XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum
 
TireRack





Go Back   XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum > BMW X5 Forums > General BMW X5 (E70) and X5M Forum (2006-2013)

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-24-2014, 08:58 PM   #1
buster84
Major
United_States
337
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: 2009 335I X-Drive E90
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (2)

Tow Hitch

I've seen so many different types of tow hitches online, does it matter what type of hitch they are other than the rating being for 6000+ lbs.

Is there any reason for me to not go with the oem bmw one? or any reason on why its preferred to go with the oem one? What aftermarket ones would you recommend?

Also would the X5 be able to tow my 2009 e93 335i with a uhaul trailer or is that to much weight? I haven't decided if my friend is driving the other car yet or if its easier for me to tow it.
__________________
2015 BMW M4 F83
2009 335i X-Drive | GC 2.0 Turbos (sold)
2009 335i e93 (Sold)
2007 Bmw X5 (Sold)
Appreciate 0
      04-25-2014, 05:34 PM   #2
boom
My X5d tows my spec miata to the track.
United_States
74
Rep
1,254
Posts

Drives: 2010 X5 35d
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

I got a Curt hitch from an online store for $159. IIRC it was called Hitch Anything. Google it. I bought the OEM barnes for like $188. Installed it myself. The Curt sits lower and you don't have to cut the bumper as much. It's a pretty significant difference. it does not have a mount for the trailer connector. I tuck mine up in the hitch and it stays put very well. I just pull it down when I tow.
Appreciate 2
      04-25-2014, 05:42 PM   #3
buster84
Major
United_States
337
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: 2009 335I X-Drive E90
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boom
I got a Curt hitch from an online store for $159. IIRC it was called Hitch Anything. Google it. I bought the OEM barnes for like $188. Installed it myself. The Curt sits lower and you don't have to cut the bumper as much. It's a pretty significant difference. it does not have a mount for the trailer connector. I tuck mine up in the hitch and it stays put very well. I just pull it down when I tow.
So the oem one requires the bumper to be cut? Do you happen to have any pictures of your setup?
__________________
2015 BMW M4 F83
2009 335i X-Drive | GC 2.0 Turbos (sold)
2009 335i e93 (Sold)
2007 Bmw X5 (Sold)
Appreciate 0
      04-25-2014, 06:50 PM   #4
mitch808
Captain
107
Rep
994
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5 35i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

The max for your X5 is 6000lbs. The 335 is probably no more than 3500, plus the trailer.
The UHaul Auto Transporter is 2200 lbs, so very close to the 6000lb limit.

There are also 2wheel dollies as well, if you feel like removing your driveshaft and lift by the front tires.

I know for the suburban I've owned and just about any other domestic tow vehicle I've worked on, I ALWAYS install a Trans cooler, even if not towing. Heat kills a trans, real fast. A Trans cooler can bring down temps anywhere from 20-50deg, which in a craptastic 4L60e, can mean life or death for that thing.

Not sure if the X5 has anything like that. But if towing a lot or a long distance, I'd highly recommend it.

So that said, get the max tow rating you can find (e.g. 6000lbs), a high tongue weight rating, and the appropriate ball and always buy a lock, and the wiring harness to integrate your brake/driving lights. Oh, if in a hilly area, inspect your brakes and/or replace with a higher performing heavy duty pad.
__________________
2012 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity - Alpine White - M Sport Package
Appreciate 0
      04-26-2014, 11:36 AM   #5
gan23
Lieutenant
184
Rep
421
Posts

Drives: X5M '18 XM’23 X5 50e 24
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (0)

Here's a link to a tow hitch setting.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/11/08/ph...-2010-bmw-x5m/

I've included a picture of mine with the cut bumper.

gan23
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      04-26-2014, 12:19 PM   #6
buster84
Major
United_States
337
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: 2009 335I X-Drive E90
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mitch808 View Post
The max for your X5 is 6000lbs. The 335 is probably no more than 3500, plus the trailer.
The UHaul Auto Transporter is 2200 lbs, so very close to the 6000lb limit.

