Electric Brake Controller
 

Hi everyone,

New member here. Just bought an '03 X5 4.4i a few weeks ago. Absolutely love the truck, and I'm working hard to "make it my own." I gave up an '04 325i convertible to buy it, and so far, I have no regrets.

I'm trying to resolve a very specific situation, and hope those of you with more experience will be able to help me out:

I've searched high and low for a definitive answer about installing an electric brake controller. The size and weight trailer I'm hauling requires one. I've read the two "how-to" posts here at X5World about installation, but I'm trying to find out exactly what parts are needed, how many of them are OEM, and what exactly is needed to make this work. The biggest questions are about where to connect the wiring to the unit to get proper performance.

I spoke to my local dealer (BMW Seattle) and got nowhere. I called BMW USA today, and the rep I spoke with was genuinely suprised to learn BMW doesn't offer a brake controller, and doesn't even recommend one, even though the OEM hitch installation instructions advise the installer to call BMW Service for recommendations on what to use. He had no answer when I asked why BMW would make a vehicle that is rated to tow 6000 pounds, and even provides an OEM Class III hitch, but then can't tell me the right way to install a brake controller that a large trailer would require. The trailer dealer that installed a brake controller on my previous tow vehicle told me there are a number of vehicles they won't install brake controllers on, and BMW heads that list. This has been a very frustrating search.

I've had an OEM BMW hitch installed by a reputable local company. They did a great job, but they can't install a brake controller without having the right parts, and knowing the best way to connect it. Due to the X5's brake system, a conventional connection doesn't work.

So what I'm trying to find out is what do YOU have? If you have a brake controller installed in your X5, how is it connected? What parts did you use? Was your BMW dealer involved, or was it totally after market? Has anyone made a direct installation kit with the right parts in it? Or is there a perfect "how-to" somewhere that I can provide to the installer? If not, is anyone here from the Seattle area who can refer me to an independent shop that knows how to properly install a brake controller? I want my X5 to have a long and happy life, and I really don't want to make a mess of thigns by some kind of jury-rigged installation. I need this to be done right.

Can anyone help me out? I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks very much in advance.

Dave

Hello Dave,

I'm going to install my brake contoller this weekend, so I have just finished all the research myself. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy controller, if you haven't already purchased one. I used the Prodigy on my last truck and it was truly awesome!

I've done these installs before and they are an easy project for any do-it-yourselfer using the following instructions:

There are two excellent write up's for installing the controller located on the home page of this site -
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...er%20Brake.pdf
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/X5...stallation.pdf

The wiring is straight forward (to anyone who has done this type of thing before), and there is only one aspect of the installation unique to the X5 - picking off the 12V brake signal. That connection is described from BMW here:

"A connection pin for retrofitting (electric brake) is provided on
plug X393S. If an electrical brake is desired for the trailer, it
can be retrofitted. For the latest list of recommended brake
controllers contact BMW Service Hotline. The signal pick-off for
brake (the input to the brake controller) may only take place on
plug X12, Pin 10. This plug, X12, is to the Light Control Module
(LCM), the wire color is black and yellow. The male pin (BMW
P/N 61 13 1 376 195) should be used at the mating plug of
X393S. Be sure to observe this information."

In addition to your brake controller kit, the BMW OEM tow kit, and misc wires and connectors (that any installer would already have), you only need two additional pieces of hardware: 1) a BMW male pin P/N 61 13 1 376 195 2) a 20A-30A resettable circuit breaker - available at any stereo and most auto parts shops.

So here is the readers digest version of the install:

1) pick your controller location - left of sterring wheel or inside ash tray
2) black and white wires (power and ground) to the battery
3) blue wire to the rear trailer connector
4) red brake signal wire to the LCM (light control module behind the glove box)
5) Done!

Simple, no? :thumbup:

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

I've done this with the Prodigy and basically the same install instructions. I mounted my controller just above the dead pedal on the left hand side of the drivers side. Towed our boat for 2 seasons using this and it works perfectly. With the prodigy I can disconnect it from the wiring simply and remove it when not in use.

The articles mentioned above are great documentation and just give yourself an afternoon to do the install.

It's nutty that BMW hasn't addressed the brake controller issue. The big 3 have done this for years and Toyota too with the Tundra and they make it so easy to install a brake controller. Hello! BMW are you listening?

Why choose the Tekonsha Prodigy?
 

Thanks for the replies. The two articles mfiver mentioned are the two I was referring to. After reading through them again, I think this is a doable thing. My installer guy is willing to try, anyway, as long as I can give him as many OEM parts as possible.

So that begs the question: Are brake controllers that different from each other? Why choose a Tekonsha Prodigy controller? I grant they're great for all-purpose trailer brake controlling, but isn't it a bit of overkill for occasional use of one trailer type? Is there an advantage of specifically using the Prodigy, instead of another Tekonsha model or a different brand altogether? It seems virtually every article I've read mentioned the Prodigy, but nobody ever says why they chose it. And why am I seeing that the controller should be mounted as horizontal as possible? Why would it matter?

