Trailer Hitch 5th wire problem
 

Well my X5 has been in the shop for a week as the reverse pwr pin (Center pin #7 ) would only come on for a second and then go out. I need the power to come on on this to back up the trailer and release the brakes. In the US this is usually a 5 wire connection. After many talks with BMW and several PUMAs my dealer found out the following. There are 2 hitch packages and if you have the sport package (not Aero) then the 5th wire is not working and this requires a different harness or module. Now the bad news....

BMW has not released the package for this yet and there does not seem to be an exact date of release.

I need to follow up with BMW on this and see what can be done as I need this to work properly. IF anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear it. Also I will be getting more data from the service tech this week so I can also call BMW NA and see if I can expidate a resolution.

Again, be advised of this issue if you order the Sport package and if anyone has a solution let me know.

more to come....

Great, I just had the hitch added and I have the sport package.

How can I confirm a problem?

Easy. The center pin is pin 7 coming out of the socket. When you put it into reverse it blinks on for a second and then goes out. By the way, if you don't need a 5th wire for backing up then you will not have any issues. the 4 wire sentup works fine. Let me know if you need more info.

So was your a factory install?

My was added after by the dealer, he only showed one option.

No it was added by the dealer and only one option showed at the time. Other option is not avail.

PS initial info from dealer was incorrect. There is only one kit. There IS APROBLEM with 5th wire setups however. BMW is not acknowledging the problem as of yet.