There are also 2wheel dollies as well, if you feel like removing your driveshaft and lift by the front tires.

I know for the suburban I've owned and just about any other domestic tow vehicle I've worked on, I ALWAYS install a Trans cooler, even if not towing. Heat kills a trans, real fast. A Trans cooler can bring down temps anywhere from 20-50deg, which in a craptastic 4L60e, can mean life or death for that thing.

Not sure if the X5 has anything like that. But if towing a lot or a long distance, I'd highly recommend it.

So that said, get the max tow rating you can find (e.g. 6000lbs), a high tongue weight rating, and the appropriate ball and always buy a lock, and the wiring harness to integrate your brake/driving lights. Oh, if in a hilly area, inspect your brakes and/or replace with a higher performing heavy duty pad.
Good info thanks! When you say wiring harness does that control the brakes of the Hitch too? according to this my convertible is 4,000lbs so that might be cutting the limit on the tow... I guess i'll have to most likely end up driving the car then since i was planning to tow it from CA to FL and thats a 3,500 mile drive...

Quote:
Originally Posted by gan23 View Post
Here's a link to a tow hitch setting.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/11/08/ph...-2010-bmw-x5m/

I've included a picture of mine with the cut bumper.

gan23
That looks good, I don't have that bumper though... is that aftermarket? The tow hitch looks like it belongs there lol.
__________________
2015 BMW M4 F83
2009 335i X-Drive | GC 2.0 Turbos (sold)
2009 335i e93 (Sold)
2007 Bmw X5 (Sold)
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 07:30 AM   #7
boom
My X5d tows my spec miata to the track.
United_States
74
Rep
1,254
Posts

Drives: 2010 X5 35d
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

The bumper has to be cut to fit the OEM hitch. Here's a pic:



This is what a Curt hitch looks like:
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 10:08 AM   #8
rennis
Captain
rennis's Avatar
43
Rep
708
Posts

Drives: E70 5.0 & B5 S4
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Kirkland

iTrader: (2)

Get the Curt. Ridiculous to me that the oem requires cutting the bumper!

Towing a car and trailer should be fine, just watch that tongue weight. No more than 600 pounds.
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 10:26 AM   #9
BimmerE82
Captain
BimmerE82's Avatar
United_States
105
Rep
837
Posts

Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Sport package
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson, Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [7.00]
Looks like the Curt hitch is the one to get. Thanks for posting photos, Ive been thinking about a Jetski purchase and was wondering how I was going to tow it.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 11:41 AM   #10
Tailwinds
Private First Class
12
Rep
104
Posts

Drives: X6m
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

I just had the Invisihitch installed since I don't use a hitch often and wanted to retain the stock look with no cutouts. Seems to be a top notch hitch and comes with OEM wiring. Car is being delivered so I have no reports on using it yet but Daryl at Invishitch had sent me good pics of the system before I ordered it. dsavell@invisihitch.com is his email.
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 11:49 AM   #11
hd2000fxdl
Private
United_States
0
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: 2011 X5
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NJ

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tailwinds View Post
I just had the Invisihitch installed since I don't use a hitch often and wanted to retain the stock look with no cutouts. Seems to be a top notch hitch and comes with OEM wiring. Car is being delivered so I have no reports on using it yet but Daryl at Invishitch had sent me good pics of the system before I ordered it. dsavell@invisihitch.com is his email.
Interested in seeing pics of the install and any other info when you get it if you could be so kind.

Harry
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 07:27 PM   #12
boom
My X5d tows my spec miata to the track.
United_States
74
Rep
1,254
Posts

Drives: 2010 X5 35d
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tailwinds View Post
I just had the Invisihitch installed since I don't use a hitch often and wanted to retain the stock look with no cutouts. Seems to be a top notch hitch and comes with OEM wiring. Car is being delivered so I have no reports on using it yet but Daryl at Invishitch had sent me good pics of the system before I ordered it. dsavell@invisihitch.com is his email.
THat's a really nice setup but you're paying for it. My quote for the kit was in excess of $1K. All said and done I was towing my race car for less than $375.
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 08:09 PM   #13
buster84
Major
United_States
337
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: 2009 335I X-Drive E90
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boom View Post
THat's a really nice setup but you're paying for it. My quote for the kit was in excess of $1K. All said and done I was towing my race car for less than $375.
Dam that's expensive! for a tow hitch.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerE82 View Post
Looks like the Curt hitch is the one to get. Thanks for posting photos, Ive been thinking about a Jetski purchase and was wondering how I was going to tow it.
This looks like a nice one