Thanks,
Dave

My understanding for using the Prodigy controller on the X5 is due to the method required of picking up the brake light signal. As the brake lights are triggered by a hall effect sensor on the pedal (as opposed to the usual method of a mechanical switch) you can't just tap into the sensor like you do on most vehicles. You are picking up the signal on from that 'pin 12' over in the passenger footwell area. Not sure what the exact reason is, but it has been determined from trial and error by other people that the Prodigy is the only controller that works in the X5 without screwing something up.
I haven't installed one yet, but it is on my list, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Everyone uses the Tekonsha Prodigy because it's the very best, or at least the very best for the buck. It uses a sophisticted inertial system to measure the actual g-force generated during braking and applies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to the vehicle's deceleration. In plain terms - the harder you brake your X5, the harder the Prodigy brakes your trailer. Simple, but genius! Another outstanding feature of the Prodigy is that it is self-leveling. So it is not as sensitive to istallation angle as other old style controllers. It also adjusts itself to varying terrain as you drive, so if you are braking on a down hill it will still measure true deceleration force (i.e. the same value that would be measured if the car and the controller were both perfectly level.)

Back to why everyone uses Prodigy... It's cheap, it's an outstanding product, and BMW owners are willing to pay more for quality. I got mine brand new on e-bay for about $79. Sure you could get a vastly inferior controller for $50 or $60, but why would you? To save $20 or $30? That would be like buying a Kia Sportage instead of an X5 to save $500!

I think there is a lot unecessary aniexty over installing a brake controllers on an X5. There is only one piece of information we need to know that is different than any other vehicle...and that is - Where to pick up the 12 volt brake signal?? Once we know that answer to that question (and we do - it's plug X12 Pin 10 on the LCM) installing the controller on the X5 is just as easy as any other vehicle (that is not pre-wired for a brake controller). Once you know where to pick-up the 12 volt brake signal, any stereo installer, auto tech, or do-it-yourselfer can easily do it with or without the instructions on this site.

And feel free to use any brake controller you want as long as it takes a 12 volt trigger signal. But why not go for the best, and therefore the safest, for only $20 or $30 more?

LCM Pin-Out for brake signal pick-off
 

I was able to obtain the schematic for LCM plug X12 to be used for the brake signal pick-off. With this descrpition and the attached diagram it should be easy for any installer to find the correct connection point.:thumbup:

"A connection pin for retrofitting (electric brake) is provided on
plug X393S. If an electrical brake is desired for the trailer, it
can be retrofitted. For the latest list of recommended brake
controllers contact BMW Service Hotline. The signal pick-off for
brake (the input to the brake controller) may only take place on
plug X12, Pin 10. This plug, X12, is to the Light Control Module
(LCM), the wire color is black and yellow. The male pin (BMW
P/N 61 13 1 376 195) should be used at the mating plug of
X393S. Be sure to observe this information."

Thanks again for the replies. Nothing like hearing the voice of experience. :)

I completely agree with the Prodigy as being the right choice. The cost savings of a few dollars wasn't my concern - I was more interested in knowing why THAT particular controller was so popular, and nobody ever said anything about another model or brand. The installation company I used to put in my OEM hitch happens to be a Tekonsha dealer, and the owner (my installer) was the one who asked the "Isn't a Prodigy kind of overkill for what you need to do?" question.

As it happens, my installer is also a real pro at what he does. I took the install instructions referenced above to him yesterday, and we discussed what he would do. Once he understood why the X5 is different than other cars, he said, "Actually, this install is more like it used to be, before cars were so complicated. It'll be a piece of cake." So, armed with the OEM pin part I had ordered (which looks surprisingly like the pin shown in the installation instructions already mentioned) he's confident he'll be able to do a fine job.

I'll report back once everything is done, and put together that definitive how-to I was looking for. Maybe the X5World moderators can offer it to those like me who were looking for a "final answer" about this. (I'm still amazed after this many X5 years that BMW hasn't stepped up with a suitable controller and installation instructions that tell folks exactly what to do.)

Thanks again for all the great info. You guys rock!

Dave

I'm a little late with this thread, but this info is really helpful. So, what is this OEM part that I need to install the Prodigy? I know mfiver had the instructions about parts and all that, but that might as well been in Chinese, I didn't understand a thing in that. If I wanted to buy everything online, what should my order look like to install this brake contoller? I'm not very handy, should I get a pro to do this?

Yes, get it professionally installed. You may also need trailer brakes installed, given the info in your other post.

David, the following text is taken from the last page of the OEM hitch installation instructions on the front page of xoutpost.com:

************************


st Page of BMW’s Tow Bar Installation
Instructions:

"The male pin (BMW P/N 61 13 1 376 195) should be used at the mating plug of X393S."

