More Trailer Hitch Pictures

bak · 11-23-2008, 03:52 PM

Sorry for the delay, here are more trailer pictures I promised. The hitch was installed at the dealer prior to delivery. The cost was $900.00. I was told that the car may require a computer flash. I will find out more on this.
Sorry for the BIG pictures, how do you down size them ?

chuck92103 · 11-23-2008, 05:06 PM

I get mine on Tuesday. I think BMW did a good job trimming it out so it does not look bad at all.

I washed my truck this weekend and noticed both exteriors mirrors are becoming discolored so i will get those replaced as well. I recall someone have this issue in another post.

drrosnrosn · 11-23-2008, 07:47 PM

Bak, good to see the X6 in your hands, congrats.

I agree, the hitch cutout looks nice. There's no reduction in clearance and it blends in nicely with the exterior trim. I'll have to think about it. I was planning on mostly using it to mount a bike/snowboard rack but I personally like the look of the roof rails and was thinking of using those in addition to the BMW removable bike rack.

Deda · 11-24-2008, 03:19 AM

sorry guys,but i dont like it...for my taste it is too much for x6.

branko · 11-24-2008, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deda

sorry guys,but i dont like it...for my taste it is too much for x6.

I don't think people will install it because they like it, but because they need it for a trailer, boat,...

In all honesty, I find it very discrete and therefore very nice, if you need one of course...

sepiast · 11-24-2008, 09:51 AM

I think it looks very good. Thank you for the pictures.

dmlgc · 11-24-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deda

sorry guys,but i dont like it...for my taste it is too much for x6.

Deda, I agree with you but look at it this way,
it could always use it to tow a cannon over to invade transylvania

dmlgc · 11-24-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by branko

I don't think people will install it because they like it, but because they need it for a trailer, boat,...

In all honesty, I find it very discrete and therefore very nice, if you need one of course...

agree with Deda not much on tow hitches but if you need one
I do agree they did a nice job of blending it in.

xDrive50i · 11-24-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck92103

I get mine on Tuesday. I think BMW did a good job trimming it out so it does not look bad at all.

I washed my truck this weekend and noticed both exteriors mirrors are becoming discolored so i will get those replaced as well. I recall someone have this issue in another post.

Chuck, are you referring to the white plastic housing (painted to match the rest of the cars paint) ?

e.g. is it turning yellowish?

xDrive50i · 11-24-2008, 11:27 AM

I think that BMW did a nice job in hiding the support for the trailer hitch behind all of the plastic covers. It's not the same as the hidden hitch that BMW offers in Europe, but still WAY better looking than on most other SUV style cars (where you can see the entire hitch support, screws, cables, you name it...). This looks very neat...

chuck92103 · 11-24-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xDrive50i

Chuck, are you referring to the white plastic housing (painted to match the rest of the cars paint) ?

e.g. is it turning yellowish?

No, the actual mirrors are becoming discolored. They cannot be fully cleaned. It looks like a chemical was used on them.

I suspect many of you have defective exterior mirrors and you just don't realize it. It is not obvious at first until you try to clean them thoroughly.

Deda · 11-24-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by branko

I don't think people will install it because they like it, but because they need it for a trailer, boat,...

In all honesty, I find it very discrete and therefore very nice, if you need one of course...

totally agree, it is useful if you need it.

Deda · 11-24-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmlgc

Deda, I agree with you but look at it this way,
it could always use it to tow a cannon over to invade transylvania

ha ha!

chuck92103 · 11-26-2008, 10:35 AM

Well my X6 had to stay at the dealer an extra day. I am suppose to pick it up today.

They need to update the software for the hitch.

I am like WTF? What does software have to do with a hitch?

According to the dealer, the hitch power connector needs to be activiated via software.

Only in a BMW.

I guess they go out of their way to make things are more difficult than they need to be.

shenard · 11-26-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck92103

Well my X6 had to stay at the dealer an extra day. I am suppose to pick it up today.

They need to update the software for the hitch.

I am like WTF? What does software have to do with a hitch?

According to the dealer, the hitch power connector needs to be activiated via software.

Only in a BMW.

I guess they go out of their way to make things are more difficult than they need to be.

No, they go out of their way to make sure that you have to bring your BMW to the dealer everytime you want to make any kind of a change so they can be sure to be able to charge you labor to reflash the software, etc. etc.

chuck92103 · 11-26-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenard

No, they go out of their way to make sure that you have to bring your BMW to the dealer everytime you want to make any kind of a change so they can be sure to be able to charge you labor to reflash the software, etc. etc.

Well the good news is there is no charge. I talked with my dealer today, and the tow plug intgegrates with the signal lights, etc. By default the power is not sent to the connector.

BMW provides the software update for free as part of hitch install. They also updated all iDrive/PROGMAN modules to the latest revs. I believe they are at 32.x.

Also, they ordered two new exterior mirrors. They saw the discoloration and it could not be cleaned.

xDrive50i · 11-26-2008, 01:08 PM

The other thing to keep in mind is that the electronic control system checks how much current flows to a particular light. If the electronic turns a light on and the current is either higher or lower than what it should be, you get a warning message telling you there is something wrong with this particular light. If you would 'just' add the hitch and wiring to the car (as in a DIY job) and hooked the cabling up in parallel to your break and indicator lights, you would get a warning message the first time you would hook up a trailer and operated any of the lights!

So, yes they do need to program this into the controller so that the electronics is aware of the hitch connector and the possible higher load current for the lights.

On some models (in particular those with rear air suspension), the controller also needs to know about the hitch for possible load compensation. Again, something that only the dealer can do...