Quote:
Originally Posted by mitch808 View Post
The max for your X5 is 6000lbs. The 335 is probably no more than 3500, plus the trailer.
The UHaul Auto Transporter is 2200 lbs, so very close to the 6000lb limit
I forgot to ask, does this 6k limit include weight in the x5 it's self or just the weight of whats being pulled? If i stuff the car with box's and 2 people this would go over 6k easily towing a car which now makes me wonder if its just the max towing weight or total weight that the car is capable of pulling? I've never towed or owned a car capable of it till now so this is all new to me.

One last question. Uhaul has a tow hitch that they install on the car for a total of $544 installed. Seems like a pretty good deal, has anyone bought one of these? Is the wiring that they include the same as oem? How much is the oem one to get installed?

It comes with
Round Tube Rec. (Powder Coat) (max 6000lbs) $219.95
Ball mount for 2" receivers. 2-1/4" drop with 7-1/2" length. $19.95
2" ball x 1" shank. Shank Length 2-3/16". $10.95
Class III Pin & Clip $1.69
Pulse Width Modulation System Stop/Tail ST $79.99
Hitch Install $110
Wiring Install $60
Warranty $15
__________________
2015 BMW M4 F83
2009 335i X-Drive | GC 2.0 Turbos (sold)
2009 335i e93 (Sold)
2007 Bmw X5 (Sold)

Last edited by buster84; 04-27-2014 at 08:22 PM..
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 08:37 PM   #14
sburke91
Private First Class
10
Rep
156
Posts

Drives: 2011 X5 50i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Delaware, OH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by buster84 View Post

One last question. Uhaul has a tow hitch that they install on the car for a total of $544 installed. Seems like a pretty good deal, has anyone bought one of these? Is the wiring that they include the same as oem? How much is the oem one to get installed?

It comes with
Round Tube Rec. (Powder Coat) (max 6000lbs) $219.95
Ball mount for 2" receivers. 2-1/4" drop with 7-1/2" length. $19.95
2" ball x 1" shank. Shank Length 2-3/16". $10.95
Class III Pin & Clip $1.69
Pulse Width Modulation System Stop/Tail ST $79.99
Hitch Install $110
Wiring Install $60
Warranty $15
Having watched a U-haul tech attempt to 'troubleshoot' what ended up being a ground issue on their trailer by breaking the water seal on the light plug on my old Tundra, I don't think I'd trust a U-haul tech anywhere near the electrical system on an X5.

Is it really worth the few hundred dollar savings on a 50k-80k vehicle?
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 08:54 PM   #15
denaliman
Major
denaliman's Avatar
Canada
465
Rep
1,289
Posts

Drives: 2021 BMW X6M Competition
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 X6M  [0.00]
This is my execuihitch on X6M.
Attached Images
        
__________________

_____________________________________
2021 X6M Competition, 2021 Audi SQ5 Technik, 2013 Audi S4

Appreciate 0
      04-27-2014, 08:58 PM   #16
denaliman
Major
denaliman's Avatar
Canada
465
Rep
1,289
Posts

Drives: 2021 BMW X6M Competition
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 X6M  [0.00]
more pics.
Attached Images
       
__________________

_____________________________________
2021 X6M Competition, 2021 Audi SQ5 Technik, 2013 Audi S4

Appreciate 0
      04-28-2014, 07:00 AM   #17
BimmerE82
Captain
BimmerE82's Avatar
United_States
105
Rep
837
Posts

Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Sport package
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson, Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [7.00]
Nice set up above!!! Did I say Jet ski??? I meant SeaDoo......Thanks for the photos.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      04-28-2014, 08:57 AM   #18
jiggz
Brigadier General
United_States
2108
Rep
3,630
Posts

Drives: E90 M3|F15 X5 50i
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (2)

^ agreed - does anybody here have an X5 with the Execuihitch?

