OEM Trailer Hitch Retrofit?

Ben Comer · 02-15-2022, 10:29 AM

Thank you, Jad03060. Lesson learned. From here on out, I will always order my SUVs with the tow package.

Staplet14 · 05-15-2022, 10:17 PM

Looking at adding the OEM wiring for the stealthhitch on an X5 G05, is it typical that the wiring harness (61129834453) is $600-$700??

https://www.bmwpartsdeal.com/parts/b...129834453.html

jad03060 · 05-15-2022, 10:33 PM

Welcome to BMW (and actually many brands), parts don't always represent a good value except to the manufacturer. Something like a wiring harness is an expensive item to just have sitting in inventory as they rarely go bad, and they're only built on demand for factory orders...IOW, not that many parts are actually built and sitting in a warehouse so have to be built specially for the customer.

I'm not sure if the original harness installed in your vehicle has the plugs or sockets to support just plugging it in (it is built in for some markets, but not the US). This may mean that lots more needs to be replaced of the existing harness to make the new harness work...IOW, it may easily be lots more than just the towing harness.

jimthompsonmd · 05-18-2022, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Staplet14

Looking at adding the OEM wiring for the stealthhitch on an X5 G05, is it typical that the wiring harness (61129834453) is $600-$700??

https://www.bmwpartsdeal.com/parts/b...129834453.html

I added the Stealth hitch with Stealth's wiring harness, all installed aftermarket by my BMW dealer on my 45e with the M Sport package. I like the Stealth physical hitch better than BMW's OEM hitch and was willing to sacrifice some of the wiring niceties you get using BMW's OEM hitch. I pretty much just need the trailer lights to work. YMMV, esp for a bigger towing need...

kgelfen360 · 08-08-2022, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Staplet14

Looking at adding the OEM wiring for the stealthhitch on an X5 G05, is it typical that the wiring harness (61129834453) is $600-$700??

https://www.bmwpartsdeal.com/parts/b...129834453.html

Hey were able to get this done? I am also in the Seattle area.

I was going to order the parts, my main concern is coding?

Can anyone recommend how to get this stuff coded?

PnJ · 09-19-2022, 08:28 PM

I found this thread extremely useful and thanks to all who posted. Amazing how difficult and expensive it is to install aftermarket for my 22 X5 xDrive 40i. My dealer quoted me $1,050 labor to install if I buy the hitch. They did recommend they order the OEM wiring harness but didn't tell me how much Xtra that is yet. All in this will be well over $2k USD.

Cray how difficult this is compared to many other vehicles. However I do find the features like camera zoom to watch the hitch approach valuable.

ghostleo816 · 09-19-2022, 08:31 PM

I'm selling this car, so I no longer need it. Not even used after installation. If you are in Toronto please pm me

Roch M4 · 11-06-2022, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostleo816

I'm selling this car, so I no longer need it. Not even used after installation. If you are in Toronto please pm me

Hi, are you still selling the trailer hitch kit for G05? Do you have any pictures?

Tylast · 11-17-2022, 04:04 PM

Guys, I'm selling my retrofit install kit. Details are in the post in the classified thread. Bottom line is that the X5 I just received does NOT have a receptacle for the retrofit cable.

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post29555541

SocietyDisillusioned · 11-20-2022, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tylast

Guys, I'm selling my retrofit install kit. Details are in the post in the classified thread. Bottom line is that the X5 I just received does NOT have a receptacle for the retrofit cable.

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post29555541

Have you checked out my thread? My 2022 X5 M50i didn't have the plug either for the cable so I made one. Looks and acts like a factory install. You can do this in 1-2 days easy since you already know how to disassemble the interior if you installed the stealth hitch like I did. I also sent this information to stealth hitch so they may assist others in doing the same.

Tylast · 11-23-2022, 06:51 AM

Thanks for the tip. I think I've decided that my current install is good enough. I'm glad you figured it out though.

Roopster · 03-09-2023, 05:34 PM

Just sopke with Stealth Hitch.
They have 3 options for the G05.
Rack only
Rack with wiring harness
Rack with Active wiring harness (this requires 8SL - trailer coupling prep - to be present your vehicle). This option comes with the BMW OEM wiring harness and control module and plugs in. Also includes a remote coding session with a BMW tech after the install to ensure all the factory options work, PDC, rear view camera zoom, etc.
Was advised they are about to release a 4th version/option where even without 8SL in place, they can ensure all the options with the factory installed hitch will be present. Supposedly a few more cables need to be spliced into.

