E53 Tow package retrofit
 

Who has done the retrofit and what modifications were needed for the bumper reinforcement. I have all the parts but that, and some have posted that they reused the bumper reinforcement with some modifications, but no pictures of the reinforcement that comes as part of the upgrade and the non tow reinforcement that was modified.

no modifications are needed for the actual tow hitch parts. you can NOT use the non-trailer hitch bumper supports as they are a different style part for the hitch assembly.

Here are some good pics of what you will need and what should come with the factory install package.

https://www.ecstuning.com/ES185392/

You MUST replace the bumper reinforcement when doing this. I have put factory E53 hitches on twice now. Can do a full swap in no rush in less than four hours.


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If you didn't get the instructions with the hitch here's a website site that has them.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e53/ima...iler_hitch.pdf

E53SG, as upallnight notes, the instructions with the OE westphalia hitch are pretty good. They were also attached to the original or an early post in the long thread on acquiring/installing the OE hitch kit. I have several posts in the thread, if that helps you locate it. There is lots of good info in that thread, including from a poster [in AZ, I think?] who recovered one from a junkyard and reconstructed the bolts, etc. The OE hitch is very well engineered, a proper connection to the unibody, but it does require the right parts, which can't be modified from the non-hitch bumper mounts [for example]. The hitch and non-hitch bumper mounts are completely different.

subscribed. I've sourced the OEM hitch and bumper reinforcement for the hitch, but still need the wiring kit (https://www.ecstuning.com/ES185391/)

Here is a link to the long hitch DIY thread: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ation-pdf.html

I have done this and the instructions are pretty good. One comment. When. Installing the hitch, try to slide it up towards the tailgate as much as possible. So when bumper is fitted back, you don't end up with a large gap between bumper top and tailgate bottom


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