BMW e70 OEM Tow Hitch and harness Question

adriang · 11-10-2017, 06:19 PM

I just purchased a towing hitch and harness from ecstuning but it’s missing the module (AHM module?)
Is the module needed to get lights to a trailer?

this is the wiring I have.https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...s/71602156526/

What module do I need?

335dsleeper · 11-11-2017, 06:42 AM

You’ll need the module and then it’ll have to be coded, without coding the lights won’t work correctly.

adriang · 12-03-2017, 06:58 PM

Thanks for your response. I ended up getting a new set of wiring with the module as well...

Then I got it installed and programmed but brake lights don't work.... turn signals and day running lights work but still at a loss searching for the cause for my brakes lights not working...spent an hour hooking up to all Home Depot's rental trailers....

The iDrive gives me a notification about the brake lights too

deansbimmer · 12-04-2017, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adriang

Thanks for your response. I ended up getting a new set of wiring with the module as well...

Then I got it installed and programmed but brake lights don't work.... turn signals and day running lights work but still at a loss searching for the cause for my brakes lights not working...spent an hour hooking up to all Home Depot's rental trailers....

The iDrive gives me a notification about the brake lights too

It sounds like the car is not coded properly. How did you "program" it?

kooyajerms · 12-05-2017, 09:16 AM

SO can someone clarify. If you buy an x5 e70 without a hitch, you need to buy this kit 71602156525? I thought it has the module wiring and hitch all included?

What kit did you buy OP ? Hitch and wiring harness separate?

what have i got into · 12-05-2017, 09:02 PM

I bought the hitch and harness separate. The harness I ordered was the 71602156525 from ECS and it had all the parts and module. The X5 had to go in to BMW for a software update so I asked them to add the trailer coding so they did it for free. The hitch was the Draw-Tite receiver hitch Class IV Max-Frame Receiver Part #: 75600. I chose this hitch because of the no-cutting required. All went together smooth and no problems with the lights or warnings. 2013 X5 35D

WuCreW · 12-06-2017, 06:46 AM

Can I ask how/where you guys are mounting the harness plug? I installed my hitch but the harness is just hanging right now. I tie wrapped it up behind for now.

Thecastle · 12-06-2017, 08:20 AM

The OEM hitch has a mount, next to the reciever for the 7 pin plug.

I'd suggest you fashion a little metal bracket and attache the plug to it and attach the other end to the frame. I would not leave it dangling long term, its a recipe for tugging on connections that aren't designed to bear weight and wire rubbing.

what have i got into · 12-06-2017, 09:12 PM

I welded on a bracket to the side of the hitch. Pollak 12-711U Right Angle Mounting Bracket for 7-Way Trailer Connector

askjeeves · 12-06-2017, 10:45 PM

If anyone has the wiring harness laying around, can you please take a picture of the connectors on the ends of the four wires that are red with stripes and are to be connected into the fuse panel please. I purchased the hitch and harness used and these wires were cut, so I want to make sure I use the right connectors.

WuCreW · 12-07-2017, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thecastle

The OEM hitch has a mount, next to the reciever for the 7 pin plug.

I'd suggest you fashion a little metal bracket and attache the plug to it and attach the other end to the frame. I would not leave it dangling long term, its a recipe for tugging on connections that aren't designed to bear weight and wire rubbing.

I dont have the OEM hitch so that wont work for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by what have i got into

I welded on a bracket to the side of the hitch. Pollak 12-711U Right Angle Mounting Bracket for 7-Way Trailer Connector

Perfect just what I was wondering how others were doing it, thanks

gatorheel74 · 12-07-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by what have i got into

The hitch was the Draw-Tite receiver hitch Class IV Max-Frame Receiver Part #: 75600. I chose this hitch because of the no-cutting required. All went together smooth and no problems with the lights or warnings. 2013 X5 35D

Just to make sure I understand correctly, you still have to cut the fascia on the bottom of the bumper right? Meaning, your comment about "no cut" meant that you don't have to make the big visible notch like you do with the OEM hitch?
Out of curiosity, did your research turn up any difference between the Draw-Tite and Curt options?

Matt

what have i got into · 12-08-2017, 08:02 PM

I did absolutely no cutting with this hitch. Now I don't know if I got lucky and somehow the bumper came from the factory with this big u-shape cut out of it, but mine already had the u-shape factory cut. I think that's where people are having to cut. So you never see it unless you are under the car.

adriang · 12-09-2017, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

It sounds like the car is not coded properly. How did you "program" it?

I went to a programmer to get it programmed...don't know what he changed though

I followed the install instructions which says to use fuse 116, 118, 143 and 144 however when i look at my fuse map of my car it says the hitch fuses are 116, 143, 144 and 138.... do you think this would be why I don't have the brake lights, assuming the programmer did the programming correctly?

