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      09-04-2018, 01:19 AM   #155
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CamaroMac24 that is a Curt hitch, I installed one on Saturday as well on an E70.

The eTrailer.com site has about four videos on installing on an x5, each is slightly different so watch them all. One guy ends up breaking a few tabs during the bumper removal and does not remove the tail lights to allow access to the release tabs and then just pulls off the four bolt caps instead of unscrewing them. In the end you have to use adhesive to put the caps back on with a Curt anyways.

The center part under the rear bumper fascia where you remove four of the six 8mm screws is removable, I removed it from the bumper cover and test fitted it until the four screws were able to install. This allows you to cut out just enough to allow the receiver through without having to put the entire bumper on and off to test fit.

To hold the rear tailgate at an angle use a bungee cord connected to the tonneau cover which slides to adjust the tension/angle.
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Last edited by Glim; 09-04-2018 at 02:20 AM.. Reason: added more pictures post install.
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      09-12-2018, 08:21 AM   #156
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Glim View Post
CamaroMac24 that is a Curt hitch, I installed one on Saturday as well on an E70.

The eTrailer.com site has about four videos on installing on an x5, each is slightly different so watch them all. One guy ends up breaking a few tabs during the bumper removal and does not remove the tail lights to allow access to the release tabs and then just pulls off the four bolt caps instead of unscrewing them. In the end you have to use adhesive to put the caps back on with a Curt anyways.

The center part under the rear bumper fascia where you remove four of the six 8mm screws is removable, I removed it from the bumper cover and test fitted it until the four screws were able to install. This allows you to cut out just enough to allow the receiver through without having to put the entire bumper on and off to test fit.

To hold the rear tailgate at an angle use a bungee cord connected to the tonneau cover which slides to adjust the tension/angle.

Where is your wiring harness? I'm trying to figure out where/how to mount mine
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      11-10-2018, 03:20 AM   #157
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Glim View Post
CamaroMac24 that is a Curt hitch, I installed one on Saturday as well on an E70.

The eTrailer.com site has about four videos on installing on an x5, each is slightly different so watch them all. One guy ends up breaking a few tabs during the bumper removal and does not remove the tail lights to allow access to the release tabs and then just pulls off the four bolt caps instead of unscrewing them. In the end you have to use adhesive to put the caps back on with a Curt anyways.

The center part under the rear bumper fascia where you remove four of the six 8mm screws is removable, I removed it from the bumper cover and test fitted it until the four screws were able to install. This allows you to cut out just enough to allow the receiver through without having to put the entire bumper on and off to test fit.

To hold the rear tailgate at an angle use a bungee cord connected to the tonneau cover which slides to adjust the tension/angle.
Looks Like this is the one we will be getting. Thanks for the pictures!
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      06-03-2019, 05:04 PM   #158
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Jumping into the convo to double check some stale info;
I'm looking to install a hitch on my E70 X5M, between OEM and Stealth Hitch. Execuhitch.com has two dead phone numbers so i'm not sure they are still doing business.

My question is around the costs of installation/programming. BMW quoted me $700 for the OEM hitch and then $800 for the labor. I see that the OEM hitch is $400 on ESC & Turner. I'd never go to the dealer for work but they said that only they can do the programming. The cost of programming alone at the dealer is $250.

I'd love to do OEM but then do I still have to go back to the dealer for programming? I'd hate to have to organize buying a hitch, setting up shipping, taking it to an indy shop for installation, and then taking it back to the dealer for programming. Seems like way too much work for a tow hitch.

To make matters even more confusing the official BMW NA installation guide for the OEM kit is 2.5 hours, WITH programming.

Not really sure what the best play is here. (Part numbers 71602156525 and 71602185556 for the trim if I go OEM). Need to tow a 22' Cobalt
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      06-03-2019, 05:28 PM   #159
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Y13LD View Post
Jumping into the convo to double check some stale info;
I'm looking to install a hitch on my E70 X5M, between OEM and Stealth Hitch. Execuhitch.com has two dead phone numbers so i'm not sure they are still doing business.

My question is around the costs of installation/programming. BMW quoted me $700 for the OEM hitch and then $800 for the labor. I see that the OEM hitch is $400 on ESC & Turner. I'd never go to the dealer for work but they said that only they can do the programming. The cost of programming alone at the dealer is $250.

I'd love to do OEM but then do I still have to go back to the dealer for programming? I'd hate to have to organize buying a hitch, setting up shipping, taking it to an indy shop for installation, and then taking it back to the dealer for programming. Seems like way too much work for a tow hitch.

To make matters even more confusing the official BMW NA installation guide for the OEM kit is 2.5 hours, WITH programming.

