Xoutpost.com - To those look for the X5 OEM hitch...

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- - To those look for the X5 OEM hitch... (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/51158-those-look-x5-oem-hitch.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas X5

I want the OEM part also, does anyone know if the 2001 and 2004 E53 use the same part number?

I believe that is one and the same for all E53's, pre and post facelift.

Quote:

Originally Posted by we350z

Ya indy mech called around today since I mentioned something about it said that no one has any and that the dealerships are trying to horde them. He mentioned his buddy installed a uhaul hitch on his X5. Does this one lack the beam too? I hear you need to remove the rear bumper and that any of the hitches are decent amount of effort to install.

The Uhaul hitch does not have the supports either, only OEM that I've seen, and I've been searching! The 4.4i that my shop foreman drives has the uhaul hitch and it is already twisting the metal around back there and pointing down some... The OEM and better aftermarkets actually replace the metal bumper support, not just attach to it. I'm getting impatient myself and am curious to buy a better aftermarket one, like the curt (previously Da'Lan) cutting the plates off, shortening it about 3/8" and re-welding it... and fabricating up my own internal supports!

As for the aftermarket ones, this is the best one I've found design wise...
http://www.hitch-web.com/proDescrip....e=248159&OID=8

Damn i ain't gonna mess with that then. I really need one to move too. Shit what to do I guess I gotta start war dialing dealerships around the country :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by weasel56

I picked up the OEM hitch from New Century BMW in Los Angeles. There is no way I would use an aftermarket one after seeing this thing. All the aftermarket one's look half-ass compared to this. Just an FYI.

Also if you are still interested in locating an OEM hitch call your local BMW Dealer and ask to speak with the Parts Manager and ONLY the Parts Manager. He/She can do a nationwide search for the part.

How much is this bad boy?

Or this one even cheaper, says no drilling necessary:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...3127_200333127

This one is even yet cheaper, but the PDF instructions show you need to drill a hole in the frame:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-...=p4506.c0.m245

This is a unibody vehicle not a frame-rail like a truck. Going "cheap" is not really the right direction. The only non-OEM option out there that is somewhat acceptable IMHO is the Curt hitch. Still not the be-all end-all but not TOO horrible.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-...=p4506.c0.m245