Trailer hitch installation
 

Wanted to share some observations for those brave souls that want a DIY trailer hitch experience on the E70. I purchased a hitch (Magnus) via Ebay for 159.00. Very well made. Also purchased extra replacement rivets for the wheel wells and a fascia kit for the trim requirement. After reading all I could regarding R/R of the bumper fascia I would offer that it is not for the faint of heart and the instructions do not do the job justice. After punching out the rivets in the wheel well, working the bumper out of the myriad of clips on the sides and across the back is very challenging and most definitely a two person job. It is a good idea to tie the lower portion of the lift gate at a 45 degree angle so as to facilitate easy access to the bumper bolts and the clips across the back. A deep well socket is recommended as well, as the bumper mount studs are quite long. Since all we ever tow is the BMW Thule bike rack and a couple of beach bikes, I wasn't so concerned about wiring. Trimming the fascia was very easy and involved trimming less plastic than expected.. As it was, I didn't need the trim kit because the 2012 design is slightly different than the earlier models. Now I am stuck with a part I can't use. Whole job took two hours start to finish. Hitch sits clean and tight under the bumper.

Pics? I am sure that you feel a sense of satisfaction having done it yourself. I have no issues paying for things I cannot do myself, but I feel terrible if I pay to do something I can do and have the time to do.

Please post some pictures, likewise what clips did you buy and do u have part numbers?

I will be attempting this shortly but with the OEM hitch kit,

thanks,

PS did u see this post 2011 X5 - How to - Trailer hitch and lights installation - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Hitch Differences
 

When doing the installation, I did look at the previous posts. The 2012 is different on the sides where the bumper clips in behind the wheel well and also across the bottom where the trimming takes place. There's a gray piece that clips into the lower facia that bolts up to the hard points underneath and holds everything together. The hitch I purchased fits neatly underneath in contrast to the OEM which appears to sit up a little higher thus necessitating more cutting. The part number for the rivets is P/N 5 177 7 171 004. They are a little tricky to reinstall. You have to use something to hold the rivet in place while pulling out to seat it properly.

I tried to upload pictures, but can't seem to reduce them to the size small enough to fit the forum size requirements. Sorry.

Hmm interesting,

So u use a tool or something? I have a rivet fastener but that is for metal rivets. I dont think it would work with these, lol.

I used a plastic rivet setter when I did my install. Mine is exactly like this one

Amazon.com: Marson 48000 Klik-Lok Plastic Rivet Setter: Industrial & Scientific

I just cant see myself using a plastic rivet setter very often... i have a metal rivet setter. Should be relatively similar,

We shall see ;-)

Rivet tool-improvise
 

I used two sets of pliers to set the rivets. Cheap and effective. One set to hold the rivet in place and a pair of vise grips to pull the rivet post out. Once set, you can cut off the excess with wire cutters. Makes for a neat installation.

Blue Dragon, do you have a complete parts list for installation of the OEM hitch including clips/fasteners? If one doesn't exist I can put one together.

^^ Yes, hang on, I'll post it

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...6&d=1328207466