I don't like the idea of cutting the bumper (OEM) but the Curt hitch pictured above looks silly IMO sitting below the bumper like that.
Appreciate 0
      04-28-2014, 09:09 AM   #19
Tailwinds
Private First Class
12
Rep
104
Posts

Drives: X6m
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Execuhitch and Invisihitch are the same company now I think and the pics above would be the same. There are other threads on this which show more pics too. Yes it costs more than others.
Appreciate 0
      04-28-2014, 10:46 AM   #20
PAX5
Captain
70
Rep
600
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5 50i
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Pennsylvania

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by buster84 View Post
... Uhaul has a tow hitch that they install on the car for a total of $544 installed. Seems like a pretty good deal, has anyone bought one of these? Is the wiring that they include the same as oem? How much is the oem one to get installed?
Installing the trailer hitch hardware is NOT trivial!! It requires removing the rear bumper valance (all plastic). Unless done correctly, carefully and with a lot of patience, it is extremely easy to crack, distort or break the various plastic components. The "tab and click" system BMW uses in their design is pretty fragile ...

Once the bumper skirt and the components are off, installing the hardware is straightforward.

The fun part comes when you try to hook up the wiring harness ... the car computer has to be coded with proprietary software in order for the trailer lights and rear view camera to work properly ... GL.
__________________
PAX5
BMWCCA 20645
Appreciate 0
      04-28-2014, 11:17 AM   #21
buster84
Major
United_States
337
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: 2009 335I X-Drive E90
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by PAX5
Quote:
Originally Posted by buster84 View Post
... Uhaul has a tow hitch that they install on the car for a total of $544 installed. Seems like a pretty good deal, has anyone bought one of these? Is the wiring that they include the same as oem? How much is the oem one to get installed?
Installing the trailer hitch hardware is NOT trivial!! It requires removing the rear bumper valance (all plastic). Unless done correctly, carefully and with a lot of patience, it is extremely easy to crack, distort or break the various plastic components. The "tab and click" system BMW uses in their design is pretty fragile ...

Once the bumper skirt and the components are off, installing the hardware is straightforward.

The fun part comes when you try to hook up the wiring harness ... the car computer has to be coded with proprietary software in order for the trailer lights and rear view camera to work properly ... GL.
Coding is the simple part for me as long as it's the same as it was on my 335 lol. I found a few oem hitch's online I maybe just order. At this point I've decided to drive the car but plan to get a hitch anyways since I want to buy a boat down the road. So thanks again everyone for the help and pics. Feel free to expand on this thread for anyone else looking for pics or help
__________________
2015 BMW M4 F83
2009 335i X-Drive | GC 2.0 Turbos (sold)
2009 335i e93 (Sold)
2007 Bmw X5 (Sold)
Appreciate 0
      04-28-2014, 11:35 AM   #22
rennis
Captain
rennis's Avatar
43
Rep
708
Posts

Drives: E70 5.0 & B5 S4
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Kirkland

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jiggz View Post
^ agreed - does anybody here have an X5 with the Execuihitch?

I don't like the idea of cutting the bumper (OEM) but the Curt hitch pictured above looks silly IMO sitting below the bumper like that.
I went with the Curt because tow hitches look dumb on cars but look great on trucks and SUVs.

(I also do not like the length of the stinger on the Execuhitch - I like a short hitch and ball to keep the tongue weight right underneath the points supporting the weight, especially on a uniframe SUV. The Curt allows you to do that.)

I also highly, highly recommend getting a silent pin for pinning the hitch to the receiver for anyone who tows - locking that up reduces all the audible clunking you otherwise getting when accelerating and braking, which gets really annoying and unsettling in an SUV, if you're used to towing with a truck.

Overall been very happy with the Curt, feel it's the best overall design for function and price/quality.

Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:11 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST