Tow Hitch?
 

Has anyone figured out how to do a tow hitch? Or if they will ever offer one??

seriously? you have eleven cars sell one and get a truck for towing,

That is very insightful, thanks!!! I have access to a dually if i need a truck to tow. But it'd also be nice to able to tow my bikes or my race car with this car also. At the end of the day it is just another truck and as i remember the x5's are very capable at towing (even very large boats).

and FYI it is 7 cars, 8 including the X5, 2 are technically not street legal and they are all my children i can't get rid of them just yet, except the 335xi, it's like your new step child that belongs to your new wife or GF, you love it but you could live without it!!

So anyone explore this yet? Im assuming its the same rear end as a normal x5 with just a different bumper skin.

haha, yeah im sure you can put the hitch on it, but as on the regular x5 its going to look ugly.

The X5M is not for towing other vehicles, it's strictly for smokin' other vehicles! :D

LOL well i want to be able to claim i have over 1K HP attached to each other!!! (hell i just realized all together my current lineup exceeds 3K hp hahaha)

I'm assuming the hitch will be like the normal x5 with it being able to be hidden underneath a panel on the bumper. So it won't be always visible but you'll see the cutout of the panel.

you can alwasy see the hitch, im not sure where you saw one that was hidden?
its a very awfull disign on bmw's part. they should have made it so a cover will pop on and off.

Look into the swanneck style removeable euro hitch. I'm doing that right now for my E53 X5 as I don't want to see the hitch receiver after I'm done towing my bike to track events.

oh yeah that one. but that ones note rated to use in USA.

Shhhhhh :) They actually tow within the same weight ranges depending on if you get the Westfalia (like 5500lbs) or the Monoflex (like 3500lbs). From my understanding after discussing this on the "ANOTHER hitch thread" thread that the only thing technically keeping it from being DOT approved is that the euro version doesn't have connections for safety chains since its completely hidden w/ the swan neck removed vs the US version sticking out past the bumper like a sore thumb. The way I see it...who's really gonna know legally (I don't know anyone who's gotten pulled over for improper/missing safety chains), and its completely hidden when removed.

but do they have the right size ball attached to it? we use mostly two inch ball, and if i recall the euro one is smaller?

That was mentioned on the other thread I was referring to. I don't remember what 2" converted to in mm, but it was a slight difference. I think we all agreed that since most hitch receivers have a little slop and (at least on my trailer) the top nut can be adjusted to to allow more/less slop, that's its an acceptable size difference. I'm replying via my phone so I can't link it directly for you, so you should search for the thread I mentioned.

I wouldn't think a regular X5 hitch would work on an M because of the route and exit of the exhaust. Completely different on an M than any other E70.

I tried looking on www.realoem.com, but they don't list the X5///M just yet.

i bought a mule to lug the bikes to the track...
it was nice to show up in the range rover though before..;)

ohh man jealous of the 999r bar none one of the very last of the crazy ducs. Hopefully they come out with an option of a tow hitch for the M itll be fun hauling things in a car like that.

I love the sound of a nice twin myself. Recently heard an Aprilia RSV4, that thing sounds pretty awesome also.

Got to ride one of the new ones the other week....amazing such better seating position for everyday riding than my old 848. Supposedly they are also going to do an upright version like the street fighter with the rsv4 drivetrain.

for real, twins are the shit, the four bangers can't match up...
i don't like the new ducatis...took one for a rip but its way too computerey...
i don't like the idea of traction control this, slip control that...
kinda takes the thrill of high-siding saves away (i realize how utterly insane that sounds but i'm also a clinical retard)

anyone have updates on hitch availability/install??
would like to replace my ml350 with x5m but must be tow capable.

thx.

I know this question has been asked above but I'm reposting to keep the question as relevant as possible.

