Grumpy1

Anyone here put a hitch receiver on their X5? Any pictures? Any advice?

Grumpy1

bonzman

Put one on couple of weeks ago, not too bad a project...get a good hitch that's made for the X5 rather tahn a universal...I got Hidden Hitch and it fit perfect, and included detailed instructions...also got the BMW control module for the lights, avoids guessing at all the wire connections...took about 2 1/2 hours start to finish, be sure you have a T55 torx for the bumper bolts...most sets just go up to T50..recommend someone to help with the bumper re-install as you need to align the fascia into the slotted receivers and that isn't good by yourself...the Hidden Hitch avoids the need to drop the mufflers/shields- sorry no pics by the hitch instructions were great...good luck....

Grumpy1

Bonzman,
Thanks - just the kind of great advice I was looking for. I'll order one. Any cutting of the bumper fascia? I saw somewhere with one of the hitches that that was required. I was hoping to keep it mostly hidden (Hidden Hitch!).

Grumpy1

bonzman

Grumpy1, no cutting at all, the receiver will fit right thru the removable panel that would normally access the tow hook, mount the bracket for the trailer light connector close to the chain hook, I used self-tapping screws (with a little pre-drilling) to hold the bracket to the hitch bar and didn't need to trim anything...it fit perfectly in the opening left after the trim piece was snapped out of the fascia, just spend a little time to line things up, have fun, BB

aliup2date

Nothing is better than e-trailer ,, try to take a look:
http://www.etrailer.com/productdetai...rfrom=2003&h=e

loftygolf

What about the wiring harness??? I do not want to hardwire my car and BMW wants $199 for the wiring harness. Any suggestions as to where to get the wiring harness?

PKaram

The cover on the rear bumper. Is it used to cover the hitch? So that we have a disappearing hitch, when not in use.
Thank You