Just installed the OEM hitch kit
 

Took exactly 5 hours -- just like everyone said. The instructions here on X5world were a lifesaver -- thanks to everyone who provided instructions and tips! There is no way we would have figured out everything with just the manufacturer's instructions.

As a bonus, the slight rattle that I had in the back of the X5 is now gone! Apparently there must have been something loose back there that we inadvertently fixed while installing the hitch!

Killed two birds with one stone. Good job! :2thumbs:

:beerchug: Excellent. Congrats on a job well done

The obligatory photo will have to be posted :)

btw~ do you notice a slight unbalance on the rear bumper with the hatch door after installing the hitch?

Having a uk spec X5 2004 update and being a caravanner my hitch was fitted at the factory. The electrics whilst ok on the road lighting side from the black 7 pin socket from the caravan , on the white socket which should charge the battery on the move also power the fridge on the move , neither of these operate at all. Although it does poer the lights inside the caravan . Both of the sockets above fit to an extension lead which converts the 13 pin socket to the car plug.
Has anybody come across this problem

UK Towing
 

Allan,

I also have an UK X5 with towing hitch - I've not used it yet but suspect I may end up with the same problem as you.

The 13pin socket is a Euro Spec socket.
The UK uses 7 pin type 12N and 12S sockets (N for lights (black socket) and S for internal elecrtics (white socket).

Having looked at the pin outs for all of these, the euro socket does include "most" of the required pins, although not all the pins between the Euro socket and 12S socket appear to marry up.. :dunno:

This web site has information on the various plugs and their pin assignments:
http://www.western-towing.co.uk/acat...cal_parts.html

One thing to establish is if BMW uses all the pins in the Euro Socket.
Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the Euro Socket that they can share?

UK Towing
 

Thanks Lawrence most helpful I am nearly there now

Allan Childs Oct 2004 X5 D

I too, like X5turtle noticed that the gap distance between the bumber and rear hatch was off by about an quarter of an inch after I installed my hitch. I'm sure this was due to play in the mounting holes of the various pieces. I know I could loosen and retighten the pieces to remove this gap but no one would notice but me. My advice to anyone else doing their hitch would be to be aware of this and keep an eye on the play in the pieces when assembling the hitch.

tomaz?? u plan to reinstall ur hitch??? :-D