Hitch Removal
 

So after looking through this forum for any referece to this; How easy is it to remove the hitch from and E70? I bought my 2008 with it pre-installed, was a CPO X5. I'm more than likely not going to be using it. It occured to me that it will involve removing the bumper to get access to the mounts. But i read in some of the posts that when you install the hitch you have to have your X5 coded? Well what about having it removed, well it need to be recoded again? Has anywone have any experience with this?

1. Why?

2. You will then need to buy a bimper trim that isnt cut to replace the one with the hole in it.

3. You could leave the wiring still attached and wouldnt need to recode

4. You will lose some resale value- marginal, but unless you need the net $100 you could make, leave it alone.

1. Because I'll never use it

2. the bumper is cut, but is cut near the bottom of the bumper, not back facing like other bumpers.

3. that's great

4. hmmm.. considering

Another reason for loosing the hitch, is i'm entertaining getting an aerokit, and realize i'd have to mod the kit to allow for the hitch.

Also I believe are not some impact brackets removed where the towbar attaches too, or am I thinking of the E53?

That would be the E53.

Still got those parts in my garage?

Removing it is not that hard. Cut a couple of plastic rivets in the wheel well. Remove bumper reflectors and loosen bolts behind them. Yank bumper cover hard. Disconnect wires to sensors in bumper. Unbolt four or eight bolts holding the hitch to the frame. Remove hitch and reattach bolts. Replace bumper cover. Done. The hardest part is replacing the rivets that you cut off. May need a special tool for that, but the cover will stay put without them for a while.

So whats so hard about that?

http://www.wardphotography.com/X5/IMG_0652.jpg

http://www.wardphotography.com/X5/IMG_0648.jpg

i go back to:

1. Because I'll never use it

I wouldn't worry about the coding. The vehicle was originally designed to automatically recognize the hitch if it was installed. The coding is to tell the vehicle to specifically look to see if the wiring harness is there, as some configurations of options and modules caused the vehicle to overlook the trailer wiring harness. Should be fine to disconnect it.

To check that theory, just unplug the harness under the rear floor and see if you get any warning lights. If not, good to go. If so, plug it back in.