Pics of X5M with hitch step?

mleun481 · 08-21-2015, 04:26 PM

Ok, need some opinions here...

I want to install a hitch step on an X5M. I don't need to tow anything so no need for wiring or coding done. Just need a 2" receiver.
Hitch step - something like this http://www.gorhino.com/4-Oval-HitchStep

My current options are:
OEM hitch but would require cutting the bumper
OR
Execuhitch - no cutting of the bumper, but may need a hitch riser since it may be too low without it?

Also, anybody have a pic of an X5M with a hitch step? I've seen plenty of pics with a hitch, but can't find any with a hitch step

jiggz · 08-21-2015, 06:34 PM

That's a lot of $ to spend just to have a step back there - would this be a permanent fixture on the rear of your car? If yes, how about a Curt hitch - much less expensive than OEM or Execuhitch. If it's something that will only get infrequent use, Execuhitch is not much more than OEM...or you could buy a step stool of some sort

There's an OEM hitch step available as well - http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Regarding your question, I've seen quite a few X5M's on here with various hitches, but have not seen a pic of one w/ the hitch step.

mleun481 · 08-21-2015, 07:21 PM

Yes, I actually want to use it to keep other drivers off my ass. We mostly parallel park in NYC and people like to either get right up on you or as I've seen plenty of times - people know when to stop when they hit your car, then back up.

I've seen the OEM hitch step, but want something wide. The Go Rhino is 24" wide - just enough to not block the exhaust. Just not sure how it would look.

Cattivo · 08-22-2015, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mleun481

Yes, I actually want to use it to keep other drivers off my ass. We mostly parallel park in NYC and people like to either get right up on you or as I've seen plenty of times - people know when to stop when they hit your car, then back up.

Bro no matter what you do, they're still gonna smash your bumpers! People in NYC just don't give a shit if you have a nice car or not

mleun481 · 08-22-2015, 09:40 PM

Yes - that's sad, but true. It will make me feel better, though.

jiggz · 08-24-2015, 01:25 PM

Given the route you're trying to go, I'd get the Curt hitch (you'd have to double check if the Curt hitch is compatible with the X5M).

The primary selling point of the Execuhitch is 1) no bumper cutting, and 2)the ability to remove the receiver for a clean look. But it's an expensive setup, even w/o the wiring harness. The Curt is much cheaper, and given the step will always be installed, this hitch seems to make the most sense.

mleun481 · 08-24-2015, 02:02 PM

Thanks. I did check out Curt, but it doesn't appear they are compatible with X5M so I just called eTrailer and they confirmed they don't carry any hitches that would fit - even though they carry Curt, Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite.

mitch808 · 08-24-2015, 02:29 PM

I wonder if you could fab something to use the bumper towhooks? BMW has a great bike rack that goes into those tow hooks. It's a standard bolt size, that I would think you could fab up just about anything to solve the issue of people parking too close.

mleun481 · 08-24-2015, 08:08 PM

Yeah, I thought of that too. Tow hook bike rack would be cheaper than a hitch, but I think I like the look of a hitch a bit more. So far, I'm leaning towards Execuhitch just to avoid cutting the bumper.

jiggz · 08-24-2015, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mleun481

Yeah, I thought of that too. Tow hook bike rack would be cheaper than a hitch, but I think I like the look of a hitch a bit more. So far, I'm leaning towards Execuhitch just to avoid cutting the bumper.

Since Curt isn't an option for the X5M I'd have to agree with you - the Execuhitch isn't much more than OEM. And if you ever change your mind on the hitch step, you remove it and there's no sign of a hitch installed on your vehicle.

The cut bumper doesn't look too bad on the base/premium/SAV models - it looks considerably worse on the M Sport and X5M….IMO.

mleun481 · 08-25-2015, 09:36 AM

Just got off the phone with Execuhitch.
They do have a bike rack only hitch for an X5M although its not listed on the website. Its the same price as the X5 bike rack only ($625) and would just have to mention in the comment its for an X5M. Also need to get the connector - either 2" or 1.25" ($69)

In case anyone is interested - they're launching a new Invisihitch website so the current execuhitch site has been a bit "neglected" which is why they don't specifically list the 'X5M bike rack only' hitch. No launch date for the new site, though.

heatmizr · 08-25-2015, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitch808

I wonder if you could fab something to use the bumper towhooks? BMW has a great bike rack that goes into those tow hooks. It's a standard bolt size, that I would think you could fab up just about anything to solve the issue of people parking too close.

THIS! Just ask around and find someone local who can weld something up for you. Just has to look decent, symmetrical, preferably black, and you get the added bonus of having him weld rear-facing spikes onto it. I bet this keeps ppl from bump-stop parking on your rear.
Hell I'd do one in front too!

mitch808 · 08-25-2015, 03:35 PM

Two bolts, some horizontal aluminum or steel channel stock, and some nuts and washers. This isn't complicated, and could be done for well under $80.... It would be like a bumper extension if anything.

maddie · 08-26-2015, 09:46 AM

try this link. http://www.carid.com/go-rhino/4-oval...sX8aAn9Q8P8HAQ

mleun481 · 08-26-2015, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maddie

try this link. http://www.carid.com/go-rhino/4-oval...sX8aAn9Q8P8HAQ

I guess you didn't read the first post

Cattivo · 08-26-2015, 06:29 PM

Whatever you do don't buy those ugly black rubber bumper guards

mleun481 · 08-26-2015, 06:33 PM

Prob going with Execuhitch - they sent me the installation instructions. Removing the rear bumper off looks simple enough. I was an attack helicopter crewchief - hopefully I can handle a bumper

heatmizr · 09-01-2015, 08:21 AM

So in your estimation which is more reliable - An X5 or an Attack Chopper?! (what kind btw?)

mitch808 · 09-01-2015, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heatmizr

So in your estimation which is more reliable - An X5 or an Attack Chopper?! (what kind btw?)

