Hitch wire installation.
 

Does anyone have install the wire harness from Bavarian Autosport: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...1600009698.jpg

I will install it over the week-end, but I tough of asking and see if anyone has a tips or two before I go ahead and do it.

Thanks

AA

AA - That link brings you to the home page but I believe your asking about part #71 60 0 009 698... It looks identical to factory wire harness... very simple to install... I'm assuming you already have the hitch installed... you can download the DIY hitch install instructions from the forum homepage... you need to remove a weather cap just behind the rear bumper and snake the harness from up under the car, thru the hole into the rear vehicle compartment. You then need to remove a panel on the back interior compartment and locate the connector and your done.

You'll also need to install the trailer hitch electrical brake module that goes into the compartment where the battery is located. AGain, the step by step DIY instructions on the home page are very simple to follow. should take no more then 30 minutes or so...

Good luck!

its really simple, just follow the instruction X5 ROB gave you. do you have the hitch installed yet? if you dont mind me asking how much did you pay for that, im sure a few people on here are looking for that.

And you will need to have the module retrofitted in (programmed/encoded) after installation for it to work. (at least on the US models)

Weasel,

Is this the case for ALL hitch wiring installs? Even the OEM Hitch KIT needs to be programmed at the dealer to work???

I just picked up the hitch kit from a local dealer and am looking to install in the coming weeks.

Thanks very much and please advise.

Yes. I hear some of our members with euro models saying it's plug and play, but with the US model the vehicle needs to retrofit encoded to let the rest of the vehicle (DSC, PDC, LCM etc.) know that it's there for it to work. Otherwise the other modules just don't know it's there and snub it out so to say.

But the retrofit encoding should only be 1 hour labor charge.

Shoot!

I was under the impression you simply install the Hitch and wiring from the OEM kit and you're good to go! Will the trailer lights function at all if I DIY this one and then the other electronics (DSC, PDC, etc) will "snub it out" shortly thereafter or will the trailer lights not work at all?

I'd hate to spend 4 hours installing my hitch kit only to have have no electrical when connecting my ttrailer. this would lead me to believe that I have something installed wrong and have to rip it all apart again...when really I NEED to have the dealer program the X for the hitch wiring module!?!?!?!

Thanks again Weasel please confirm for us oh wise one!!!

(PS everyone should thank Weasel and all the wonderfully knowledgeable people on this great forum for their experience and assistance! THANKS WEASEL YOU DA MAN!!!)

I have great respect for Weasel's dealer-specific knowledge.

However, when I installed the OEM hitch on my 2003, I did not need to have any programming done. It was not referenced in the factory instruction that my dealer printed out for me, and which was current then, and everything worked fine.

For several years on this board many of us installed hitches, and it wasn't until 2004 or 2005 that discussion started about needing programming. I suspect that it is due to later versions of the vehicle-specific programming, which required a dealer reset, while earlier versions/models just didn't need it.

Or I could be completely wrong. But mine worked fine, all of the lights, and including the PDC feature. It is hard to test the trailer stability control, so I don't really know on that count.

Awesome JCL thanks for the input and good thought on the programming...maybe it's a pre/post facelift thing who knows. I'll get some feedback up once I get mine on.

The euro hitch requires coding too for all cars manufactured after 10/2001.

Well then I guess it's a 50/50 shot as to whether or not it is needed. When I first installed my OEM hitch wiring I didn't have time to program it that day and it stayed undone for a week. I tried plugging in the trailer, the lights didn't work and the rear PDC still came on beeping. (on an 03 mind you) After I performed the retrofit it all worked perfectly.

So between my and JCL's experiences I would say just try it. :D If it works, carry on. If it doesn't work, you already know what to do. :thumbup:

I found out just after posting that the wire harness was not in the box WTF...

There was only the white square connector, the black round plug and the metal bracket, I tough maybe the wire is already hidden somewhere underneath the spare wheel, but it's not, excuse my ignorance but sometime you see a pics and think this is what you will get. I'm calling them right now and hope they will ship it free of charge since it's their mistake.

i hooked up my hitch and wiring a few weeks ago and i did not need to program it. all i did was remove the fuse for the module before i installed it. when i finished i put the fuse back in and the trailer plug was tested with a test light and worked fine. i also have a plug that goes into the trailer plug that acts as a reverse alarm and that also worked fine once i was done. so im not doubting that i needs to be programed but like Weasel said maybe its a 50/50 shot.

you should have gotten it with everything else. that peice itself is about $95.00 from ECS and you cant do anything without it. i would deffinitly call up and make sure they take care of the sittuation. GL.