Ryan5034 · 12-10-2017, 10:02 PM

When I installed mine before it was programmed everything worked just fine EXCEPT the brake lights.

Once programmed at the BMW Dealer the brake lights worked. I can only guess that it's not programmed correctly.

gatorheel74 · 12-11-2017, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by what have i got into

I did absolutely no cutting with this hitch. Now I don't know if I got lucky and somehow the bumper came from the factory with this big u-shape cut out of it, but mine already had the u-shape factory cut. I think that's where people are having to cut. So you never see it unless you are under the car.

I think you did get lucky. My bumper goes straight across there. A little unnerving to have to cut bumper, but at least it's all on the bottom so it doesn't have to be perfect....

Fred Sanders · 05-29-2018, 10:17 PM

I just purchased the OEM tow kit but I'm a bit confused about the trim piece the installation instructions reference. The instructions indicated I need to cut the bumper cover. Is there a template for it? Also, I found two part numbers for the trim piece 71600035371, and 71602185557. At one point, I was pretty sure the part I wanted was the second part number, now after looking around, I'm not so sure.

Some guidance/pointers from folks that have tackled this would be greatly appreciated.

what have i got into · 05-29-2018, 10:35 PM

Not that this helps you at all, but that's why I went with an aftermarket hitch because from what I could find, the OEM hitch comes out pretty high up such that you have to cut a pretty good chunk of the bumper. I also don't know if different model years have different bumper fascia thus the different trim pieces.
The first part number you mentioned looks like an older model bumper:
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...tow-hitch.html

The second part number looks like a newer model year bumper:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=9080070
scroll all the way down that post for the image

maviaman · 10-14-2019, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adriang

Thanks for your response. I ended up getting a new set of wiring with the module as well...

Then I got it installed and programmed but brake lights don't work.... turn signals and day running lights work but still at a loss searching for the cause for my brakes lights not working...spent an hour hooking up to all Home Depot's rental trailers....

The iDrive gives me a notification about the brake lights too

Hi, Can you pls let me know the # for the Harness that you bought with the AHM module, as ECS says they dont have the harnesses with modules and cannot order it

adriang · 05-21-2022, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maviaman

Quote:

Originally Posted by adriang

Thanks for your response. I ended up getting a new set of wiring with the module as well...

Then I got it installed and programmed but brake lights don't work.... turn signals and day running lights work but still at a loss searching for the cause for my brakes lights not working...spent an hour hooking up to all Home Depot's rental trailers....

The iDrive gives me a notification about the brake lights too

Hi, Can you pls let me know the # for the Harness that you bought with the AHM module, as ECS says they dont have the harnesses with modules and cannot order it

Your best bet is to call etrailers.com and ask them specifically for your car.

TRENDSETTER · 05-31-2022, 10:01 PM

Just an FYI. I'm in Canada. Did my research on etrailer and although I didn't purchase from them due to the border/exchange rate/shipping deal etc. I ordered more locally or at least closer to me. Anyway i order the tekonsha ZCI (i think) kit and was a simple quick instal without splicing wires or anything. Was easier than any of my previous plug and play in bed 5th wheel plug installs on my trucks. Super quick and easy just not as convenient and factory looking as a teuck. But no lit will be for these things. After the install which didn't take long it took maybe a minite to set up by going through the process. And was good to go the first time round.
And to confirm x2 from above. If yournin the US call or resch out to etrailer. They are the go to for hitch anything in the states period.

