I can't remember what the X5M has for rears, I'm guessing like 315's. Either way, I've got 295's on the back of my 7 w/ 3M and don't have any issues w/ chipping. I don't even see how chipping could still happen if there is a film on there unless it's some off brand or too thin.

I didn't consider the mudflaps for protecting the boat behind it, and even if they were installed to serve that purpose, I still have to agree with E53is that those look terrible. Time for some quick release screws and a stubby screwdriver/allen wrench so they can be installed as needed vs being on all the time :)

the back of these x5 and x5m throw nasty roooster tails due to the size of these tires , i would def 3m the front of the boat if your gonna be towing for long trips !

Has anyone else on this board had a successful hitch install on their X5M beast? I'm looking to get into one when my M5 lease ends mid-year, but neither dealership I've spoken to thus far seemed willing to do the research to make it possible. For those with OEM hitches, what advice would you give aside from the part numbers mentioned previously in this thread? Do programming issues still exist, and if so, what is the best remedy?

Also, for those who lease, is it your understanding that the rear bumper will need to be replaced at lease termination if the OEM hitch is installed? I was informed that since the OEM hitch is not a factory option, it would need to be removed and the bumper replaced and painted prior to turning in the truck. That seems absurd to me, and in all likelihood, a deal breaker if true.

Thanks in advance-

I have a trailer hitch installed on my X5M and have already used it a few times to trailer my race cars. As I use to do with my 4.8is and 4.6is, I have also unhooked the trailer at the track and raced the X5M when the track conditions aren't favorable for the race cars.

So far the OEM trailer hitch setup works great, and the X5M feels much happier then with my former 4.8is, 4.6is or range rover 4.4. I'll hopefully test it against my '10 supercharged Range Rover shortly.

In terms to the OEM hitch setup, everything works pretty good. Its not a fancy as my '10 Range Rover, but it works well. Oddly the OEM hitch setup on my 4.8is and 4.6is seemed to be of higher quality. Specifically I'm not a fan of welded chain hooks over the former CNC cut holes the 4.8is and 4.6is had.
Thankfully though the rear looks much better and more aggressive with the hitch then it did with the uncut factory looking bumper.

To give you an idea of how I benchmarked X5M performance and trailering capabilities, here's a quick list of my former SUV's:
'00 X5 3.0 (5-speed manual) - sold
'02 X5 4.6is - sold
'04 X5 4.8is - sold
'10 X5 X5M - current
'06 Jeep SRT8 - current
'10 Range Rover Supercharged - current
'04 Range Rover w/ BMW 4.4 engine - sold

:thumbup:

FYI - toyo makes r888 in 275/35-20, 315/30-20! bit short but for track purposes the slight reduction in gearing is a small bonus.

TO: Rboosted717, did you have any software issues with the wiring harness/electrical in general. Joemor mentioned he had to put an '09 software. I'm thinking about putting a trailer hitch kit on my X5M when I get it just to haul my bike. Do you guys think the issue is fixed on the '12 models? Thanks in advance.

The hitch was installed by the dealership, and yes they did need to reflash the software as required by the installation instructions (not sure on the version, however, I haven't noticed any differences before and after).
Though on my service paperwork it mentions a check engine light did appear after reflashing the computer, however after a test drive they were able to reset it.

Its been about 3 months since the install and I haven't had any issues thus far, even when trailering the race car.

got a part No. for the X5M hitch?

Post #47

Hi Gilbert. The brake light issue is fixed in the current version of the BMW software.