Hitch electrical installation
 

I bought a hitch kit and it came with the electrical module from: Vehicle / Trailer Wiring - Draw-Tite - Custom Trailer Hitch Products and Hitch Accessories

I will be installing this myself and was wondering how do I pass the wires from the inside of the trunk of the X5 towards the outside where the hitch is installed.

Is there a hole? do I have to drill one?

I saw a few posts about this, but nothing mentioned on this detail. Pics are welcome.

Thank you.
Christian

Unless that is plug, program and play, I would STRONGLY urge you to only use a BMW harness and module.

You could be jerked around by BMW over warranty issues in the future- even if there is nothing wrong with this module per se...just the fact that it isn't BMW gives them something to blame.

Nothing wrong with non-BMW hitches, but the wiring is something else. With the BMW module they also do some programming.

GL

A

There are 2 holes on the right side that come out by the fuse box down low under the removable storage bin. You will see them when you remove the bumper to install the hitch. They already have wires running through them with a rubber grommet that is is then sealed with a little electrical tape on the outside. I removed the tape, ran the wires through the existing grommet and then taped it back up. It was pretty easy to wire, the module needs to connect to the battery for power (which is right there in the back), then you just wire tap the brakes, stop and right signal right there by the tail light and run one wire over to the left side for the left signal. You could potentially also use some fuse taps since the fuse box is right there so you don't have to use the wires taps and puncture the insulation on the wiring, that should work for stop and running lights, but the signal fuse is before the flasher, so you still would have to tap the wires.

Rob

Good explanation Rob. Thanks.

As for connecting into the battery positive terminal, what do you suggest? what is the less invasive way?

Thanks.
Christian

There are some posts in the connector (one is unused in mine) I just used a loop connector on the end of the wire and then just attached to the open terminal and tightened down the nut.

Rob, what brand of wiring harness did you use?

I ended up following the advice of installing the original BMW electronic hitch module instead of an aftermarket... I want to keep the vehicle warranty...


For the BMW hitch electrical module, does anyone have installation instructions? pictures? It comes with many plugs, and I have no idea where to connect them.

Christian, If it were me, and I had little electronic experience, I would find either an experienced indy shop or the dealer to handle it.

Is the risk of damage/hassling with electronics worth the few hundred you save by doing it youself?

The file is too large to post here. PM me and I will send you the instructions.

Chuck

See this thread, particularly the instructions in post #4:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...stall-diy.html