2003 X5 Hitch Installation
 

I read through some threads digging to see that most recommended the OEM hitch but after some careful consideration I elected to go with an aftermarket hitch. It's looks like Curt, Uhaul, and Draw-tite have the same design as the one I purchased from Quality S. The whole project (withing a wiring harness) took about 5 Hours with a several breaks and a quick run to the hardware store to pick up the 9/16 drill bit I didn't have. I've read some threads and online hitch installation guides that mention the "Fascia" being trimmed but didn't figure out what is was talking about to the very end where the bottom rubber portion of the bumper needed to be cut for the lower portion of the hitch to fit (see attached picture). The fascia they describe is actually two pieces so I simply removed the insert and cut about two inches out a crossed to allow for the lower section of the hitch. Cutting into the fascia, drilling into the crossmember, and not having a mounting hole or bracket for the wiring harness is a downside of the aftermarket hitch.

Some people may ask why I went with the non-OEM and simply put Baron BMW here in Kansas City wanted $1100 for the complete package (hitch, harness, and installation). I bought the hitch for $135 with shipping and the harness for $26 at advanced auto. Now granted I still need to hook of the wiring harness or take it over to u-haul to have someone there make it work. I may spend a little time tinkering with it but my guess is this will cost less than $60. Some threads found a dealer to do it for $500 but I didn't have any luck with that. So total project is right around $221.

Here's the other kicker: Towing Capacity

Some threads discuss that aftermarket hitch wouldn't tow a lot of weight but based on my research Quality S makes a hitch the will tow 6000 pounds. I don't see myself towing 3 Tons but I do from time to time tow an old tri haul boat that does have a double axle. See the attached picture of the warning label - Not to exceed 6,000 pounds.

All in all it was a good project. The bumper literally comes off with (2) T-55 Torx head bolts and simply sides off. I read this in another thread and didn't believe because I have gone after the (6) T-50 bolts that simply need to be thrown away before I located them above the exhaust. They are large bolts almost 4 inches long. See picture with the bumper mount circled in red.

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OEM hitch is more expensive because it comes with new reinforcement for inside the rear bumper. You remove the original and change it with what comes with hitch. OEM hitch does not cost much if you buy at discount and install yourself, which seems like you did anyway.

Good write-up. :thumbup:

Agreed. That and the factory hitch package comes with all the wiring and module that's an absolute necessity to properly wire up lights. Can't imagine trying to do it by splicing into the factory harness at UHaul.

Also. the factory hitch installation doesn't require drilling holes in the chassis whhich is an ivitation to void the factory rust protection warranty.

Finally, there's no way I'd rate that hitch for 6,000 lbs, knowing that my factory hitch is rated just a bit high and is held in place with 14 bolts installed in 3 planes (horizontally, top down, and back to front.)

It can be done...and has been done successfully.

Also the OEM hitch does not have any metal brackets hanging down underneath the bumper like the aftermarket one that mrmcreynolds installed. I think that bracket looks horrible and you also run the chance of it possibly getting hung up on something. An as far as the OEM wiring everything is plug'n play it's very simple and the is no splicing, the OEM setup is worth the extra money.

Don't know why, but some dealers want $1100 for the hitch, and others want $500.
I think that there are two part numbers floating around, same thing with different prices assigned to them.
I bought my OEM hitch for $500 and it came with the wiring harness. Its a much better piece of equipment than the aftermarket offerings.

There are two part numbers: with the harness it is about $500, without the harness it is less. The $1100 mentioned is with installation at a dealer, and is a typical dealer installed price. An independent may install it for $300 or less, depending on his labour rate.