X5 Trailer Hitch Help
 

Hey Guys,

I'm new here and this would be my first post. I've been a regular on a few other forums (E46fanatics, Bimmerfest, M3forum, etc.).

I bought the OEM BMW Trailer Hitch Kit yesterday and will be installing it tomorrow. Just bought a boat and need to tow that sucker home. I was going over the instructions that were provided (and the ones posted on this site) and had a few questions. I'm not very familiar with the whole "towing" thing since i've NEVER towed anything in my life. So please, excuse my ignorance on the topic.

Electric Brake Control - I'm towing a 3800lb boat, I was told I'll be needing one of these. The wiring harness provided by the BMW kit, does it allow for some sort of plug-n-play with my trailer? I see a 7 PIN plug that allows for a bunch of things...but am quite confused.

There is a notation in the instructions that says I can "retrofit" a electric brake control system. What does that mean?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! :)

The harness that comes with the OEM hitch kit provides hook-ups for the lights, but not electric brakes.

There's a couple of install examples on the home page of aftermarket electric brake installs. They are http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...er%20Brake.pdf and http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/X5...stallation.pdf

:goodluck: and :xoutpost:

Thanks! :thumbup:

I read both those articles earlier, but it made me more confused.

Does BMW provide an OEM Electric Brake Module that would work with their wiring harness? This is all too confusing to me, I just want to tow my boat. :(

You can install the Tekonsha Prodigy. I don't think there is an OEM electric brake control for hitch.

has anyone actually towned over 4000 lbs with the x5?
considering it with 4 big guys and the trailer full of snowmobiles for a total of 4000 tailer weight

withidl had done 8900lbs. Check here.

As long as you have electric brakes it will be no problem. Assuming you have a V8. V6 can do it but not as easy.
I have towed a full loaded trailer 3500-4000 lbs.
It was easy.

After I got BMW to install hitch and electric I printed both write us and went to 2 different hitch shops and only 1 would do the brake controler.
They did a nice job and the write ups really helped since few folks have any experience with BMW and brake controlers.

At what tow weight do you begin to need a brake controller?

I think the owner's manual states you need trailer brakes for anything over 1600lbs.

Unless the trailer has surge brakes.

What are surge brakes?

Surge brakes are a self-contained braking system on the trailer. When the tow vehicle applies braking force, pressure is exerted on an actuator in the trailer tongue which activates a hydraulic braking system. They are common on U-haul type trailers and boat trailers.

Also, the tow weight at which trailer brakes are required varies considerably from state to state. For example, it is 1500lbs in CA, but 3000lbs in NJ.

Thanks Jeremy - very interesting... do surge brakes work as well as a brake actuator system hooked up to the tow vehicle?
Good to know that NJ requires brakes over 3000 lbs... do you by chance know what the standard is in PA?

I looked it up and PA is 3000 lbs. here

The electric vs surge question is almost like asking if Ford or Chevy is better. There are good arguments for both sides and it depends on your application. at any rate, most times the type of braking system you use is whatever came with the trailer.

Thanks again, Jeremy.
If surge brakes are as effective as electric brakes (that require an aftermarket brake controller), then I'd be inclined to look for a trailer w/ surge brakes...!