Not really sure what the best play is here. (Part numbers 71602156525 and 71602185556 for the trim if I go OEM). Need to tow a 22' Cobalt
$1500 at the dealer vs. $650 buying it yourself/dealer programs later... seems like the extra appointment would be worth the savings to me. ECS & Turner are both top vendors, never had any issues with shipping with them. You should also check the price at Tischer (www.getbmwparts.com).

I didn't want to deal w/ the install (I have execuhitch) so I had a local body shop install mine - you could try that too, maybe less than an Indy shop

I only intended to use my hitch for a bike rack so no electrical or coding in my case. However, a lot of BMW owners are doing their own coding with Carly app, you could look into that?

https://www.mycarly.com/en/app/bmw/
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      06-03-2019, 06:04 PM   #160
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Arrow

I recommend reading this thread in entirety. It's all DIY. The programming can be done by an experienced individual remotely (not the dealer) and though I've never used it because it wasn't available at the time, it looks like the Carly app can program it. All the "programming" is, is telling the vehicle "yes, enable the towing harness". No reason for a dealer visit with the information provided in this thread. For the hitch itself and the harness, I spent only $400 total.
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      06-05-2019, 03:29 AM   #161
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Anyone recommend a preferred brand of brake controller?
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      07-11-2019, 11:13 PM   #162
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Execuhitch

Best money spent, check what I'm pulling. Can't see a cut out or anything it's all underneath hidden
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      07-12-2019, 05:50 AM   #163
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I am sure they still probably cut the bumper but since it's underneath, you don't see it?

Any pictures of the install from below?
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      07-12-2019, 09:07 AM   #164
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Quote:
Originally Posted by quick View Post
I am sure they still probably cut the bumper but since it's underneath, you don't see it?

Any pictures of the install from below?
I'll take a pic this morning
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      07-12-2019, 10:23 AM   #165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by quick View Post
I am sure they still probably cut the bumper but since it's underneath, you don't see it?

Any pictures of the install from below?
Hope this helps
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      07-12-2019, 05:44 PM   #166
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Great. Is Execuhitch and Invisihitch the same thing? Where and how much did you pay for it? Feel free to PM the Info if you don't want to post here

Thanks
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      07-12-2019, 06:08 PM   #167
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Quote:
Originally Posted by quick View Post
Great. Is Execuhitch and Invisihitch the same thing? Where and how much did you pay for it? Feel free to PM the Info if you don't want to post here

Thanks
Yes it's the same thing, price varies. Check out the website. Def worth it though. Keeps the beast looking clean and no cut outs and take it off and looks like nothing there. I do suggest getting the wireless brake control. Amazon for like 2-3 bills. This way no splicing or cutting
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      07-12-2019, 08:46 PM   #168
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Thanks, glad to hear your + experience. I was bit reluctant where I was told it might need bit of bumper cutting but I know now it doesn't.
Thanks again
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      01-26-2021, 08:05 AM   #169
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Does anybody know what the part number or name is for the rubber seal/gasket that goes around the cut opening? Mine is starting to dry rot and crack and needs replaced and I can’t figure out where to get one. Thanks!

E70 X5M
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Last edited by MarcusDFW; 01-26-2021 at 08:07 AM.. Reason: Add picture
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      02-19-2021, 03:13 AM   #170
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Obviously I don't visit this forum much, but was recently perusing some towing threads as I'm swapping track cars. Just dropping a few pics here to show what is possible and safe as I have been towing with an open trailer since 2013, and an enclosed trailer since 2019. I typically tow to about 10 events each year, with each being 200-400 miles RT, so about 3000 miles/year. The open trailer was barely noticeable at half the weight of the enclosed trailer, but with the diesel torque, it pulls fine with the enclosed trailer even through the mountains.

My setup has always worked well:

2012 X535d, original shocks, no air shocks and no mods (currently with only 70K miles, annual oil changes, just did first trans oil/pan, diff and transaxle oil changes) Absolutely zero issues, not counting the typical SCR/NOX gremlins replaced under warranty years ago.
Execuhitch with OEM wiring harness (I bought and installed in 2013)
No weight distribution bar - hasn't been needed, with properly planned and measured weight distribution to keep 500-600Lbs tongue weight (using Sherline LM2000), no sway, no dipping.

Originally towing 2013 - 2018:
2004 Trailex CT-7541, surge brakes (about 900Lbs empty)
1995 BMW M3 (stripped, but not fully gutted, 3000Lbs)

Recently towing (2019 to present):
2019 Stealth 8.5' x 20' aluminum car hauler (about 2650 Lbs)
Curt Echo wireless trailer brake controller
1995 BMW M3 (stripped, but not fully gutted, 3000Lbs)
300Lbs of gas, tires and tools

2021 and beyond towing:
2019 Stealth 8.5' x 20' aluminum car hauler (about 2650 Lbs)
Curt Echo wireless trailer brake controller
2016 Porsche GT4 Clubsport (about 2850Lbs)
300Lbs of gas, tires and tools

I highly recommend professional annual trailer inspections to check tires, axles, hubs, brakes, etc. Happy towing!







