Big misconception...

Don't know the name, but do know they are no longer in business...

I thought it was Westfalia or something. I remember during my OEM hitch install, there being a sticker with that on a couple of the pieces.

yup westfalia. i believe they made oem parts for vw as well. no idea why they've stopped making the hitches for bmw unless it had something to do with their acquisition by daimler.

http://www.westfalia-van.de/

so where do you get it?l :dunno:



















lllllllll

My point was unlike the beliefs of many, you do not have to buy the factory wiring harness. I have this: http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-46255-...0573196&sr=8-1

It does tap into the factory wiring behind the rear lamps, but the main power is drawn off of the battery so that it will not cause "bulb-out" warnings. This will get you a 4-flat connection. I then purchased from a local auto parts the 7-blade round plug/ four-flat plug that mounts next to the hitch (I will have to get the info on this unit). On the backside it had a four-flat connection that plugged into the unit above. I just had to run one additional wire to the backup lights to get all the functions I needed.

I have never had a bulb-out warning light come on while using this setup.

I thought about doing that before I found the wiring kit.

The kit included that setup, plus a BMW modulator. I think it is for shutting down the PDC when you have a trailer hitched. Maybe for something else too.

That would seem to be the only difference.

While you can tap into the tail and brake lights, and you may not get any dashboard warnings, you do not get the benefits of disabling the rear PDC (you have to do it manuall). I don't think you get the trailer stability control feature activated either.

Some have had no trouble with wire taps for lights. Others have had lots of problems. My advice would be to go ahead and try it if you can't find the BMW part, but if you have warning signals be prepared to remove the wiring.

I will agree - I don't have PDC, so I didn't even think about that. And I was not aware of a "trailer stability control" - was this available on all models/ years?? I am assuming this makes use of the vehicle's braking / stability system to keep the trailer from getting out of control??

i know a guy that has a brand new Putnam brand x5 hitch for $100 by my area NJ