2011 has a non-intrusive tow-hitch - available in NA?
 

From the 2011 X5 brochure (on bmw.com international site)

Looks like there is no cutting the rear bumper to get this fitted!!

That is a european hitch. The ones in the US are different.

Chuck

Yay. That's my car, bike and dog :-)

Thanks A!

That is an interesting one. Extends your overall length a bit too.

I just picked up a Trek 7.5 FX, all aluminum and carbon. Not heavy and I saw a nice lift with a lowering shaft that goes on top from BMW. Looked like it made it real easy to raise and lower a bike.

A quick aside here:

I was building a new X5 on bmwusa.com last night, and the trailer hitch isn't an option as either factory or dealer installed. Did I miss it or what's the process for buying the hitch these days?

You can get it installed at the factory only if you are taking delivery at PDC. Otherwise it is installed at the dealer. If you are getting it installed at the dealer make sure to negotiate the price when ordering the X5.

Chuck

If all you're doing is using it for a bike carrier, do what I did. I installed an aftermarket hitch (Hidden Hitch) for less than $190 and an hour of work following instructions in a post on this board. here's a link to the hitch I bought:
BMW X5 Custom Fit Trailer Hitch - 2009 | etrailer.com

Thanks. I'm assuming then that it's now considered only as a dealer installed accessory and the only way to get a price on it is to speak with the dealer, as it's not listed online. True?

True. I believe that was the same with the E53 as well, at least it was in Canada.

I understand that the price for installation at PDC is $607. PDC delivery was too far away from me to consider. I paid $825 which was negotiated with my purchase. I understand that some people have been quoted as high as $1600 by a dealer.

You could install it yourself, which is quite a bit of work compared other hitches I have installed myself. You would still have to have the dealer flash the computer.

Chuck