Thanks Ranchhand for the great info! I might have been tugging for awhile before I found those bolts behind the reflectors.

The dealer called and said that my retaining pins are in so perhaps I will tackle that hitch install this weekend! (and I don't even have to document it thanks to your efforts!)

Great Pics
 

Can you post the after pics?? Does anyone know if BMW is planning a cover concept when not in use.

Ranchhand, thanks for posting the pics. Did you remove the reflector by reaching behind the bumper to release it, or did you slide a screwdriver behind it? Let us know how the "reprogramming" works out, since the directions make it sound like it needs to be done before you restart the engine.

Reach behind the bumper to remove the reflector. I used two screwdrivers
about 18 inches long.(That was all I had)

You get a plug to cover the reciever opening but that is it.
The opening is not to bad except for the shiny mufler that can be seen
from a distance. Will ask the dealer if it can be painted black without altering the heat disapating properties.

If you need a hitch, there is no choice unless you come up with something
that fits the receiver opening and covers the cutout.

Drawtite/Hiddenhitch products will be installed the same way as the BMW
hitch.

I have one picture I can post now. Not a good angle though.

Current picture of finished product.

can you still install the aero kit with the hitch?

Sorry, missed part of the message.

Am scheduled for programming on Wednesday. Dealer did not see a problem
with running the car until then.

(It knows the anti sway module is there but can't use it
so I receive a beep set once each time I run the car.)

Don't know about the aero kit and the hitch - sorry.

Thanks for the follow-up on the reflector removal. The bit about the software makes sense--I couldn't see how it would be critical to do the update immediately.

looks like the aero/hitch combo is not possible. this is from BMW site:

Aerodynamic Kit
Upgrade they way your BMW X5 looks and drives. Tailored to accentuate the X5's sporty appearance as well as impact its performance. A perfect balance of function and style. (Only with standard bumpers. Not in combination with Trailer Hitch Kit)