Yikes, that is a tough call.

mleun481 · 09-01-2015, 02:16 PM

AH-64 Apache.
Never really thought about it, but that is a tough one. I'd say X5 is more reliable. I can strip an Apache down completely. put it back together and get it flying. I don't know enough about an X5 to do that. Mine is still under warranty so I don't even change the oil.

08-21-2015, 04:26 PM	#1
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Pics of X5M with hitch step? Ok, need some opinions here... I want to install a hitch step on an X5M. I don't need to tow anything so no need for wiring or coding done. Just need a 2" receiver. Hitch step - something like this http://www.gorhino.com/4-Oval-HitchStep My current options are: OEM hitch but would require cutting the bumper OR Execuhitch - no cutting of the bumper, but may need a hitch riser since it may be too low without it? Also, anybody have a pic of an X5M with a hitch step? I've seen plenty of pics with a hitch, but can't find any with a hitch step
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08-21-2015, 06:34 PM	#2
jiggz Brigadier General 2140 Rep 3,647 Posts Drives: E90 M3\|F15 X5 50i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	That's a lot of $ to spend just to have a step back there - would this be a permanent fixture on the rear of your car? If yes, how about a Curt hitch - much less expensive than OEM or Execuhitch. If it's something that will only get infrequent use, Execuhitch is not much more than OEM...or you could buy a step stool of some sort There's an OEM hitch step available as well - http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462 Regarding your question, I've seen quite a few X5M's on here with various hitches, but have not seen a pic of one w/ the hitch step.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2015, 07:21 PM	#3
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Yes, I actually want to use it to keep other drivers off my ass. We mostly parallel park in NYC and people like to either get right up on you or as I've seen plenty of times - people know when to stop when they hit your car, then back up. I've seen the OEM hitch step, but want something wide. The Go Rhino is 24" wide - just enough to not block the exhaust. Just not sure how it would look.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2015, 09:40 PM	#5
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Yes - that's sad, but true. It will make me feel better, though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-24-2015, 01:25 PM	#6
jiggz Brigadier General 2140 Rep 3,647 Posts Drives: E90 M3\|F15 X5 50i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	Given the route you're trying to go, I'd get the Curt hitch (you'd have to double check if the Curt hitch is compatible with the X5M). The primary selling point of the Execuhitch is 1) no bumper cutting, and 2)the ability to remove the receiver for a clean look. But it's an expensive setup, even w/o the wiring harness. The Curt is much cheaper, and given the step will always be installed, this hitch seems to make the most sense.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-24-2015, 02:02 PM	#7
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Thanks. I did check out Curt, but it doesn't appear they are compatible with X5M so I just called eTrailer and they confirmed they don't carry any hitches that would fit - even though they carry Curt, Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-24-2015, 02:29 PM	#8
mitch808 Captain 107 Rep 994 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 35i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	I wonder if you could fab something to use the bumper towhooks? BMW has a great bike rack that goes into those tow hooks. It's a standard bolt size, that I would think you could fab up just about anything to solve the issue of people parking too close.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-24-2015, 08:08 PM	#9
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I thought of that too. Tow hook bike rack would be cheaper than a hitch, but I think I like the look of a hitch a bit more. So far, I'm leaning towards Execuhitch just to avoid cutting the bumper.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-25-2015, 09:36 AM	#11
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Just got off the phone with Execuhitch. They do have a bike rack only hitch for an X5M although its not listed on the website. Its the same price as the X5 bike rack only ($625) and would just have to mention in the comment its for an X5M. Also need to get the connector - either 2" or 1.25" ($69) In case anyone is interested - they're launching a new Invisihitch website so the current execuhitch site has been a bit "neglected" which is why they don't specifically list the 'X5M bike rack only' hitch. No launch date for the new site, though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-25-2015, 03:35 PM	#13
mitch808 Captain 107 Rep 994 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 35i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Two bolts, some horizontal aluminum or steel channel stock, and some nuts and washers. This isn't complicated, and could be done for well under $80.... It would be like a bumper extension if anything. __________________ 2012 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity - Alpine White - M Sport Package
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08-26-2015, 09:46 AM	#14
maddie New Member 3 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2012 x5 5.0 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	try this link. http://www.carid.com/go-rhino/4-oval...sX8aAn9Q8P8HAQ
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08-26-2015, 06:29 PM	#16
Cattivo FDNY Engine 55 681 Rep 2,115 Posts Drives: X5M, X5 50i Msport, EscaHoe Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: The Concrete Jungle iTrader: (1)	Whatever you do don't buy those ugly black rubber bumper guards
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08-26-2015, 06:33 PM	#17
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Prob going with Execuhitch - they sent me the installation instructions. Removing the rear bumper off looks simple enough. I was an attack helicopter crewchief - hopefully I can handle a bumper
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-01-2015, 08:21 AM	#18
heatmizr Captain 153 Rep 709 Posts Drives: E70 X5 50i M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	So in your estimation which is more reliable - An X5 or an Attack Chopper?! (what kind btw?) __________________ heatmizr [Todd] g26 i4 e40 - Clean Machine e70 X5 50i M-Sport "The Boss" Loaded e90 328i - sold e36 M3 - Gone to become a track star
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09-01-2015, 02:16 PM	#20
mleun481 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	AH-64 Apache. Never really thought about it, but that is a tough one. I'd say X5 is more reliable. I can strip an Apache down completely. put it back together and get it flying. I don't know enough about an X5 to do that. Mine is still under warranty so I don't even change the oil.
	Appreciate 0 Quote