Tow Hitch

[denaliman]

Here are the instructions if interested.

[gvega702]

Originally Posted by Diesel X5

Some pics of the curt hitch and how it looks.

Nice set up you got going. How does your X5 tow that trailer and what is the total weight?

[Diesel X5]

Originally Posted by gvega702

Nice set up you got going. How does your X5 tow that trailer and what is the total weight?

The total weight X5-Trailer-Equipment 11,331 Lbs,and it tows really good. I think the air suspension helps.

[PIEZON]

Originally Posted by denaliman

more pics.

This is great! Can you get this without the ball?

[serge1]

Those of you picking Invisihitch/Execunitch, consider this: because the metal impact bar needs to be tossed away, you will lose your tow hooks (they screw into the impact bar). DrawTite hitch allows you to keep the impact bar (video here).

Nevertheless, I think Execuhitch is still a better option.

P.S. Had my 2011 35d coded by Okee yesterday (price included in hitch purchase). Had these options enabled:
-Disclaimer in iDrive gone
-Double-blink hazard lights
-Close trunk from keyfob and inside
-Fold mirrors from keyfob
-Close windows and sunroof form keyfob
-Hitch coding (zoom feature, stability control)
-Camera on while driving
-DVD playback while driving
-One-touch roll up windows with doors open
-Fogs stay on with high beams
-Rear DRLs off (2012+ have these off by default)

[RADRACR]

^ Coincidentally, he coded mine today!

[Adobong_M]

Does anyone know a link to a video installing the OEM hitch wiring harness? Thanks =)

[RADRACR]

Originally Posted by Adobong_M

Does anyone know a link to a video installing the OEM hitch wiring harness? Thanks =)

You should have no problem with installation if you follow the instructions mentioned here. I used the first pdf listed. I have no experience with the second pdf.

[Adobong_M]

Originally Posted by RADRACR

You should have no problem with installation if you follow the instructions mentioned here. I used the first pdf listed. I have no experience with the second pdf.

No splices of wires with the OEM right? Just plug and play? Just paranoid I'd connect it to the wrong wire. Okee coded it already, just need to install it. I'm using the OEM wiring harness with an aftermarket hitch which doesn't come wit the plug mount bracket. Figuring out where to mount the 7 pin plug.

Thank you!

[RADRACR]

It's involved but it is plug/play. Like you, I was surprised not to find info here about how to jury rig the plug. I used several zip ties.

[Adobong_M]

Originally Posted by RADRACR

It's involved but it is plug/play. Like you, I was surprised not to find info here about how to jury rig the plug. I used several zip ties.

Wow. Zip tie it is! =) Thanks!

[sburke91]

Originally Posted by serge1

Those of you picking Invisihitch/Execunitch, consider this: because the metal impact bar needs to be tossed away, you will lose your tow hooks (they screw into the impact bar). DrawTite hitch allows you to keep the impact bar (video here).

Nevertheless, I think Execuhitch is still a better option.

I figure, based on the robustness of the Execuhitch/Invisihitch, that if I'm in a situation where I need to employ the rear tow hooks, I can hook onto the two safety chain loops on the hitch, and get the same functionality.

I do find it odd, considering the extreme attention to detail on the hitch, that they dropped the hook mounts. . I suspect it may be an overall strength thing.

[Kyle M]

Just installed the execuhitch w/oe harness and it was a simple install. Not to mention free coding from Okee @ codemycar. Great product, get customer service.

Main dif after towing with it, it's so smooth. With the ball mount directly attached (not slid into a receiver) there is no jerking and clunking while driving. I have to assume it's much kinder on the driveline.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Diesel X5

I bought the BMW wire harness for $320 and installed it my self and then had ECU Programing in Calgary hook up the two wires to the fuse panel and program the trailer module for $150. The Bmw harness comes with the 7 pin and 4 pin together. Not sure what the part # is but it might depend on what options you have.
.

After toiling with this decision, I've decided to do the curt hitch with BMW OEM harness.

I just want to confirm, that the BMW OEM harness' physical install is simply plug and play, correct? (I'm aware I have to do additional programming afterwards)

Is it possible to install the harness after the hitch is installed and the bumper is back on the car?

Also, can you confirm the curt model that you used and if possible can you give me a few more pics of what it looks like installed (side views). The pics I found on google were mostly pre-LCI X5s, and you are the only person I've seen with a LCI X5 bumper.
Thanks!

[Diesel X5]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

After toiling with this decision, I've decided to do the curt hitch with BMW OEM harness.

