04-05-2015, 12:40 AM | #1 |
Private First Class
14
Rep 123
Posts |
Trailer brake controller - need advice
Anyone use an electric brake controller with their X5M (or any X5 for that matter)? I just installed the execuhitch. Nice kit. Pricey, but well built and I love that it's hidden. I will mostly be towing an open trailer and my miata track car. Probably just under 4,000 lb total. I've towed it many times with my Tahoe without a trailer brake controller and it works fine. But I would like the added performance of trailer brakes. The trailer has electric brakes.
Next step is to get the truck reprogrammed by a dealer. Anyone know what that means? Is it just getting the software reflashed? Pretty cool that the OEM tow harness for the X5 senses when a trailer is plugged in and automatically deactivates the rear PDC alarm, enables the zoom function on the rear-facing camera, and activates the Dynamic Stability Control functions to counteract trailer swaying or "snaking." My 4k low profile load doesn't sway much, but why not leverage the technology. So two questions - recommendation for a brake controller and explanation of reprogramming truck to activate trailer features. |
04-06-2015, 01:44 PM | #2 | ||
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
Quote:
Didn't Execuhitch tell you programming is included in the price of the hitch? I am assuming you bought from them directly. I been in contact with Steve and here's his quote in my email: Quote:
Besides price of programming included in hitch purchase, it appears many more things are thrown in in the same service, such as coding for fog lights, hazard lights (double-blink), disable head-light washers, increase LED brightness with headlights, close rear hatch from inside and remote, and many more things. I sent mail to Okee (codemycar@gmail.com) to confirm what Steve at Execuhitch told me. |
||
Appreciate
0
|
04-06-2015, 06:35 PM | #3 |
Private First Class
14
Rep 123
Posts |
Yes, I found that out this morning. I had sent Steve Nance an email yesterday regarding coding. He sent me Okee's contact info and a sheet listing all the "free" coding options. Long list. And I did get a cable with my kit. But I was never told that coding was included in the price. I was set to visit my local dealer this week. I'll call Okee tomorrow and get that done. Then I can report back. Install was pretty easy. Just take your time with the bumper removal. Read all the directions first before starting. And there are a couple good youtube videos of other hitch installations for an X5 that will clarify the execuhitch written instructions.
You'll need an 18" deep socket for the bumper mount nuts. They just list 18mm in the instructions. And the one-time plastic rivets to reinstall your fender flares don't work. I'm going to pick up a handful at the dealer. But you can drive around with it as is. It's not going anywhere. It's a great kit. When you consider all the extras and OEM wire harness, it's not much more than a Curt, and completely invisible. My hitch ball came to exactly 18" which is perfect for my trailer. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-06-2015, 11:00 PM | #4 |
Major
128
Rep 1,144
Posts |
If I was going to do it again, I would go with the wireless controller - assuming you have only one trailer. Had the dealer install the BMW branded prodigy unit.
http://www.tekonsha.com/products/bra...RB508pViEKmVBf |
Appreciate
0
|
04-08-2015, 01:57 AM | #6 |
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-08-2015, 09:21 AM | #7 |
Private First Class
14
Rep 123
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-08-2015, 12:41 PM | #8 | |
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
Quote:
How did you manage the OEM harness? I have seen some pics and videos, where connection to trailer is made by passing a wire through trunk lid and let it hang. After use, it is stored in left-side compartment in the trunk. Below picture shows an OEM setup, where connector is setup and hardwired. Looks ugly but more functional. [ |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-08-2015, 01:25 PM | #9 |
Private First Class
14
Rep 123
Posts |
I would not pull the wiring harness through the trunk. That is sloppy. This installation is very clean and tight. The harness connects to the 7-pin plug right next to the hitch and you snake it behind the hitch (and bumper) to a spot behind the rest passenger fender where there are two rubber plugs. The wire harness snakes through one of the rubber plugs and into the trunk under the fuse box. Then everything connects to the fuse box and presto, invisible.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-08-2015, 01:27 PM | #10 |
Private First Class
14
Rep 123
Posts |
And Okee responded. He sent me some files I need to download then he can start the coding. Going to do that in a couple days and probably get the coding completed next week.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-08-2015, 04:02 PM | #11 |
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
Yey! Got confirmation regarding price of coding included with hitch? As well as confirmation about the nice features thrown in for "free"?
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-08-2015, 04:03 PM | #12 |
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-09-2015, 12:00 PM | #14 |
First Lieutenant
56
Rep 348
Posts |
Tooks some pics of my recent installation and attached the instruction manuals. I hate it when the picture change orientation when loaded. Too lazy to fix. You'll need to turn your head . Hardest part is removing the bumper. Just takes patience.
There is a little trimming of the bumper cover required. But it is not visible from behind the truck. You would have to lay on the ground to notice it. It’s needed for clearance around the hitch mounting hole and a little for the 7-PIN harness. Easy work for a dremel tool. The last pic is of the wire harness where it enters the truck just under the fuse box. I also attached a list of free coding services that come with the install. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-09-2015, 12:12 PM | #15 |
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-09-2015, 12:14 PM | #16 |
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-28-2015, 04:33 PM | #17 |
First Lieutenant
32
Rep 389
Posts |
p66 Was coding performed yet? How did it go?
I ordered Execuhitch today (Hitch, OEM harness, bike adaptor, standard ball mount (2" rise)). Asked them to ship coding wires as well so not to waste time waiting for Okee to ship the wires. Need to setup an appointment with Okee soon. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-28-2015, 05:02 PM | #18 | |
Private First Class
14
Rep 123
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-17-2021, 02:09 AM | #19 | |
Registered
0
Rep 1
Posts |
Quote:
Great job! I really like the look of this. I am new to the BMW world and would really like to get the same hitch receiver you have on there. Sorry for bringing up an old thread, but would you mind sharing where you got the hitch from? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|