Towing with 2011 X5 35d
 

Has anyone had a dealer successfully install the BMW hitch and brake controller on a 2011 35d?

I recently took delivery of a 2011 X5 35D. I think it was a May 2010 build.

The dealer installed the hitch receiver and brake controller last week.

The dealer had the X5 for three days (it was supposed to be one). They kept telling me they were having trouble with the software.

They couldn't get it working properly. Now the X5 says there is a "Trailer electrical system malfunction." The dealer said BMW was working on a fix and it would be 5 weeks. The dealer said that there were 60 other owners in the same position.

Has anyone else had this issue? I'd like to use the 35d to tow our trailer, since this is why we bought it, but I'm reluctant when the onboard computer says there is an error. The dealer said it might work, it might not to tow. Since the dealer kept giving me the run around, I don't feel like I can trust them.

Never heard of this issue, here nor bimmerfest....

Edit: spoke too soon..coming up on bimmerfest just this AM..

As to speak to the regional BMWNA rep.;

what brake controller? I would have done the Tekonsha wireless model

The dealer isn't lying. There is some electrical issue with the 2011 setup that BMW NA has sent out a note on to all dealers just this week. They're working on a fix.

Do a bit of research on lemon laws in your state. Can you use the fact that the vehicle is unusable to tow as a claim to lemon it? Not that you want to, but it might get some attention from BMW. Five weeks is totally unacceptable.

GL

A

Would you mind taking a picture of your hitch installation. I've not seen a 2011 yet, with the tow hitch installed. Be interested to see if they improved the asthetics of the install ... since prior to 2011 it looked a bit naff.

I'd be happy to post some pics after the dealer installs the new bumper piece. Apparently it is backordered. Right now the hitch is pushed up against the existing bumper, which makes the bumber form a mild arc. Doesn't really look too bad; I imagine it will look great once the new bumper piece is installed. Hopefully BMW will get the software patch finished sooner than the 5 weeks the dealer quoted. I was surprised the dealer suggested giving the X5 a try at towing even though the computer system says there is a malfunction; considering that the computer needs to control the brakes and anti sway, not to mention the lights, towing a 4000lb trailer when there is a malfunction seems like a really bad idea.

so the brake controller is separate?
I'm planning to install the hitch myself once the bumper piece is available. Does the brake controller come from bmw too?

You buy the controller separately. Tekonsha Prodigy is the most common recommendation (I use it) and BMW sells a rebranded version. You'll need to run a brake wire to the front from the (new) dedicated brake wire at the rear of the X5. Alternatively I've heard Prodigy has a wireless controller now too.

Deja vu....I had the same issue in 2008 when I had the dealer install a towing kit to my '08 E70...had my SUV for 3.5 days...when it was supposed to be 1...said that software kept malfunctioning.

any update on the software? just wanna know when to order my kit.