Xoutpost.com - 2007 Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness

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- - 2007 Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/46372-2007-trailer-hitch-wiring-harness.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Armand (Post 464645)

2007x5man, thanks for this heads up... Looking at the hitch from etrailer.com, it seems like it bolts on to the same location as the OEM trailer. Aside from this one being "lower" (i.e. - about 1 foot from the ground), are there any other differences to the OEM? Although they seem to have the same 6000 lbs rating, I would think that since this is "lower" than the OEM, it would create more of a twisting force to the mounting locations than the OEM. But hey, it may not be that relevant.

Cost wise, it looks like:
Curt Receiver Class III Receiver Hitch #13077 $185
Circuit Protected Modulite 4 Pole Harness with Hardwire Kit (Includes Testers) #118176KIT $65
Ballmount 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop, 6,000 lbs. #2923 $19
TOTAL = $269

Are these the parts that you purchased?

Lastly, the instructions do state that the bumper still needs trimming "With hitch on vehicle, mark bumper fascia and trim until fascia fits back onto vehicle without interfering with hitch."

How much trimming?
Why does the dealer need to "reprogram" the ECU?

THANKS SO MUCH for calling this to our attention... The OEM hitch just looks quite ugly in comparison...

Looking at the Curt Hitch, there are 2 main differences:
1) The obvious one...The Curt Hitch looks much better than the BMW OEM since you don't have to cut the bumper.
2) The not-so-obvious one is that the Curt Hitch ELIMINATES your ability to attach the "tow hooks" on each side of the bumper. I.e. - there is no threaded tube for the tow hooks to hook into!

I didn't like #2 and ended up getting the BMW OEM. I am just about done installing it.

Trailer Hitch and Wiring install results.

I have just installed a Hidden Hitch Trailer - Class III - 2" on my 2007 BMW X5 3.0si and it was pretty easy. Thanks to all the posts on here on how to take the bumper off.

I bought it from Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 - part number 87455

The hitch sticks out BELOW the bumper so you don't have to cut the FACE of the bumper at all. But on the bottom of the bumper (facing the ground) you have to cut like a 2" x 6" piece out, but you don't see it anyway as its facing down!

Here are the pics.

By the way - etrailer.com lists 2 compatible wiring kits for the 2007 BMW X5. The Curt 56200 does NOT work on the 2007 BMW X5. Because the Curt expects the same wire controls the brake light and tail (parking) lights. Which on the BMW they are seperate.

Attached is also a pic of the PINs for the tail lights (in the perspective that the harness is still plugged into the tail light).

Hope this helps!

If curt wiring harness doesnt work, what wiring harness did you go with?

wiring harness to use

Any wiring harness that has a power feed from the battery (to prevent too much load on the feed to the vehicle lights), AND supports vehicles that has a separate wire for braking and turn signal, which is what our X5 has.

This one would work for example: Hopkins 46255 Power Taillight Converter : Amazon.com : Automotive

This one fully isolates the trailer wiring for the vehicle wiring so you don't short out your vehicle if there is a problem with the trailer lights.

BMW wiring Harness Part Number

Can anyone give me the BMW Wiring Harness part number, Where I could by it from, and Approximate how much it cost?

Also is that the best route to go to to eliminate any hassle?

After looking at the OEM hitch This is a bit cheaper to go this route, but there is no harness Kit that seems to come with it.

What are other owners doing if they choose to go this route

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul1994 (Post 932334)

E53 (which you list in your signature):

BMW E53 X5 M62 4.4L > Exterior > Hitch > ES#185391 Wiring Harness - 71600009698

E70 (which is the forum this is posted in):

BMW E70 X5 xDrive48i N62 4.8L > Exterior > Hitch > ES#262790 Trailer Hitch Electrical Kit - 71602156526

ECS and BMW part numbers are both shown, for each model.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL (Post 932393)

Thanks for the reply.. I guess I need to update my profile..

I have an E70 now. and I am enjoying it :)

Ok.. I noticed on etrailer dot com that they have there own wiring kit . has anyone used it?

And what are the reason to have the dealer program it with a OEM harness rather than a after market one. I assume you don't have to have the truck programmed if you use an aftermarket wiring harness

Here is a link to there install.

Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring,Wiring for BMW X5 2010 - 119190KIT

If you use the OE harness, then the vehicle is aware of the trailer being connected electrically. That means that you get bulb out warnings, the LCM monitors the lighting circuits, and when you put it in reverse the vehicle disables the rear PDC, which would otherwise beep every time you select reverse, since it thinks you are about to back into your trailer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL (Post 932456)

Thanks for the responses JCL.. This all makes sense, but can't you just turn off the PDC ( By pressing the Button) when reversing to turn it off? Knowing the Lights are out I can deal with. I guess my only concern is if I take it in to the dealership and they say splicing into the wires are a problem.

Since I am out of warranty and I usually go to my independent shop. I think I might go this route if All I am missing is the light circuitry and to turn off the rear PDC.

One more question is there a anti sway module as part as the OEM wiring kit?