I called Bavarian Auto Sport and I was right they forgot to put the wire harness in the box, so they are sending me one free of charge. Good guys and great service even though it should have been in the box at first, the error is human so no complaint here.

I was reading the instruction and they suggested to unplug the battery prior to the installation, I guess removing the fuse would be the equivalent but I wont take any chance and follow the instructions but that wont be before another week tough.

Since we have had various experiences of needing reprogramming or not, even on two '03 models, I wonder whether the software version the vehicle is on has any impact on the need to reprogram for the wiring harness. My vehicle was never flashed or changed to a newer version, while I am sure that Weasel's has been updated. Just an idea.

Well according to BMW's instructions for the euro hitch it seems much clearer than 50/50:

Weasel
Will the coding sort out the flashing lights when the X is switched off?

I installed OEM hitch on the 2006 4.4i with parking sensors.
Trailer lights do work and Parking sensors are disabled when trailer is attached with no programming. Parking assist can not be turned on once trailer is connected.

Just for clarification as I just installed the hitch a week ago on my 2005 and did not take to the dealer to program - the trailer lights work (which I would assume would work whether the dealer did the programming or not) and the PDC seems to disable when my trailer is attached (non-brake so can't tell if braking system is functional and hard to tell whether the trailer sway control is functioning or not? What gets activated by the dealer "programming"?

None of that means that the trailer stability function has been activated though.

Didn't you just answer your own question? 'trailer sway control'

What flashing lights?

I think he has a security vehicle.

Like this?

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...71b0da2f8e.jpg

Either that one or this one:

Can we put night rider lights in the front where those blue LED flashers are? That would be kinda cool!

I think those are on the Security Extra Plus version.

"Top Flight security of the world Craig..."

But what does the instruction say for the non-Euro vehicle? The programming is different by region. The BMW tech instructions from 2003 make no mention of programming, so I am interested in when it became a factor for North American vehicles.

Nice! what movie is that?

Working on the US ones.

What BMW tech instructions from 2003 are you referring to?

Several have posted that without coding by the dealer, the lights didn't work at all. I never had sway with my 2003 3.0, but I have no way of knowing if that is because of the anti-sway being active (as described in the tech instructions I followed at the time) or because the vehicle is well designed for towing.

My dealer printed it out for me at the time, I don't still have it. I do have the installation instructions, a 25 page book numbered 01 29 0 009 710 VII/00, titled Installation Instructions for Parts and Accessories - Retrofitting Tow Bar (E53) US. It doesn't mention coding. It mentions everything else though.

Friday after next.

If you can scan those installation instructions and send them to me that would be great.

As far as coding being mentioned, note that at least for the euro hitch there are two sets of instructions. One set just for the hitch components (which makes no mention of coding). And one set just for the hitch wiring harness (which does mention coding). I only assume the same is true for the US hitch; that's what I'm working on (as I currently don't have a hitch installed).

I think what might be confusing to some people is that the BMW instructions on the tips and tricks page are:
- only for the euro hitch
- not complete, since they do not include the wiring harness installation instructions
- an older version of the instructions

Meister brings up a good point that the instal instructions in the articles is for euro... Maybe you could scan the pages and arrange into a new article for the US model hitches? ;)

???

????

I didn't understand your response "didn't you just answer your own question "trailer sway control".

Oh. I was simply referring to your comment:

You said:
"Just for clarification as I just installed the hitch a week ago on my 2005 and did not take to the dealer to program - the trailer lights work (which I would assume would work whether the dealer did the programming or not) and the PDC seems to disable when my trailer is attached (non-brake so can't tell if braking system is functional and hard to tell whether the trailer sway control is functioning or not? What gets activated by the dealer "programming"?

To which I replied:
"Didn't you just answer your own question."

THAT is what gets activated by the dealer programming.... the trailer sway control.

Based on what? If it is just the sway control, what about all those who found that their lights didn't work until it got activated? Wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that if the lights and PDC work, that the TSC works as well, without activation?

All this and you haven't installed a hitch?

