Just by the design of the hitch, I would not go with the u-haul. It has caused many of horror stories by bending/flexing the body where it attaches and it can/will tear open some body seams. And unless they are using some kind of electric lighting interface that powers the lights itself instead of tapping into the tail lights for direct power as that could kill the lamp control module and cause problems.

Trailer wiring...
 

I am going with the Curt hitch this week and have secured a factory tow module. Has anyone been able to find a 12 pin connector that matches up to the factory wiring?

Thanks

My OEM wiring kit included a cable that had a 12 plug connector on the trailer module end, and a 7 plug round socket on the towbar end. If you got ahold of an OEM tow module, the same source should have the wiring harness.

Getting to the end of this thread without any resolution is disheartening. I will begin my search tomorrow... Sadly. I was looking forward to taking it to BMW tomorrow to have one installed as I just sold my Navi to tow with the X5 we just bought. Who would have thought a hitch would be unavailable for this long? If anyone has one to sell or and good place to look, please advise.

JCL, does the OEM hitch when not in use hide behind the hitch cover. I need the hitch for bikes only so the wiring harness is not a requirement.

I think there is someone possibly selling their OEM hitch setup through the items for sale thread. If not, how big/heavy of a trailer are you towing?

Mine didn't. It was possible to cut the hitch cover and fit it back in so that only the receiver showed, and not the whole oval opening where the cover clipped in, but I never bothered. I think there are some differences between different years, bumpers, aero kits, etc. Mine was a 2003 3.0.

I carry bikes on the roof, primarily because they stay cleaner.

I will be towing a 21" Malibu Wakeboard boat along with bikes. Just sold my Navigator today and got all trhe board-racks for the X5. I called Rusnak BMW and they said ther have nothing to do with parts availability but they would call BMW and get back to me. I really would prefer OEM if I can get it. I woudl appreciate any OEM parts for sale.
Thanks, Dennis

I've been following this thread for a while. Needless to say I am in the same situation as many of you, waiting till 10/09 for an OEM hitch, wiring, and brake control box... Question, has anyone try to get the hitch from Mexico instead of Canada? Would the Mexico X5 hitch be the same as US?

I don't think they ever produced one for Mexico since there isn't even an official distributor in Mexico.