Aftermarket or OEM Hitch Wiring harness
 

I am debating wether to install a wiring harness that came with my Curt aftermarket hitch or should i buy the one from dealership... cost wise there is no difference as if i will go with aftermarket i will have to have it professionally installed as there is too much wire cutting and splicing involved... if i get the one from dealer i would probably try and tackle it myself...
what do you guys think?

Pavel, do the factory wires!!!

PS: my friend Rob is haveing a Wrenchfest next weekend (mostly for 8er owners) but I'm bringing my X5 out and installing my factory trailer hitch. Please feel free to come out to cochrane and visit everyone. have had turn out of 5 -15 ppl for the weekend!!
PM me for address if you want to come

Factory for sure. I just did it and it isn't bad at all. Pretty much plug and play. There are plenty of instructions on this site to help. I used these and they were quite helpful. You should be able to do without removing the bumper and just having to remove interior trim to get to the bracket next to the battery.

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

OEM

OEM!

I got the Modulite kit and saw all the wire cutting involved, went and ordered the OEM kit. Plug & play!

Almost 11 yrs and over 180k miles, the entire harness in my X has yet to have a wire cut.

OE

i think i got my answer, thanks guys!

Now onto the next question, will the kit come with all different connectors - 4pin, 7pin, etc... or will i have to buy them all separately?

kit installs a female 7pin socket

kit comes with the adapter so you can plug in a 4 pin straight plug into your 7 pin socket

If kit has all of what the one on ECS's site has, then you're good. Plugs into vehicle connectors. No additional ones needed.

BMW E53 X5 N62 4.4L Exterior Hitch - 71600009698 - Wiring Harness - ES#185391

If you go with a Curt hitch, you may need something to mount the metal bracket that holds the electrical connector to the hitch.

yeah i saw that one... the only problem is that it would be shipped out in a month... and i need it next week - i guess dealer it is...