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tion-tips.html

Here's a pic of the installed hitch on my 2002 E53 X5:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_R1JLtqAJkEI/TF.../DSCN2993b.jpg

MG, this thread is in regards to the E70 X5M, not an E53. Your hitch installation is irrelevant since they're two completely different vehicles.

Wiring is wiring though, which is why I posted the module that I am using since it's universal. The only "problem" with using the universal version vs the factory BMW one is that the it won't shut off the backup sensors, hence why the stock one needs coding. I don't have backup sensors and fortunately I know how to drive and backup without frivolous electronic aids, so it's not an issue for me to use the universal module. I don't know what the stock BMW module and coding costs as a package, but for those who have backup sensors, you could spend $30 and use the money you saved to pay your kids to turn off the backup sensors manually ;)

Here's an eBay listing for an OEM E70 hitch which includes everything you need:
BMW X5 E70 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Kit.: eBay Motors (item 220511721155 end time Aug-13-10 12:14:17 PDT)

X5M, M being the big difference here. That isn't an M hitch, so once again, that still doesn't apply to this thread. That hitch is for the 3.0 or 4.8 per REALOEM.com and the picture on the eBay ad is of the E53, so either they're selling the wrong item or they're just too lazy to post the correct picture.

James, I agree with your statement above, however, please think about this for a moment, Structurally there's no difference between the X5 and X5M, the only difference is the exterior skin, mechanicals, electronics, etc. The BMW OEM hitch is for an E70 2007 - ON, which means it should include the X5M. The X5M is still an E70...Right? One way to confirm is to call the stealer.
Thanks, Mike

Per realOEM.com, the part number you listed only fits the 3.0 and 4.8 E70 only. Sure, structurally it's the same vehicle, but the exhaust systems are not, so it would have different mounting points, muffler sizes, etc which would affect how the hitch itself fits under the bumper and everything else back there that can't be seen by the naked eye.

Per realOEM.com there's no listing for an X5M period. How can you use a reference that's not conclusive?