When I was shopping for the X5, many of the hitches claimed to be OE, but actually weren't. You can get some nice closeups at the link below to compare. Most of the aftermarket ones use additional stiffening bars and drill up through the cross members.

BMW E53 X5 N62 4.4L Search SiteSearch Hitch - 71600009711 - Trailer Hitch Kit - ES#185392

The aftermarket Curt 2 is installed on mine with part 13070 - perfect fit and looks A1...down to 3,500 pounds though (good enought for my boat) ... i have paid the curt and wire all installed for $400.....it's been 2 years now no problem.


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2006 X5 4.4i premium, Sport package ,Winter Package, Sat Nav. AFE Power stage II Production : 08-2006
2012 BMW 128I Convertible Black
2011 Mercedes Benz B200 sold

I got sick of waiting....So I bought a whole X5 parts car that had a hitch. Its an aftermarket hitch, but the module and wires are oem.

I keep trolling the ads for a parts car too. Someday one will pop up with all the options I want and I'll snag it for a song.

This one was decked out. Nav, pdc, blk sport int., hitch, and it's the same color as mine. Missing the motor and trans though. And no headlights.