What type of trailer hitch do I have?
 

Purchased a 2006 4.8is earlier this month and it has a hitch system in place. I didn't even realize there's an oem version and after market. I didn't get a receiver or ball or Pin for the receiver so on e I know what system I have I will look for a proper receiver.

Also this plug is round and doesn't look like the standard plug I'm used to seeing with normal trailers I use from place like uhaul that usually have a 4 pin connector?

Also where can I can I get that black middle cover/plate for the bumper/diffuser cover in case I want to remove the hitch.

Thanks everyone!
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While heavily corroded (is that rear reinforcement rusted through?), that appears factory. BMW has an adapter harness to go to 4 pin as well as different ball/receiver options I believe. I still have to order a set for mine.

it could be. the vehicle spent most of its life in Texas I believe up until 2 years ago when the previous owner had it in Wisconsin for the last 2 years. everything else under the car looks pristine no rust or even surface rust so it is odd that the hitch itself has rust like that.

i will end up taking the rear bumper off and getting the hitch media blasted and repainted black for good measure. since it looks to be OEM then it seems the extra work to save it.

i dont believe anything is corroded through, could be the angle and shadow from what appears to be a bracing tab on the reinforcement bar itself.

will any receiver work with this hitch or is there a BMW specific receiver to get?

How would i know if I have the trailer module as well? I guess i could hook up PASoft and see if it shows on the KBUS as a module to vie and edit.

so i take it it will be pretty much required to get that 4 pin adapter harness since most trailers in the US appear to use the 4 pin connector and not that BMW round connector.


thank you for the info!

It's factory. Cleanup the surface rust using a bronze wire brush (harborfreight) on a drill and paint it black using brake caliper paint spray can. It'll look pristine.

Here is what the entire OE kit looks like:

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/28640_x800.webp

You can see the 7 to 4 pin adapter plug thing right above the towing module. Looks like a big key thing. There appear to be plenty of aftermarket harnesses for land rovers, VW, that go from Euro to 4 pin so that's an option if the pinouts are standard on the Euro plugs across marques.

To visually check for the towing module you'd have to go under the spare tire/compressor to look in the electronics tray. I haven't used INPA or other software to query it. Wonder if the NT520 can do that?

As for the receiver/ball setups I don't have an answer. I haven't look into it yet as I have not needed to tow with the truck yet. I'm sure I will frantically search for these things when the need arises rather than being proactive and getting them ahead of time. :bustingup

wonderful thank you guys very much appreciated!

It is a standard 2" receiver, so any 2" mount should work. Those 7-4 wire adapters are available everywhere - ebay, amazon, walmart, etc. They're universal.

AM.

thanks a lot! ill look them up online and get them soon.

The 7 pin is actually the standard that you see on trucks and RVs. It includes 12v power, backup lights and electric trailer brake wiring. The 4 pin is used on small trailers so only ground, turn/brakes and tail/running lights.

I have to buy a towing Kit for my towing truck i have a GMC 5500 which i am using for Blocked Driveway Removal in Queens, kindly suggest any good towing kit.