11-10-2017, 06:19 PM	#1
adriang ****** 64 Rep 750 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X2 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	BMW e70 OEM Tow Hitch and harness Question I just purchased a towing hitch and harness from ecstuning but it’s missing the module (AHM module?) Is the module needed to get lights to a trailer? this is the wiring I have.https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...s/71602156526/ What module do I need? Last edited by adriang; 11-11-2017 at 08:59 AM..
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11-11-2017, 06:42 AM	#2
335dsleeper Banned 389 Rep 1,623 Posts Drives: 09' 335d 10'35D Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Suffolk, va iTrader: (0)	You’ll need the module and then it’ll have to be coded, without coding the lights won’t work correctly.
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12-03-2017, 06:58 PM	#3
adriang ****** 64 Rep 750 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X2 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for your response. I ended up getting a new set of wiring with the module as well... Then I got it installed and programmed but brake lights don't work.... turn signals and day running lights work but still at a loss searching for the cause for my brakes lights not working...spent an hour hooking up to all Home Depot's rental trailers.... The iDrive gives me a notification about the brake lights too
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12-05-2017, 09:16 AM	#5
kooyajerms New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2004 Touareg V10 TDI 97 Passat Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Pomona, CA iTrader: (0)	SO can someone clarify. If you buy an x5 e70 without a hitch, you need to buy this kit 71602156525? I thought it has the module wiring and hitch all included? What kit did you buy OP ? Hitch and wiring harness separate?
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12-05-2017, 09:02 PM	#6
what have i got into Private 14 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2012 135i, 2013 X5d Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (1)	I bought the hitch and harness separate. The harness I ordered was the 71602156525 from ECS and it had all the parts and module. The X5 had to go in to BMW for a software update so I asked them to add the trailer coding so they did it for free. The hitch was the Draw-Tite receiver hitch Class IV Max-Frame Receiver Part #: 75600. I chose this hitch because of the no-cutting required. All went together smooth and no problems with the lights or warnings. 2013 X5 35D
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12-06-2017, 06:46 AM	#7
WuCreW New Member 3 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 3.5L Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Can I ask how/where you guys are mounting the harness plug? I installed my hitch but the harness is just hanging right now. I tie wrapped it up behind for now.
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12-06-2017, 08:20 AM	#8
Thecastle Major 307 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: F10 550i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00] 2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00]	The OEM hitch has a mount, next to the reciever for the 7 pin plug. I'd suggest you fashion a little metal bracket and attache the plug to it and attach the other end to the frame. I would not leave it dangling long term, its a recipe for tugging on connections that aren't designed to bear weight and wire rubbing.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-06-2017, 09:12 PM	#9
what have i got into Private 14 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2012 135i, 2013 X5d Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (1)	I welded on a bracket to the side of the hitch. Pollak 12-711U Right Angle Mounting Bracket for 7-Way Trailer Connector
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12-06-2017, 10:45 PM	#10
askjeeves Captain 147 Rep 957 Posts Drives: e92 m3/spece30 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	If anyone has the wiring harness laying around, can you please take a picture of the connectors on the ends of the four wires that are red with stripes and are to be connected into the fuse panel please. I purchased the hitch and harness used and these wires were cut, so I want to make sure I use the right connectors. __________________ 2011 e92 ///m3 zcp - jzb/fr ED 6/29/10
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12-08-2017, 08:02 PM	#13
what have i got into Private 14 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2012 135i, 2013 X5d Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (1)	I did absolutely no cutting with this hitch. Now I don't know if I got lucky and somehow the bumper came from the factory with this big u-shape cut out of it, but mine already had the u-shape factory cut. I think that's where people are having to cut. So you never see it unless you are under the car.
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12-10-2017, 10:02 PM	#15
Ryan5034 First Lieutenant 83 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 50i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Fargo, ND iTrader: (1) Garage List 2019 BMW X5 xdrive50 [0.00] [0.00] 2011 BMW X5 xdrive 50 [0.00] 1964 Chevrolet Bel-Air [0.00]	When I installed mine before it was programmed everything worked just fine EXCEPT the brake lights. Once programmed at the BMW Dealer the brake lights worked. I can only guess that it's not programmed correctly.
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05-29-2018, 10:17 PM	#17
Fred Sanders Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: X5 35D Join Date: May 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Cutting for OEM Kit and Trim Piece I just purchased the OEM tow kit but I'm a bit confused about the trim piece the installation instructions reference. The instructions indicated I need to cut the bumper cover. Is there a template for it? Also, I found two part numbers for the trim piece 71600035371, and 71602185557. At one point, I was pretty sure the part I wanted was the second part number, now after looking around, I'm not so sure. Some guidance/pointers from folks that have tackled this would be greatly appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2018, 10:35 PM	#18
what have i got into Private 14 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2012 135i, 2013 X5d Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (1)	Not that this helps you at all, but that's why I went with an aftermarket hitch because from what I could find, the OEM hitch comes out pretty high up such that you have to cut a pretty good chunk of the bumper. I also don't know if different model years have different bumper fascia thus the different trim pieces. The first part number you mentioned looks like an older model bumper: https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...tow-hitch.html The second part number looks like a newer model year bumper: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=9080070 scroll all the way down that post for the image
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05-31-2022, 10:01 PM	#21
TRENDSETTER Enlisted Member 2 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW X5, Duramax LBZ, Mazda CX- Join Date: May 2022 Location: Right here Man... iTrader: (0)	Just an FYI. I'm in Canada. Did my research on etrailer and although I didn't purchase from them due to the border/exchange rate/shipping deal etc. I ordered more locally or at least closer to me. Anyway i order the tekonsha ZCI (i think) kit and was a simple quick instal without splicing wires or anything. Was easier than any of my previous plug and play in bed 5th wheel plug installs on my trucks. Super quick and easy just not as convenient and factory looking as a teuck. But no lit will be for these things. After the install which didn't take long it took maybe a minite to set up by going through the process. And was good to go the first time round. And to confirm x2 from above. If yournin the US call or resch out to etrailer. They are the go to for hitch anything in the states period.
	Appreciate 0 Quote