Does anyone know if the 2011 X6M allows for a tow-hitch. My dealer told me it was NOT possible and I saw one post above that made the argument that it's not possible but I'm looking for some evidence so I can put the issue to bed or dig deeper.
While I don't really want to tow anything, I do want to add a tow hitch-mounted (mountain) bike rack. I know there are plenty of bike racks that don't require a tow hitch but the only i like, slides into the hitch and conveniently pivots down so one can open the tailgate. (it also acts as a fantastic bumper for rear-enders).
BMW offers a bike rack that plugs into special holes in the back of the car but it's kinda a PIA to take on and off.
I'm also open to suggestions on convenient bike racks if anyone has any idea?
Thanks for any suggestions.

For the right amount of money, anyone can install a custom tow hitch on your X. Harbor Freight sells a simple tow hitch receiver, then run to your nearest custom fabricator, 4x4, etc and see what they think they can do. Since you're not towing 3000lb trailers, it's not like it's going to require a huge amount of fabrication.

any subsequent thoughts to the whole hitch issue?

found a thread on bimmer forums stating the "resonator" would interfer with hitch install. I guess the poster meant exhaust not resonator is kinda in the middle of the vehicle. If exhaut fab is required then i have someone that can do it.

yesterday at Lime rock (ALMS race) i saw a x5m flying through the esses seemingly about as fast as i go with my r compound shod m3.!!!!

dang i want this darn truck...want have only one car plated (for me) save insurance reg and car tax. just need towability for the race/track car.

i was told its not possible by my dealership and just by looking at the rear i dont see where it would go as is..

Getting one installed on my 2010 x5m tomorrow. The trim piece was finally released last week. All 2011 X5's, from what I hear, have a coding issue but it should be resolved in the coming weeks.

I will post some pics once its on.

so your bumper will have a different design around the hitch then ?

1st pic of the hitch
 

Here is it. The trim piece is actually a piece of rubber that covers the cut in the bumper.

What are you going to tow and if you don't mind me asking what was the total bill for the hitch plus install..

I just called my SA and ordered this....FINALLY!!!! I'll be towing my lotus exige race car on an open trailor or my track bikes!!!

BTW Mswaz....ill be up in the seattle area on the 30th if you want to hear the eisenmann race exhaust!

Well the hitch is on and I hooked up my trailer to test it out. Bad news. The brake lights do not work. I tried on multiple trailers too. The check control says check trailer brakes, so the car knows they arent working. My dealer thinks its a coding issue. I am not sure if this is the same coding issue the 2011's have.


I will be towing a jet ski and a 17' boston whaler. I paid $825 installed.

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?

Touche, but as I mentioned, I'm sure the exhaust systems are still different even between the 4.8 and M. We'll call it even for you posting an E53 hitch installation on an E70 X5M specific subforum ;)

I don't know if you ///M guys will have to drop the last section of the exhaust or not to install, but if you do, fire it up and give it a bit of pedal. I bet it will sound aggressive. Maybe even record and post the sound. ;)

pics/update on brake lights
 

Here are some better pics of the hitch and trim ring. I was able to put an older trailer module (hardware version 1) in and the brake lights work.

nice photos, it's interesting. did the back up cam' know there was a trailer? what's the white logo behind the car on the screen?

do you have any photos of the full car and the seadoo ? ( just random views )

Just an FYI...I picked up an adjustable hitch at Harbor Frieght for $30, worked awesome towing my 6x8 trailer (fully loaded with motorcycle, mechanic AND construction equipment, etc) from Boise to Seattle and back with random places in between.

8-in-1 Adjustable Ball Mount Hitch

does anyone have anymore info on this ? part #'s maybe ?

my dealer swears that there is no hitch made for the m !

is it the same one from the e70 ? where do i get the trim piece ?

any help appreciated !!

Part List
 

Here are the parts list.

Trailer Hitch Kit (PN: 71 60 2 156 525)
Trim Piece Kit X5M (PN: 71 60 2 185 556)
Blind rivet (Qty 8) (PN: 07 14 9 140 786)

Just remember the current software for the hitch module has a problem with the brake lights not working.

I was able to take a module that was programed in a 2009 X5 and it worked in my car.

FIXED... New software version from BMW (from Oct if I remember correctly) fixes the brake light issue. 4-5-11

thanks joe , your the man im gonna shove this info in their face !

Did you upgrade to the ///Monster?

yesssir !! woooohooooooooo

get her tomo , but its goin strait to the body shop for some cosmetic goodies !!

kinda sucks im gonna get to drive it 15 miles then i gotta give it up ! :(

So tonight I tried to program the current hitch module using Autologic (after market bmw programming). No luck. I was about to get hitch view in the backup camera. I have a couple other things to try to get the module working but I heard today that even older E70 X5's (2007 to 2009) now have the software issue where the brake lights dont work.

is it just brake lights ? do you have driving and blinker lights ?

Congrats! The 5 or 6? Post some pics :D

Some more hi-res pics from BMWblog...
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/up...x5-hitch-9.JPG
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/up...x5-hitch-4.JPG
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/up...x5-hitch-5.JPG
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/up...x5-hitch-7.JPG
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/up...x5-hitch-6.JPG
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/up...x5-hitch-2.JPG
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/up...5-hitch-10.JPG

Photos: US trailer hitch on a 2010 BMW X5M

No huge notching on this one...is that a different valance instead?

Christ those flaps are bad...

Yeah, I never understood why people ruin an awesome car with cheap looking rubber flaps...that is what 3M film is for.

Given that he has a hitch installed, he would have to put that 3M film all over the front of his boat or whatever he is towing, as it will get as marked up as the aprons on the X5M do. 3M doesn't appear to have solved the paint damage issues on many other X5Ms either.

I don't mind mudflaps, in general. If you want tires that wide, the flaps have to be that wide.

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.

Sweet, I was holding out on the hitch since I'll have mine in Germany for a while and the dealership don't know much about A-Spec unless they deal with military.

Hitch project teaser...
 

Nothing really groundbreaking, but didn't want to cut the bumper. Plus, I won't be towing anything, just hauling a rack or bicycles. This is just a teaser, not the completed project yet. Goal is to have a completely hidden hitch when not in use. Got the idea from the BMW Euro removable hitch and from a guy on the Jeep SRT8 forum. Credit to RetroMan on the cherokeesrt.com forum:
Inspiration:
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/a...5&d=1218612943



Step 1: Start with a hitch (in this case I used the Curt #13077
http://sitepro12.sitepro.com/masterl..._300x225_b.jpg

Step 2: Ruin a perfectly good hitch by cutting off the receiver. (Have a good buddy that just happens to enjoy metal work and welds...)

http://tpiwwp.com/out.php/i6766_X5hitchgrindoff.JPG

Step 3: Reweld receiver in the downward facing position.

http://tpiwwp.com/out.php/i6767_X5hitchreweld.JPG

Step 4: Hitch will be painted or powdercoated.
Step 5: Install
Step 6: Modify this hitch extender to form a proper gooseneck: (waiting on install to get measurements of how long the drop has to be)
Start with this: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

To end up with something like this, long enough to clear the bottom of the rear valence. I bought an 18" extension, hopefully that will give us enough metal to play with. http://fileresource.sitepro.com/file...88/45013_a.jpg

I'll post up as soon as we're done.

Try the USA automated hitch it is hidden www.execuhitch.com , cost is around 690-890 depending on vehicle my X3 was $790 and 328i was $690.

Nice kits, but really expensive compared to regular one! Have to do some thinking on this! If I do decide on this, what's the wiring harness kit for the X5?

Was the main trailer harness plug and play or you had to do some cutting?

They send it plug n play with their cpu unit. Its pretty cool, it has the function when one trailer light goes out it substitute another light so Im not without running lights if the trailer has a malfunction.

Did you ever finish this project? I have thought of doing the same after looking at my oem E46 M3 hitch manufactured by Westfalia.

Hello,

I wanted to know if you ever finished the hidden hitch for the X5M. If so, do you have any more pictures? Did you have to cut anything off the bottom edge of the diffuser? Can you see any trace of the hitch behind the bumper/diffuser?

Thank you,

Stuart

I decided to run with the above idea - here are the results

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps23a2b78a.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps25ba805d.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps5a8d84b4.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps971dff20.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps6ba21655.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps22dd5121.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps04086716.jpg