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      03-10-2021, 08:41 AM   #171
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Reviving from the dead, I don't see anyone who's used a Curt hitch with their X5M. I want to confirm there is no cutting of the bumper, WITH the x5M bumper. I see countless pics with non-M cars, but nothing with an M. Anyone have experience? For $350 or so vs $1k, I can't justify that Invisi, I'll just remove the curt for 95% of the year instead lol
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      03-13-2021, 09:36 AM   #172
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All the receiver hitches installed at the factory location require cutting. My X5m was cut for the oem hitch.
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      03-18-2021, 09:17 AM   #173
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I have read this thread in its entirety a few times as well as other threads on other forums about hitch setups for the E70. I have also read the installation manuals and watched as many videos as I could find, because I too do not want to cut apart my bumper. This is what I have found thus far:

BMW OEM Hitch - very noticeable cut out in the vertical portion of the rear bumper (as seen in multiple pictures in this thread).

Stealth Hitch (once called Execuhitch and Invisihitch) - requires cutting a 3.25" deep x 14.5" wide portion out of the horizontal silver/metallic colored plastic fascia that is located underneath the bumper. I have not seen this in person, however, they claim it's not noticeable since it is underneath.

Curt Hitch - requires cutting a 2.25" deep x 4" wide portion out of the horizontal silver/metallic colored plastic fascia that is located underneath the bumper. Again, same as above, I have not seen this in person, however, it's claimed to be not noticeable since it is underneath.

In my opinion, these are the only 3 options for a hitch for the E70 generation, and all of them require some sort of cutting. Personally, I feel that the cut out for the BMW OEM hitch option looks absolutely horrible, my apologies to those that went this route. That being said I feel there are only 2 real options, even though the cut out in the fascia underneath for the Stealth Hitch is larger and the product is more expensive this is the option I will be going with since the receiver portion can be removed from the hitch cross beam and out of sight unlike the Curt hitch. I keep going back and forth because I did not want to cut the lower fascia, but we need a bike rack, now I just need to pull the trigger and do it.
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      03-18-2021, 09:27 AM   #174
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ecoBMW View Post
I have read this thread in its entirety a few times as well as other threads on other forums about hitch setups for the E70. I have also read the installation manuals and watched as many videos as I could find, because I too do not want to cut apart my bumper. This is what I have found thus far:

BMW OEM Hitch - very noticeable cut out in the vertical portion of the rear bumper (as seen in multiple pictures in this thread).

Stealth Hitch (once called Execuhitch and Invisihitch) - requires cutting a 3.25" deep x 14.5" wide portion out of the horizontal silver/metallic colored plastic fascia that is located underneath the bumper. I have not seen this in person, however, they claim it's not noticeable since it is underneath.

Curt Hitch - requires cutting a 2.25" deep x 4" wide portion out of the horizontal silver/metallic colored plastic fascia that is located underneath the bumper. Again, same as above, I have not seen this in person, however, it's claimed to be not noticeable since it is underneath.

In my opinion, these are the only 3 options for a hitch for the E70 generation, and all of them require some sort of cutting. Personally, I feel that the cut out for the BMW OEM hitch option looks absolutely horrible, my apologies to those that went this route. That being said I feel there are only 2 real options, even though the cut out in the fascia underneath for the Stealth Hitch is larger and the product is more expensive this is the option I will be going with since the receiver portion can be removed from the hitch cross beam and out of sight unlike the Curt hitch. I keep going back and forth because I did not want to cut the lower fascia, but we need a bike rack, now I just need to pull the trigger and do it.
If you’re only doing this for a bike rack, why not just get the BMW rack that goes into the tow hook hole? Seems like much less effort and cost to accomplish the same goal, and with absolutely 0 cutting. I’ve seen a few used for sale.

https://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/917/BMW-REAR-MOUNTED-BICYCLE-CARRIER
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      03-18-2021, 10:57 AM   #175
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GTBrandon, that would be a great option. However, we need to be able to carry 4 bikes and that rack only carries 2.
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      03-19-2021, 03:40 PM   #176
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There is always a roof rack. Personally I think hitch mounted racks are the way to go. But you’ll need a receiver hitch for most. So roof or cutting are pretty much the choices. Or do this to a different vehicle. I had a hitch on my e90 for bikes. No cutting with a uhaul hitch.
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