Trailer Hitch....suggestions?
 

I was all set to buy the OEM hitch after reading everything here but after numerous calls yesterday I came to the conclusion that the chances of a new OEM hitch coming out soon is next to ZERO. BMW USA sent letters to all the dealers stating that they apologize for the lack of a new hitch but that there was NO ETA on when a new one will be released.

As such I did some research into the alternatives and basically came up with the Curt (formerly the Da'lan) hitch being the only good alternative. I will mainly be using it for hauling my mountain bikes so not much weight. Price is $150.00 plus $199.00 for the BMW harness. What is everyone's thought?

Here is the hitch:

http://fileresource.sitepro.com/file...839929099F.pdf

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...elow/Hitch.jpg

It is likely as good as any of the non-OEM options, and you don't seem to have too many choices.

Mountain bikes (on a hitch rack) wouldn't require a lighting module, so I assume you are going to tow with it as well. You may want to restrict yourself to less than 5000 lbs, and less than 500 lbs tongue weight.

The weight limit of any hitch carrier is not the 500 lbs tongue weight limit, but rather the bending force created by the load platform being extended out from the hitch. It is a straightforward torque calculation; the BMW limit (with a more integrated mount for the hitch) IIRC is 600 lbs at 8" from the hitch pin, so if you have a 500 lb hitch limit, you could use the same 8" rule, and factor it down: if you have an estimated 100 lbs on it (rack plus 2 bikes), and it is relatively close in to the vehicle, should be fine.

Well I do occasionally tow things (be it a small trailer for hauling furniture or wood.

Trust me I want to buy the OEM one but it simply doesn't exist and I can't wait into perpetuity for BMW to get off their ass and resolve.

Understand your situation, and given that I suggested you go ahead with the one you listed.

Radelow, what did you end up doing?

Did you find the wiring kit for the X5?

I ended up actually finding a FACTORY BMW hitch up at a Los Angeles dealer. Was a PITA to install but it MUCH better than any of the OEM pieces.

Did you find the wiring harness?

Can you PM me the name of the dealer?

The wiring harness comes with the factory hitch. The dealer was New Century BMW but this was the only one they had. I suggest you call your local dealer and speak with the Parts Manager. He is the only one that can do a country wide inventory search for parts.

Just called Century while I was waiting. No dice. Local dealer can't find one either. Bummer.