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-   -   Tow Hitch Install this weekend.... (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/32277-tow-hitch-install-weekend.html)

Franklin Joseph 05-25-2007 12:38 PM

Tow Hitch Install this weekend....
 
So, am i nuts if i wanna attempt this install all by myself...this weekend?

Dealer has the parts in stock, and i'm thinking of picking it up and doing the install over the long weekend. No one really to help, well maybe my wife...

I've printed all the instructions from the homepage...but before i start, just wanna know if i'll be overwhelmed...

thanks
franklin

p/s: trying to avoid the $600 dealer labor charge.

Tomaz 05-25-2007 12:42 PM

I did mine in about 6 hours by myself. There are many threads on hitch DIY. If you have all of the correct metric tools you should be OK. A second set of hands is nice for the final alignment of the bumper and the trailer wiring connection is a bit of a puzzle. Good luck

2002Silver4.6is 05-25-2007 01:18 PM

I think the only assistance you will need is physically removing the bumper. It is heavy and awkward and really is a 2 person job.

Franklin Joseph 05-25-2007 01:32 PM

hmm...ok. I'll give it a shot this weekend...will bribe the wife to help for a bit too. And if i dont finish it, oh well...will get the shop to finish it.

Thanks yall and have a great weekend.

bimmerFanatic 05-25-2007 03:12 PM

Make sure you have all the torx screws or you'll be running to Autozone.

LeMansX5 05-25-2007 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Silver4.6is
I think the only assistance you will need is physically removing the bumper. It is heavy and awkward and really is a 2 person job.

:iagree: done it and not that difficult...just time consuming.

JCL 05-25-2007 04:21 PM

If you have two cardboard boxes, reasonably sturdy, you can use them to hold up the rear bumper. It is then much easier to do it with one person. Cut the boxes to ensure you are holding the bumper at approximately the correct height.

I did it in 4.5 hours, myself, and only had to pause to find the correct Torx bits. I didn't drop the exhaust completely, I just dropped it enough to get the socket extension up to the bolts. I sat the exhaust on jack stands to make sure it didn't sag too far down.

Foose 05-25-2007 05:13 PM

When you reinstall the two bumper shocks make sure they are at the highest point in the holes. The holes were drilled larger so theres some play. It took me a while to figure out why there was so much gap between the fold down tailgate and the rear bumper.

Franklin Joseph 05-25-2007 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foose
When you reinstall the two bumper shocks make sure they are at the highest point in the holes. The holes were drilled larger so theres some play. It took me a while to figure out why there was so much gap between the fold down tailgate and the rear bumper.

ah...thanks for this tip....will check on it tomorrow.

Its not as difficult as i initially thought. Got the hitch installed (alone) and all that's left is to put the muffler, bumper and trunk trim back on. Will do that tomorrow, my back is killing me now.

thanks to the instructions here, i saved $600!!!

Franklin Joseph 05-26-2007 10:38 AM

Got everything done...phew...
There is a slightly bigger bumper gap than before, and i adjusted the bar as high as i can.
Anything else can be done? or it is what it is?

thanks
franklin


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