Other cars may be cheaper and do NOT require every little add-on to be programmed into the cars brain, but then again, you could be driving around for month with a broken tail light and don't even know it ... convenience and luxury does have its cost ....

bak · 11-28-2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deda

sorry guys,but i dont like it...for my taste it is too much for x6.

Deda,
I agree, it does not do anything to add to the beautiful lines of the X6, but take a ride on this at 122 MPH and you will find a way to live with the hitch !!
Best,
Brian

sepiast · 11-29-2008, 11:30 AM

What brand is that?

Deda · 11-29-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bak

Deda,
I agree, it does not do anything to add to the beautiful lines of the X6, but take a ride on this at 122 MPH and you will find a way to live with the hitch !!
Best,
Brian

true,good looking...but i have even better solution,i have house on the mountain so i dont need hitch.

bak · 11-29-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deda

true,good looking...but i have even better solution,i have house on the mountain so i dont need hitch.

Your right about that it sure would be nice to drive 5 hours without the trailer !! Many other factors, like to ride at my house, no qualified dealers in riding area, etc etc.

bak · 12-01-2008, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sepiast

What brand is that?

Bombardier Ski Doo Mach z

11-23-2008, 03:52 PM	#1
bak Private First Class 23 Rep 154 Posts Drives: X6 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Novi, MI iTrader: (0)	More Trailer Hitch Pictures Sorry for the delay, here are more trailer pictures I promised. The hitch was installed at the dealer prior to delivery. The cost was $900.00. I was told that the car may require a computer flash. I will find out more on this. Sorry for the BIG pictures, how do you down size them ? Attached Images
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11-23-2008, 05:06 PM	#2
chuck92103 Major 91 Rep 1,209 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	I get mine on Tuesday. I think BMW did a good job trimming it out so it does not look bad at all. I washed my truck this weekend and noticed both exteriors mirrors are becoming discolored so i will get those replaced as well. I recall someone have this issue in another post. __________________ 2011 535i 2008 VW GTI
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11-23-2008, 07:47 PM	#3
drrosnrosn Enlisted Member 1 Rep 37 Posts Drives: Ordered BMW X6 35i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Bak, good to see the X6 in your hands, congrats. I agree, the hitch cutout looks nice. There's no reduction in clearance and it blends in nicely with the exterior trim. I'll have to think about it. I was planning on mostly using it to mount a bike/snowboard rack but I personally like the look of the roof rails and was thinking of using those in addition to the BMW removable bike rack.
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11-24-2008, 03:19 AM	#4
Deda Major General 564 Rep 7,034 Posts Drives: BMW M5 comp Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	sorry guys,but i dont like it...for my taste it is too much for x6.
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11-24-2008, 09:51 AM	#6
sepiast Living For The Weekend 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2007 Black 335I Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (0)	I think it looks very good. Thank you for the pictures. __________________ 07 BMW 335i 07 BMW X-5 06 BMW K1200LT
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11-24-2008, 11:27 AM	#10
xDrive50i Lieutenant Colonel 51 Rep 1,754 Posts Drives: '09 750i individual Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	I think that BMW did a nice job in hiding the support for the trailer hitch behind all of the plastic covers. It's not the same as the hidden hitch that BMW offers in Europe, but still WAY better looking than on most other SUV style cars (where you can see the entire hitch support, screws, cables, you name it...). This looks very neat... __________________ 2009 750i individual \| Citrin Black Metallic \| Platinum Merino Extended Leather \| BMW Individual Composition Package (includes Sport Package) \| Dynamic Handling Package \| Multimedia Package \| Technology Package \| Executive Package http://www.7post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234432
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11-26-2008, 10:35 AM	#14
chuck92103 Major 91 Rep 1,209 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	Well my X6 had to stay at the dealer an extra day. I am suppose to pick it up today. They need to update the software for the hitch. I am like WTF? What does software have to do with a hitch? According to the dealer, the hitch power connector needs to be activiated via software. Only in a BMW. I guess they go out of their way to make things are more difficult than they need to be. __________________ 2011 535i 2008 VW GTI
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11-26-2008, 01:08 PM	#17
xDrive50i Lieutenant Colonel 51 Rep 1,754 Posts Drives: '09 750i individual Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	The other thing to keep in mind is that the electronic control system checks how much current flows to a particular light. If the electronic turns a light on and the current is either higher or lower than what it should be, you get a warning message telling you there is something wrong with this particular light. If you would 'just' add the hitch and wiring to the car (as in a DIY job) and hooked the cabling up in parallel to your break and indicator lights, you would get a warning message the first time you would hook up a trailer and operated any of the lights! So, yes they do need to program this into the controller so that the electronics is aware of the hitch connector and the possible higher load current for the lights. On some models (in particular those with rear air suspension), the controller also needs to know about the hitch for possible load compensation. Again, something that only the dealer can do... Other cars may be cheaper and do NOT require every little add-on to be programmed into the cars brain, but then again, you could be driving around for month with a broken tail light and don't even know it ... convenience and luxury does have its cost .... __________________ 2009 750i individual \| Citrin Black Metallic \| Platinum Merino Extended Leather \| BMW Individual Composition Package (includes Sport Package) \| Dynamic Handling Package \| Multimedia Package \| Technology Package \| Executive Package http://www.7post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234432
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11-29-2008, 11:30 AM	#19
sepiast Living For The Weekend 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2007 Black 335I Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (0)	What brand is that? __________________ 07 BMW 335i 07 BMW X-5 06 BMW K1200LT
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