OEM Trailer Hitch
 

BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L > Exterior > Trailer > ES#185392 Trailer Hitch Kit - 71600009711

So i'm hoping to place my order for one of these in the coming weeks. I noticed it was back in stock at ECS. I did a search and found some threads for other hitch installs, but not one for the OEM from ECS. It says plug and play on their site. Is that true for all? Is there anything I should be on the look out for before I order? I would assume that this is the best all around kit due to everything which is included and the fact it is a factory kit. Just looking for some experience as its a good chunk of money.

OE is THE only way to go with the hitch for E53. If the ECS has the OE part, then there are plenty of DIY guides here, on this forum. The installation is a plug-n-play, but there is a lot of things to plug before playing...

+1 on above.

I just looked again in the how-to section. I have no idea how I overlooked the thread it was #1. lol

I just received my hitch from ECS. The box is huge. Haven't had a chance to install it yet but take my warning. You need to have a place to keep a 7' long box weighing over 100 lbs. Until you can install it. Mine is currently residing in my dining room which makes the CEO real happy...

Just ordered it from ECS.

If my X didn't come with the OE hitch I would have looked at having this hitch installed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASooeaT-dNg

Do they show the installation requirements for this anywhere?

I believe that is the same hitch that is offered as the OE hitch in Europe. The BMW instructions posted on this site (Online references, pdf, E53 reference documents) at the link below show both that hitch, and how to carry the hitch ball in the standard OE tool tray. Wiring would have to be the NA version to tie in to standard North American trailers, and a bike carrier is a challenge, but it is a neat hitch installation. Not sure if it includes a place for safety chains, as the BMW documents don't show any attachment points.

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e5...iler_hitch.pdf

The European one, or the NA version? Same instructions, in any case, at the link in the post above.