************************

All you need is the BMW OEM hitch package (which includes a lot of stuff) the single pin named above, and the Prodigy controller package. Your pro installer will be able to sort it all out.

The single pin referenced above is used to connect to the remaining open socket on the brake/light wiring harness, to give the data when the brake pedal is pressed. It plugs into the wiring harness and turns on the brake lights. The instructions refer to a "blue wire" that connects the brake controller to the brake/light wiring harness. This pin is used to connect that wire to things. A pro shop will have no trouble connecting things. I don't recommend trying to do this install yourself unless you're very knowledgable about how things should work, since it'd be easy to screw it up, or take the signal from the wrong source.

What my installer did is working great. No worries, or problems to report.

Good luck!

Dave

The only thing different on an X5 brake controller install - vs. most other vehicles - is where you pick up the brake signal. This signal tells the controller when you are stepping on the brake. You don't NEED any OEM parts, but you can use an OEM pin if you want to plug into the connector instead of tapping into the brake signal wire. (either way is fine). On most vehicles you tap into this signal at the brake pedal. On the X5 you tap into this signal at the Light Control Module in the passenger footwell area.

If you take the pin out I posted to any competent installer, they will be able to install your controller no problem.

FWIW - Having installed the hitch myself, I can tell you that the install will go a lot faster if you select a shop that has done an X5 OEM hitch before.

Happy trails!

I too am looking for a proper brake controller to have a professional install. I called Winslow BMW in Colorado Springs and they referred me to Layton Hitch, Truck and Trailer. I called Layton and they all laughed. Because of the complicated brake electronics, Layton will not install any controllers as most of the manufacturers such as Reese, Drawtite, and Tekonsha do not recommend it. See the link below. Layton laughed even more when I mentioned that BMW referred me to them!

I guess I could trade my X5 in for a GMC?? I'm not sure what to do???

http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/prod...HH_39519,90185

Don't let anyone discourage you, they're just exhibiting textbook "fear of the unknown". The brake control installation is simple, and just like any other vehicle, once you know where to pick up the brake signal. (see post details above).

Do you already have the hitch installed? I installed both my hitch and my Prodigy Electronic Brake Controller at the same time, and of the two installing the hitch was the bigger/less intuitive/more complicated job.

Armed with the instructions above in this thread, doing both jobs at the same time is an easy Saturday afternoon for any competent do-it-yourselfer let alone a "professional installer".

PS - Regarding the Electronic Brake Controller installation. If you don't want to go the dealer, I would guess you would have more luck at an independent BMW shop than a "trailer hitch" specialist, since all that is required is a little familiarity with the BMW electrical system - and the "trailer hitch guys" are used to seeing American iron and "plug and play" installs.

Don't let anyone discourage you, they're just exhibiting textbook "fear of the unknown". The brake control installation is simple, and just like any other vehicle, once you know where to pick up the brake signal. (see post details above).

Do you already have the hitch installed? I installed both my hitch and my Prodigy Electronic Brake Controller at the same time, and of the two installing the hitch was the bigger/less intuitive/more complicated job.

Armed with the instructions above in this thread, doing both jobs at the same time is an easy Saturday afternoon for any competent do-it-yourselfer let alone a "professional installer".

PS - Regarding the Electronic Brake Controller installation. If you don't want to go the dealer, I would guess you would have more luck at an independent BMW shop than a "trailer hitch" specialist, since all that is required is a little familiarity with the BMW electrical system - and the "trailer hitch guys" are used to seeing American iron and "plug and play" installs.

Agree with Mfiver- the install is very straightforward. But I can't tell you how many times I've been told that "you can't wire a controller in an X5" by dealers and online hitch suppliers. Even etrailer.com told me that and they're pretty big. I sent him a pic of the plug on the Light Control Module and the instructions to wire into it and they were quite grateful.

One caveat though- in my case on my '04 4.4, my plug had more pins in it that the pics and diagrams posted on here, and none are blank. No big deal, I just used my circuit tester to find the correct pin and spliced the wire from my Prodigy to the correct wire, then ran the blue wire to the rear of the car and connected to the hitch wiring box in the spare tire well. Works like a charm. I frankly think this installation is easier than most vehicles because of the factory pieces used for the hitch installation.

BTW- the Prodigy is so much better than my old Activator in the speed with which it activates the trailer brakes. State of the art. The hardest part of the entire installation was deciding where to mount the controller.

I've never towed anything in the X, well anything for that matter, but one of my friends has a boat that they will let me borrow, so are there any procedures that I should know, are there specific driving procedures / speed limit / can I take off from the line hard or is that bad for the truck?