The instructions that I have are very similar to the ones on the tips and tricks page for the ECE region. The book has the same layout. Mine has three languages, and fold-out 11x17 sets of wiring diagrams, so it is longer that the 15 page book posted already. The only real differences are the bumper carrier (heavier on the US version), the wiring harness # of pins and plug location, and the holder for the swan-neck hitch. The instructions are complete, and do include the wiring harness, both in my version and in the one already posted. The instructions were shipped with the hitch, as well as being available from the dealer. I am pretty sure that everyone who bought a factory hitch got a copy.

I don't have an answer for you why some functions get activated and some don't. If I had a DiS then I could tell you, but I don't. My point is simply what the instructions state and it certainly isn't too hard to imagine that plugging in a module might deactivate one function (like the PDC) but not activate a more sophisticated feature (like trailer sway); though since I did not design the system I cannot tell you how exactly it works.

I haven't actually done a lot of things in life, but I could certainly explain to someone how to do them. That is a ridiculous point.

I've asked about a dozen people so far for the US hitch instructions and still have yet to get a copy. Most people give the same answer as you. It's amazing this board has been operating for what 5 years now and no one has posted the correct instructions anywhere. There are people every week with the same questions and the debate continues. I'd like to put it to rest and clear up some confusion with actual documentation, but it appears that until I actually buy a hitch myself, scan the instructions and post them no one will take the time to do it.

Relax, it was a joke. I should have used a smiley.

Anyone having installed the OEM hitch has been through this. They are all well-qualified to answer questions on how to do it. It may be better to follow advice from someone who has done it, rather than someone who hasn't, that is all I was saying. Nothing beats experience.

You advised Rob that his Trailer Stability Control doesn't work without programming, when we don't know that. My installation book says it works. Maybe it doesn't, and if we can find a reason for why some vehicles need reprogramming that would be great. I just know that mine didn't, and the instructions shipped with the hitch did not mention reprogramming, in 2003.

The instructions in the BMW booklet are the same between the ECE and US versions. The bolts are the same sizes. I haven't checked the torque values, but I am willing to bet they are the same. There are also How-To articles posted that expand on how to do it. Just because the BMW book posted here has a picture of the swan neck hitch doesn't make it wrong. It is perfectly acceptable.

Hey I am relaxed, if I was any more relaxed I'd be in a coma.

You're points are correct, and I jumped the gun.

In regard to your setup, maybe it was recoded without you knowing about it or prior to your ownership? Again, I think the only way to know for certain is to hook it up to the diagnostic computer and see what it has to say; at least until someone like KiwiJochen figures out how to do retrofit coding with NavCoder!

Hi guys, great stuff and it's awesome to see our beloved X, with all is sporty spirited driving capability, still has the ability to be a great tow vehicle.

Funny 'cause I just walked in from a 4 hour install of the OEM hitch and wiring harness. Install wasn't too bad just took time as there is much more to installing a hitch on an X5 than there is on a F150 or the like. Anyway install is done and I can't wait to get towing again with our new(ish) X.

Previously on our 2002 3.0 Auto we towed about 2-3000lbs of ATV's and she performed like a dream. About 40K miles on that one and the aftermarket draw-tite hitch and wiring never gave me a problem I just decided to go OEM this time around. We're going to have our X5 for many years to come and I wanted the ultimate hitch setup. Overall perception of the BMW hitch is very good. Built like a tank!

As for the coding debate I should be able to add to the poll tomorrow. Finshing the install at 10pm I wasn't up to loading the quads onto the trailer but I'll hook her up to the empty trailer tomorrow and see how the PDC and lights go. Firing up the X after tonight's install didn't through any errors on the dash and PDC worked perfectly without any connected to the hitch so all seems to be right with the world.

Anyone looking should check our BMW of Bloomfield (NJ) for the OEM hitch. Call Peter at the parts counter...I bought mine on Tuesday for a smokin' price and they had a few left.

Meister - I didn't get to weigh the new components from the hitch kit...so sorry I was 2 hours in when I remembered. Feeling horrible about not getting the numbers for us, I made sure to collect and box-up all the pieces that came off so I can weigh them in the coming days. Regarding the instructions, JCL's pretty spot-on with the instructions I got vs the ones posted on the home page. Regardless, if I can be of help to our site I'll fax them to you the week after next. Right now I don't have the scanner setup and won;t until we move back into our house. Maybe a month or two. Hopefully a fax will work. Oh and the dealer printed a copy for me and there was also a copy inside the box.

