Quote:
Originally Posted by KeithOwen
Hi all, I'm new here, so hi to everyone.
I recently (April) purchased a 2010 X5M and it has a tow hitch that I haven't seen anyone mention before (unless I missed it, which is entirely possible!).
It's an OEM hitch from BMW and comes with a multi-language instruction booklet that describes it as an "electrically pivoting tow bar".
It's hidden under the rear bumper/fender cover when not in use. When you need it, it is activated by a button hidden under the left boot/trunk cover. This swings it out from under the fender and into position where it locks. The same button swings it back under the fender. It takes about 4-5 seconds to swing out & in.
There are a couple of numbers on the back of the booklet (6 850 746 and 0102.1180.503/00). I'm not sure if these are part numbers for the booklet or the hitch - I can't seem to find them anywhere on the internet. Unfortunately there's no other mention of part numbers, and no information on towing capacity etc.
I've attached some photos showing it hidden and deployed, and a couple of videos showing how it works.
Edit: I think I found some part numbers:
71 60 6 797 519 (tow coupling)
0102.0980.915 (screw set consisting of 8 pieces)
0102.1180.900 (Contents: Manual & Info)
Diagram here: https://www.bmwautodalys.lt/en/catal...203/R/A/2011/0 |
I really like this, although it seems to be a EU only part.
There must be something in US DOT laws that prevent this from being legal on our roads. If I had to guess there is most likely something that says the entire hitch system needs to be mounted and secured to the frame/unibody. Since this has the moving parts it could be a weaker connection to the frame.
Thanks for sharing this, I love to see technology and what is out there.