PnJ · 03-17-2023, 04:38 PM

@Roopster. that is interesting news on this new option, did they give any sense when it will be available?

AbleDanger · 03-17-2023, 08:16 PM

If anyone is interested, I have the retrofit for the rack to make it an active harness posted up FS in the X3 forum. Same P/N, I believe, as it is for the G05.

Roopster · 03-23-2023, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PnJ

@Roopster. that is interesting news on this new option, did they give any sense when it will be available?

I specifically asked but the lady was very non committal. She did say testing was almost complete but would not commit to a release date or pricing.
My vehicle has the 8SL option, but official Stealth Hitch dealers where I am want to charge an arm and a leg to do the install.
I have been quoted 3-6 hours for the rack alone, plus an additional 3-6 hours for the tow combo, plus another 3 hours for the coding. So about 14 hours (~CAD 2K) for labour. Plus the retia cost of the product + shipping.
Interestingly the price for the package from Stealth where your vehicle has 8SL includes a the cost of a coding session by a BMW tech (as confirmed by Stealth)

PnJ · 05-13-2023, 11:49 AM

Hi, I communicated with Stealth Hitch on their new wiring option for the x5 ( sans 8SL). They are testing on a X5 this next week, hope to have feedback on their success and availability then.

jad03060 · 05-13-2023, 07:30 PM

On older BMWs, there were only two companies that could provide an OEM like interface for towing: Westphalia (the OEM supplier, may or may not still be), and RightConnections. Last I looked, neither one offered a retrofit for the G05. The only one that worked out of the box without coding was the one from RightConnections. I had one on an older BMW. It had the DIN 13-pin socket on it, but for what I was doing, that worked fine (and I think it's a far superior solution - waterproof, 1/4-turn, twist lock).

2dangerous · 06-11-2023, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PnJ

Hi, I communicated with Stealth Hitch on their new wiring option for the x5 ( sans 8SL). They are testing on a X5 this next week, hope to have feedback on their success and availability then.

PnJ - Hey bud, any updates from them yet? Thanks.

plutoking · 06-11-2023, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2dangerous

PnJ - Hey bud, any updates from them yet? Thanks.

The response I got two weeks ago was:

"We are in the process of developing a wiring harness that will give you all the BMW features for vehicles without the 8SL trailer prep. It is probably about a 4-6 weeks away from release."

PnJ · 08-03-2023, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2dangerous

PnJ - Hey bud, any updates from them yet? Thanks.

Hi. I actually bought and installed the standard harness and hitch. Works great! The xtra price for the new harness when its ready and my need to do spmething now dictated that. I stopped asking for an update. I would suggsst to email the company as they are very responsive!

plutoking · 08-04-2023, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PnJ

Hi. I actually bought and installed the standard harness and hitch. Works great! The xtra price for the new harness when its ready and my need to do spmething now dictated that. I stopped asking for an update. I would suggsst to email the company as they are very responsive!

Hi, just wondering what/how heavy are you towing? I'm looking to tow a trailer around 5,000 lbs...not sure if I should just install the current option, or wait for the new one with all the OEM features.

GranitM5 · 08-04-2023, 10:19 PM

I just had my Stealth Hitch installed. I purchased the kit with the wiring. My shop did say that the kit was passive and not active so there wasn’t a BMW plug and play module. They had to run all the wires from the back to the front. About 14 hrs install total. All in all, came out great.