I'm going to my BMW dealer today at lunch to discuss the matter. Yes, in fact, I do have the BMW installed hitch, receiver, and 7-pin outlet already to go. I orderd that option when I bought the X5 in 2006. There are a few other BMW specialist in town who could probably do the work as well. I'm just a bit anxious to go cutting brake wires.

Hey everyone-

I'm researching this thread and others getting ready to install my Prodigy today.

Question: I understand that you pick up the brake signal from the LCM pin 10 inside the passenger footwell, but what I'm not clear on is how you connect the red wire to this pin? Will I just use a second BMW OEM male pin to connect as with the hitch wiring box, or do I have to splice some wires there? This wansn't inherently obvious to me as I searched through the threads and links. Thanks-

If I remember correctly you splice into it; I used a inline connector to do is so I didn't have to cut the wire.

If your connector has a open socket, you can use the male pin for a super clean installation.

If your connector doesn't have an open socket, or you don't want to bother ordering the BMW male pin, you can use a wire splice and it will work just fine!

BTW - Just did a 2000 mile round trip with a 5000 pound boat + gear to Lake Powell. The X5 continues to amaze me with it's towing capability! I averaged almost 15 mpg on the open stretches. (2004 4.4 & 6 sp tranny)
By comparison my brother has a Chevy Trailblazer with an inline six and he gets 10mpg on the highway pulling a boat of the same weight....

OK, I bought the male pins, but I'm still not quite sure how to connect to the LCM here. There is a yellow/black wire connected to pin 10 on the connector if I understand correctly... How do I connect the 'red wire' to this pin simultaneously? Sorry if I'm missing something obvious here... I've done plenty of splicing before, but I want to do this install without cutting any OEM wiring, if at all possible. Am I trying to connect the red wire to the male side of the plug, alongside the yellow/black wire? How is this accomplished in the most clean way?

EDIT: Secondly, how in the world do you get that darn plug off of the LCM????? I am trying to slide the lock off of the connector but I cannot for the life of me get the darn thing to come off!!! I'm afraid if I push on it any harder I'm going to break it. The lock is only sliding up half way before it stops, and I cannot get it to budge.

Thanks again-

Great question, re: how to connect the wires without splicing...I have the same question.

Regarding removal of the plug: It does not come STRAIGHT off. Unlike most other locking plugs, this lock does not come off first, then unplug the connector. If it is anything like the plugs for the power window switches/mirrors in the doors, then the lock slides off and up while the plug moves WITH it as it goes. It may sound weird, but once you see how it works, it is very easy to remove. I almost broke mine when trying to do it the first time.

Hope that helps...now can someone help us with the wire/splicing question? Pictures of the LCM would be helpful, too...

Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone for the help with the trailer brake controller install. Truth is, I've had this finished for a while now, but I got everything hooked up properly using the links here and and then had a chance to truly test the rig out towing my E30 track car to Road Atlanta and back. I borrowed an aluminum Trailex from a buddy of mine, and the X5 performed flawlessly. I couldn't believe my eyes, but my trip computer registered 15 mpg on the way down, and 14.6 mpg on the way back!!! Unbelievable. The Prodigy controller is really nice. It has very straightforward controls, and setting the brake power on the trailer was a very simple process. The dual brakes on that Trailex were so effective and 'grabby' that I only ended up setting the braking voltage to 2... Lots of headroom there.

Budget M3, you actually do not have to remove that LCM plug... In fact, I do not recommend it... I carefully fought with it for a long time before finally realizing on my own there was no real need to disconnect it. you can splice/tap the pin 10 connected wire (black with a small yellow stripe) with the plug connected from the front and it will eliminate a LOT of hassle. If you remove the trim panel covering those plugs you will be able to see it easily from the front. PM me if you have any questions and I'll do my best to help you out...

Thanks again to those that offered their feedback here!

BMW brake controller install 2002 E53 4.4i
 

Hi all,

Read the thread, the links to BMWMOTORSPORTS.ORG are gone though. I'm trying to ensure I have all the details I need before starting, if anyone has the .pdf from the original link, or can send me screen shots of the correct harness and pin to tap into, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks,

John

That is the URL for the online reference tab on this site. It is only the document name that changed in some minor way. I can see all the documents here:

Index of /pdf/e53

Let me know if that doesn't work.

Jeff

Sphengali, JCL's link worked for me. I had read the linked 'how to' when looking to install a controller, and it appears to be the best guide available. That said, if you have only one 'braked' trailer you regularly pull, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy RF controller - no need to mess with the wiring to control the brakes on the trailer mounting the Prodigy RF unit. Good luck!

Agree with the Prodigy RF for ease of install. I am testing mine out over next 2 weeks and then doing a nice tow with it. Will report on any findings using it.

Just curious if anyone has had luck using the tekonsha voyager controller. I know others say use the prodigy one, but my father gave me this voyager one. So it'd be nice to avoid spending 130 on a controller.