E53 Trailer Wire Harness - Where can I get it?
 

Hi All,
New to the forum because I just purchased a 2004 X5 sport Package/Cold Weather Package.
(I currently have a 1999 BMW 528i)

I have a trailer hitch from the previous owner, but not the wiring harness, only had bicycles on the hitch. I need the wiring harness kit.

I know the OEM part # is: 71 60 0 009 698
everywhere I go, ECS, BAVauto.com or dealers they are out of stock and it is on back order for i would imagine the foreseeable future

is there a aftermarket part out there that is plug and go that comes with the trailer module (basically exact same as the OEM kit)?? I was unable to find anything

thank you

The hitch is made for BMW by Westfalia. From memory the relay is a Siemens part.

A competent dealer can tell you if there are any in the BMW warehouses in the US, as well as the number sitting back in Munich. If they can't, go to another BMW dealer (Circle, Passport, etc.).

You need the correct harness and control unit so that it interfaces with the car, otherwise you'll have fault codes, it won't shut off your PDC when you plug in your trailer, etc.

I got mine from BavAuto around 3 yrs ago, was only $90. Contact them. Siemens.

Thank you for Responding
I contacted BAVauto
they are out of stock and the price was $167 and was OEM and they are back ordered in Munich I was told.
Called a dealer same thing

I already have a hitch on it, so I need the harness and the module. Again i am fine with aftermarket as long as it is plug and go and also has the module, i am a OEM type of guy but in this instance I am under the wire I have to trailer on Saturday (just a jet ski), crazy I know

WOW! That price really jumped in the past 3 yrs.

I have the Modulite setup from e-trailer, new in box. Will sell it for 1/2 what they cost new, +shipping.

http://www.etrailer.com/t1-2003_BMW_X5.htm

Thank you very much, but I would really like to stay with plug and go, do not want to be fooling with the wires, plus install time will be a lot less

So true, that's why it's sitting in a box and not on my X. Be aware the rear bumper MUST come off to do the OE wiring.

Are you sure you have an OEM trailer hitch and not an aftermarket. Most of the time when they install an OEM hitch they also install the module.

Check to see if the rear bumper cover has been cut to accommodate the strut as seen in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldbfgegGHUg

it is a OEM hitch, but the prior owner (one i purchased it from) of X5 did not get the harness because he bought it from someone else that did not use it