Factory installed hitch - forgot to install software
 

Bought a 2010 X5 diesel with the trailer hitch installed at the factory. Did factory pickup last November. Only recently, I prepared to use the hitch for the first time and realized there is absolutely nothing useful in the manual, and the car came with no literature about the hitch, but there is a picture of the backup camera that appears to show a zoom mode. This feature wasn't showing up on my nav screen so the dealer agreed that I probably didn't have the programming that goes with the hitch. They had the car for three days last week, and the paperwork says they did the programming. However, the zoom function still doesn't appear.

So here is my question, while waiting for Monday so I can call the dealer: Is there any way to see if the hitch programming was done, such as on a nav page that would show what is installed?

The car has to go back to address scratches made when the dealer washed the car :yikes: , so they can program it again - but hoping someone knows how to check what is installed.

thanks in advance

I don't think the zoom mode is operational.

To see if you have the software, hook up your trailer and the electric. Put it into reverse, if the PDC beeps, then the software is not updated. If you don't hear the beeps, it is updated.

Tim

ok. will give it a try. But, shouldn't the zoom mode work without trailer plugged in? The reason they have the zoom mode is to be able to successfully back up to the trailer before you hook it up...

Where did you see the "zoom" mode? The only place I've seen it is in the M brochure.

Tim

Yes, it should, from the descriptions I've read. However, you don't know at this point if you have a trailer wiring coding problem, or a camera problem. You don't necessarily need to hook up the trailer to find out, you just need to get close enough to connect the trailer wiring (assuming there is a ground wire in the harness and it isn't relying on the hitch ball for a ground).

I just think it is foolish to allow the dealer to "detail" (or wash) your car. There is so much damage they can do and you'll never see it until too late (ie after you leave the lot). If they "address" the scratches, you are lucky (they always say "it was like that").... I'd be concerned what they will do to 'address" (a light buff and wax filler to cover them up?)

GL

A

Checking old posts about this feature (which came out in 2007 or so - since I don't have an E70 and so have never used this camera mode myself) it appears that you need to be in reverse, with the rear camera on the screen, and then press the iDrive knob for options, choosing the zoom mode option. Don't know if that helps, or if you have already tried that series of steps.

Additionally, there is an article about the E70 camera from when the E70 was introduced. Not sure if you have seen it, but it is on the site. Linke here:
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e7...w%20Camera.pdf

They didn't tell me they would wash it. It was a free service but not requested. They admitted that the scratches were their fault - they'll probably have to replace the bumper skin (or I may ask for a bumper scuff protector since the long scratches are in the same place as the "accessory item" would go), but I do need the paint scratches fixed to avoid rust.

Tried those steps and the zoom feature is not an available option. Maybe 2010 x5's don't have it, I don't know. The manual shows an icon of a hitch in the image of the backup display - it appears to be a clickable option. If it wasn't in the manual (and featured in the M literature) I wouldn't have questioned whether they had done the hitch programming.

I fear they just updated the regular programming for the truck (there were other required software updates) and overlooked the hitch.

I have the zoom feature on my 2010 X5 35D with the dealer installed hitch. When in Top View i depress the iDrive knob down and it zooms in.

Chuck

I don't call that zoom. I call that the rear view camera...

2010 35d

I have rear view and top view, switch between the two by pressing idrive knob.

PLUS I can select the tow bar symbol from the icons to the left of the camera display and get a zoomed in view with the tow ball at the bottom of the screen and different green and red semi circles to help you back up to the hitch.

I have the factory fit electronically retractable tow bar.

Now you're just rubbing it in! (sorry, "taking the piss") :rofl::rofl:

LOL

sorry, just clarifying the spec of my car...........................honest guv :-)

Seems the UK "retractable" tow bar is not the same as what we have here Stateside. I am awaiting follow-up by the dealer - but I think the zoom feature (at least) is a universal feature.

Please let me know what you find out.

I checked mine last night, and I definitely don't have a "zoom" feature on the b/u camera. Mine's a 2010 with the factory hitch & hitch software installed.

I will say the "normal" b/u camera with the lines showing makes hooking up a snap. I'm on the ball first time, every time.

car is back in the shop to address the hitch. They had to email BMWNA to find out if this is even a feature in the 2010 model in the US, as the manual has a screenshot showing the feature on the backup camera (the picture of a tow hitch) but the zoom and the tow hitch icon don't show up on my screen. Other countries have a retractable hitch and different software. Will let you know what they find out.

so here is the latest. the dealer wrote to BMWNA to ask the question above and found out that the upgraded rear camera in the 2010 (North American edition) does not do the zoom. This feature is from prior years and may be available in other countries, but not in the USA version. The manual merely has a screen shot from a another era or other-country model. Bummer.