Stupid excited to have the hitch back on the X5. ;)

And I will add myself to the group who needed to program the module after installation for the trailer lights to work and for the rear PDC to turn off with trailer plugged in. I say this ahving plugged in the trailer before doing the programming for a quick run to home depot and the lights did not work and the rear PDC was going nuts seeing the trailer there like I was backing into it. Once programmed, all worked perfectly.

As far as the sway control goes, I would hope none of us have to feel this work as the hitch is close enough to the rear axle for the X5 to not be prone to that. We would pretty much have to be doing some heavy braking with a loaded down trailer with high tongue weight going downhill to induce that.

got it Meister. thanks. fyi I have the BMW instructions that came with my hitch right in front of me. I can scan and email if you like...

OK 2006 3.0 with OEM Hitch KIT installed and trailer lights/PDC work properly when trailer hooked up. No programming needed!

Good luck all, great to be towing in the X5 once again! :beerchug::beerchug::beerchug:

Bavarian ship out the missing wire harness yesterday, so I wont get it before next week. I will perform the installation myself so I will let you all know how it goes.

BTW I don't have brakes on the trailer, but that is not a problem, as I already pulled the trailer with the boat few time and so far so good. I'll keep you informed.

Thanks for all the inputs.

Cheers

AA

Double A did you ever get this installed and was it difficult to do?
I have a reese tow hitch installed but no wiring yet! I would like to do it myself.
would you be able to help me out.

Sorry guys, I had lost trace of this thread, I guess I'm chasing too many rabbit at the same time.... Long story short, it took me the afternoon to install the hitch wire. The instruction supplied was showing a different diagram than the reality of my 2k4 X5.

First I had to remove the rear bumper, I found out they used an exa socket ( sorry my french brain doesn't know the English word for this socket that we call star socket in french ) lol... I had to run to the local store to get a socket kit.

While I was removing the spare tire and all the bracket underneath, I found out that there was plenty of battery oxidation each side of the battery, so I took it off and cleaned that mess, I also cleaned the battery holder, and battery post with a special brush made for that. The wiring thing was fairly simple, there was only a connection box or whatever it's called to install, then it was just a matter to pass the wire true the rear of the tuck. The fun part started when I look at the wire plug that goes somewhere in the bumper, the frame on my X5 is totally different than the one showed on the diagram, therefore it was impossible to install it the way the instruction tell you. Each side of the hitch there is a metal plate wich is close to half a inch thick, what I did is drilled a whole using a 17/64 bit and then I tap in with a 1/4 tap so I could screw in a 1/4" bolt that hold the the wire plug adapter. Only one screw is enough the hold the adapotor solidely.

BTW, if you guys want to see my build car project check the link here and give me some feed back: Login to a private Photobucket.com album

Here some pics:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0790.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0791.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0792.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0793.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0794.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0795.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0796.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0797.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89...a/IMG_0798.jpg

Didn't get around to this until now. If I find anything else I'll add to this post.

In regards to the need for retrofit coding, according to the various instructions it is as follows:

- US 7-2000 - No mention of coding
- US 5-2009 - No mention of coding
- Euro 3-2000 - No mention of coding
- Euro 8-2009 - Does not require coding
- Euro 10-2001 Wiring Harness - Cars built prior to 10-2001 do not require coding. Cars built after 10-2001 do require coding
- Euro 4-2004 Wiring Harness - Does require coding

Attached:

1. US Hitch installation instructions - Date 7-2000 (in 2 parts due to board size constraints)
2. US Hitch installation instructions - Date 5-2009 (p/n 71-60-0-009-711 Retail $495.00 (Class III with a 2" receiver))
3. Euro Hitch installation instructions - Date 3-2000
4. Euro Hitch installation instructions - Date 8-2009
5. Euro Wiring Harness installation instructions - Date 10-2001
6. Euro Wiring Harness installation instructions - Date 4-2004 (in 2 parts due to board size constraints)
7. 8 photos of Euro Hitch Tow Bar and it's mounting location in the trunk
8. Hitch Step instructions (p/n 82-11-0-417-602 Retail $79.00)

I came across information confirming the existence of an "Electric Trailer Brake Kit" P/N 82-11-0-420-083 however I still have no other information on it yet.

Great link on installing an US Hitch:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tion-tips.html

I put together a similar post for the E70. See post # 27. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...tml#post725271

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