I just want to confirm, that the BMW OEM harness' physical install is simply plug and play, correct? (I'm aware I have to do additional programming afterwards)

Is it possible to install the harness after the hitch is installed and the bumper is back on the car?

Also, can you confirm the curt model that you used and if possible can you give me a few more pics of what it looks like installed (side views). The pics I found on google were mostly pre-LCI X5s, and you are the only person I've seen with a LCI X5 bumper.
Thanks!

The BMW wire harness part # is 71-60-2-156-526 called ELECTRICAL KIT
The Curt Hitch is a class III receiver hitch Item # 13077
I also used the wireless brake control. I-stop RF brake control made by prodigy. All of these part numbers might be for Canada only ?

The wire harness was easy to install just plug in with quick connects and you should be able to install after the bumper is on. There are two wires that need to wire into the fuse panel, I had a shop that programed the module install the two wires as I didn't have the confidence to mess with the fuse panel. I also went with the wireless brake controller as I didn't want to cut into any of the BMW wire harness in the truck.

I will get you some more pics tomorrow of the side view.

I am happy the way everything works and towing is great, I have towed my travel trailer for about eight trips into the mountains maybe 3000 miles total.

[RADRACR]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

After toiling with this decision, I've decided to do the curt hitch with BMW OEM harness.

I just want to confirm, that the BMW OEM harness' physical install is simply plug and play, correct? (I'm aware I have to do additional programming afterwards)

It's not as fast as "plug in here and you're done" but if you can read and understand English, you can DIY using the PDF mentioned earlier. No technical knowledge required. Nothing special or confusing about the fuse box. Note that there is one wire that is hidden by tape. You'll know it when you get to it.

Is it possible to install the harness after the hitch is installed and the bumper is back on the car?

The guy above me says yes, but I say no. Especially if your X5 is equipped with Comfort Access, as you need to integrate those wires into the harness. If it is possible, it must be 99% easier with the bumper off.

[Diesel X5]

[QUOTE=Flying Ace;18383571]After toiling with this decision, I've decided to do the curt hitch with BMW OEM harness.

Ok so I had a look under the bumper and it is possible to feed the harness up through the grommet into the back fuse panel area but you would need a extra set of hands as it won't be easy. On my setup there seems to be a bit of room to reach the plugs for the comfort access connections but it would be a lot better if the bumper was removed.
There is another posting above with the PDF for the install of both hitch and harness that is dead on for the install.
Here are some pics I have of the Hitch.
Hope these help.

[Flying Ace]

[QUOTE=Diesel X5;18387652]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

After toiling with this decision, I've decided to do the curt hitch with BMW OEM harness.

Ok so I had a look under the bumper and it is possible to feed the harness up through the grommet into the back fuse panel area but you would need a extra set of hands as it won't be easy. On my setup there seems to be a bit of room to reach the plugs for the comfort access connections but it would be a lot better if the bumper was removed.
There is another posting above with the PDF for the install of both hitch and harness that is dead on for the install.
Here are some pics I have of the Hitch.
Hope these help.

Looks great thanks

[witz323]

Can anyone with an M Sport Rear Bumper provide any details (hoping for part numbers) on a clean hitch install? I have a 2011 50i msport that I will have to add a hitch to this winter and I refuse to cut the bumper.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by witz323

Can anyone with an M Sport Rear Bumper provide any details (hoping for part numbers) on a clean hitch install? I have a 2011 50i msport that I will have to add a hitch to this winter and I refuse to cut the bumper.

The Curt hitch is one of the more inexpensive options - no bumper cutting, though the receiver will always be visible if that makes any difference to you.

Or, Execuhitch. Quite a bit more $ than the Curt - no bumper cutting, and the receiver only visible when towing. I went this route - no regrets.

http://execuhitch.com/tow-hitches/bmw-x5-and-x5m/

[witz323]

Thanks for the info. That execu hitch looks very nice. Did you go with the BMW wiring harness?

I don't mind the look of the Curt. Can anyone confirm if Curt Hitch part number 13077 will work with the msport rear bumper? This is the only hitch available for the 2011 X5. I do not want to cut the bumper.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by witz323

Thanks for the info. That execu hitch looks very nice. Did you go with the BMW wiring harness?

I don't mind the look of the Curt. Can anyone confirm if Curt Hitch part number 13077 will work with the msport rear bumper? This is the only hitch available for the 2011 X5. I do not want to cut the bumper.

I'm only using the hitch for a bike rack, so no wiring harness. It will work on a 2011 - same rear bumper as my 2012.

Curt will work with the M Sport - 'rennis' has an M Sport w/ the Curt hitch, and probably others on here..