Euro Towing Hitch to US Spec X5
 

I've been considering for installing hitch to my X5.
Searched for threads of installation but couldn't find anyone installing Euro hitch to US spec X5.
Great instructions here http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...llation-6.html

Couple of questions has arise.
1. US OEM hitch comes with new Bumber Bar.
Is that so because the US hitch is different and the original Bumber Bar doesn't fit any more ? Would Euro hitch also need new Bumber Bar ?
2. Wiring: there seem to be several wiring instructions.
My X5 seem to have the plug for trailer hitch wiring but will the Euro wiring set work or do I need to have a big electrical work to get the trailer lights work according to Euro spec.

So has anyone installed the Euro hitch for US spec X5 ?
Please share your experience.

I thought about doing this briefly, but I would rather have the full towing capacity. The couple that I looked at were around 2500 lbs max. I liked the idea of having the receiver hidden, but decided to go OEM. I think the new "bumper bar" is included because the bumper cover would not fit over non-hitch one once the hitch is installed to the frame. Good luck.

Scott

The biggest differences between US ans Euro hitch is the standard ball vs metric ball, and chain hook holes. The Euro hitch has a different size ball than US hitch receivers, which is not interchangeable like on our receivers.

Yes I know that the ball size is different but the biggest difference is how the receiver is attached to hitch, in US it is rectangular tube but in EU it is totally different as you can see from installation instructions http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/f...0108war101.pdf
And I believe that in Europe Westfalia is the OEM hitch.

The physical differences in mounting is what draws people to it here in the US, it allows for the trim cover to be snapped back into place when the hitch is removed. But as I said, it would take some professional modification to the removable gooseneck to properly cut/weld on a US spec 2" ball and some chain loops for the safety chains.

A Euro spec tow ball is 50mm . 50mm is 2 inches , All but a few thou , If you wanted it bigger you could get it plated but I doubt it would make any difference . Euro ball is 20 thou smaller.

The US trailer hitch is stronger then the EU trailer hitch, and the US trailer hitch can pull more weight than the EU trailer hitch. But if you want the stronger one (the US version) you can get the US trailer hitch and then buy an EU adapter which you put on the US one and it has the same ball joint the EU one has. I'v seen this done on a US E53 X5 which was imported into europe.

Now I have some more information. I got a message from Brink ( Thule Towing Systems ) that manufactures towing hitches for BMW also, the sales rep stated that there are actually differences in body of the car and therefore Euro hitch will not fit to US spec X5.
Also local BMW dealer could not find out if the Euro hitch could be installed to my car or not.
I've asked confirmation from BMW Country Importer and Westfalia hitch manufacturer, I'll wait their responses also.
I know that Euro hitch receivers can be detached and cover plate used to hide the hitch and according to Weasel's comment same applies to US spec hitch.
Anyway, if the Euro hitch turns out to be impossible to install then only option would be to order US spec OEM hitch, let's see.

I'm not sure how the bodies (or frames) could be different as they are built side by side at the factory. US spec hitch (OEM) cannot be concealed unless you have the Aero kit (widebody), hence the appeal of the hidden euro hitch. Some guys have cut the oval cover to surround it a little tighter, but the receiver will still stick out.

Scott

Seems that there are differences in car body between US and Euro models, I got confirmation from BMW Technical Support for this.
So only option is to install US spec hitch.
Then next thing would be to solve the wiring if they differ also.
I may drop this, it would have been just convenient to have a hitch in two cars.