Brake Controller
 

Hi,

I'm not sure what you mean by pin outs but the connection for the brake controller is in the back right cargo area. It's way at the bottom, and not that easy to find. Pull the cover off and look down towards the bottom, the wiring has to run from there up to the dash. I had my dealer install it, luckily there was a technician who had a boat trailer so he knew how to wire it.

Good luck

James

Has anyone tried a "wireless" controller? Sure looks easier. Plus, no holes in the dash :yikes:

Prodigy Wireless Brake Controller by Tekonsha

I'm planning on buying this controller later this spring. eTrailer has it for cheaper: Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller - Proportional - Trailer Mounted Tekonsha Brake Controller 90250

I've got the hitch on the X5 already, but I also plan to tow my camper with my Toyota Tacoma. While this is more expensive than just having a regular Prodigy controller (which I've already got too), it will certainly be cheaper than having a brake controller wired into the X5. That, and I don't have to worry about a mounting spot inside the X5 (or the Tacoma for that matter....)

I'll then be able to just move the remote from vehicle to vehicle, depending on which one will be used to tow the camper.

Did you purchase this? I just bought one via Amazon as I'm towing a 23ft Featherlite with a M3 to Road America. I really hope this works...

What BMW custom mirrors? Is there a part number? I'm towing my boat and I may need this

No, not yet. I just got the pigtail for my Tacoma and used my old Prodigy controller for the most recent trip. I'm not sure we'll actually use the X5 to tow, which seems crazy after spending the money to get the hitch installed. But I may still pick up this controller in the future....

Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller
 

Hi Guys -

Got the factory hitch installed on my 2011 X5 at JMK BMW in NJ. I did not want to run a cable to the front and permanently give up my cup holder with the factory brake controller option.

I went ahead and bought the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller from Amazon. I installed it on my featherlight open trailer (weighs a little over 1,000 lbs). I tow an E30 BMW on it. I have towed once and the brake controller works great.

I was a bit concerned as I had the trailer serviced and upgraded to LED lights and wasn't sure if the LED lights will confuse the brake controller. I did have a glitch when I first tried to do the "handshake" between the wireless unit and the trailer mounted unit but I went ahead with the steps and it all worked fine.

Tekonsha recommends that the unit should be installed on the outside face of the trailer arm but I installed it underneath and out of sight and it works fine.

Here is a picture of my X5 hitch install, the dealer was kind enough follow my instructions and carefully cut the bumper as little as possible.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o...2016.21.58.jpg

YMMV
auslander

Trailer LED solutions for an X5
 

I recently purchased an aluminum 20' trailer to haul my track car and use my wife's X5 3.5d to pull it. The Prodigy wireless brake controller worked great for me and took about an hour to install and program for my specs. Much better option than the $1,200 my dealer wanted for a hard wired unit.

However the trailer lights have been a struggle. My brake and turn signal lights work perfectly but after a few minutes all the running lights turn off. I've now read all the postings on the LED issue with the X5. Seems like the lower resistance of the LEDs is a problem for the X5 systems. I've since discovered (better late than never) that I need a 7 pole to 7 pole adaptor to make the LEDs work with an X5 (similar issue Porsche and VW SUVs it sounds like). However Valley whom manufactures the adaptor apparently is out of stock with no eta of when the V39010 will be available again. The X3 forum has a posting in which it looks like the oem VW adaptor will serve this purpose.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ing-hitch.html

Has anyone successfully used the VW adaptor (or the Porsche unit, which apparently exists as well)?

You need a 7 pin to 7 pin because all of the pins are in use if you are using a brake controller.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/gr...043_aa_600.jpg

If you aren't using a brake controller, you only need 5 wires if your trailer has surge brakes (fifth wire for the reverse lockout solenoid). You need a 7-> 5 adapter

If your trailer has no brakes, then you can get by with a 7 -> 4 adapter thats included in the hitch kit.

Hi guys, getting ready to install the prodigy (P2 model, carried over from my E53) controller.

Is there any feedback on wiring - I have the same question as the user above. Looking to figure out where to mate the BLUE wire from the brake controller to the X5's 4 wire connecter...