02-15-2022, 10:29 AM	#177
Ben Comer Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW X5 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X7 [0.00]	Thank you, Jad03060. Lesson learned. From here on out, I will always order my SUVs with the tow package.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2022, 10:17 PM	#178
Staplet14 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW x5 g05 Join Date: May 2022 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Normal pricing Looking at adding the OEM wiring for the stealthhitch on an X5 G05, is it typical that the wiring harness (61129834453) is $600-$700?? https://www.bmwpartsdeal.com/parts/b...129834453.html
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2022, 10:33 PM	#179
jad03060 Major General 3166 Rep 6,805 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	Welcome to BMW (and actually many brands), parts don't always represent a good value except to the manufacturer. Something like a wiring harness is an expensive item to just have sitting in inventory as they rarely go bad, and they're only built on demand for factory orders...IOW, not that many parts are actually built and sitting in a warehouse so have to be built specially for the customer. I'm not sure if the original harness installed in your vehicle has the plugs or sockets to support just plugging it in (it is built in for some markets, but not the US). This may mean that lots more needs to be replaced of the existing harness to make the new harness work...IOW, it may easily be lots more than just the towing harness.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2022, 08:28 PM	#182
PnJ New Member 3 Rep 16 Posts Drives: x5 40i Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Vermont iTrader: (0)	I found this thread extremely useful and thanks to all who posted. Amazing how difficult and expensive it is to install aftermarket for my 22 X5 xDrive 40i. My dealer quoted me $1,050 labor to install if I buy the hitch. They did recommend they order the OEM wiring harness but didn't tell me how much Xtra that is yet. All in this will be well over $2k USD. Cray how difficult this is compared to many other vehicles. However I do find the features like camera zoom to watch the hitch approach valuable.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2022, 08:31 PM	#183
ghostleo816 Enlisted Member 14 Rep 43 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I have a stealth hitch tow and rack kit never used up for grab I'm selling this car, so I no longer need it. Not even used after installation. If you are in Toronto please pm me
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2022, 04:04 PM	#185
Tylast Enlisted Member 14 Rep 37 Posts Drives: X5 45e (2023) Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Guys, I'm selling my retrofit install kit. Details are in the post in the classified thread. Bottom line is that the X5 I just received does NOT have a receptacle for the retrofit cable. https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post29555541 Last edited by Tylast; 11-19-2022 at 01:10 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2022, 06:51 AM	#187
Tylast Enlisted Member 14 Rep 37 Posts Drives: X5 45e (2023) Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the tip. I think I've decided that my current install is good enough. I'm glad you figured it out though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2023, 05:34 PM	#188
Roopster New Member 5 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 M50i 2014 Honda CRV Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Calgary, AB iTrader: (0)	Just sopke with Stealth Hitch. They have 3 options for the G05. Rack only Rack with wiring harness Rack with Active wiring harness (this requires 8SL - trailer coupling prep - to be present your vehicle). This option comes with the BMW OEM wiring harness and control module and plugs in. Also includes a remote coding session with a BMW tech after the install to ensure all the factory options work, PDC, rear view camera zoom, etc. Was advised they are about to release a 4th version/option where even without 8SL in place, they can ensure all the options with the factory installed hitch will be present. Supposedly a few more cables need to be spliced into.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2023, 04:38 PM	#189
PnJ New Member 3 Rep 16 Posts Drives: x5 40i Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Vermont iTrader: (0)	@Roopster. that is interesting news on this new option, did they give any sense when it will be available?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2023, 08:16 PM	#190
AbleDanger Second Lieutenant 145 Rep 284 Posts Drives: 2023 X5 X45e Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW X5 45e [10.00]	If anyone is interested, I have the retrofit for the rack to make it an active harness posted up FS in the X3 forum. Same P/N, I believe, as it is for the G05.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-13-2023, 11:49 AM	#192
PnJ New Member 3 Rep 16 Posts Drives: x5 40i Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Vermont iTrader: (0)	Hi, I communicated with Stealth Hitch on their new wiring option for the x5 ( sans 8SL). They are testing on a X5 this next week, hope to have feedback on their success and availability then.
	Appreciate 1 kgelfen3602215.50 Quote

05-13-2023, 07:30 PM	#193
jad03060 Major General 3166 Rep 6,805 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	On older BMWs, there were only two companies that could provide an OEM like interface for towing: Westphalia (the OEM supplier, may or may not still be), and RightConnections. Last I looked, neither one offered a retrofit for the G05. The only one that worked out of the box without coding was the one from RightConnections. I had one on an older BMW. It had the DIN 13-pin socket on it, but for what I was doing, that worked fine (and I think it's a far superior solution - waterproof, 1/4-turn, twist lock).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-04-2023, 10:19 PM	#198
GranitM5 Lieutenant 366 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M5 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I just had my Stealth Hitch installed. I purchased the kit with the wiring. My shop did say that the kit was passive and not active so there wasn’t a BMW plug and play module. They had to run all the wires from the back to the front. About 14 hrs install total. All in all, came out great.
	Appreciate 0 Quote