05-04-2019, 02:30 PM | #1 |
MG
13
Rep 1
Posts |
Trailer brake controller wiring
My 2019 X5 has the factory-installed towing option, which includes an under-dash connector (pictured) for plugging in a 4-wire trailer brake controller. (I use a Tekonsha Prodigy P2, identical to the BMW dealer-installed controllers sold for earlier X5's.)
Problem: no one, including BMW, sells the plug that fits into this connector. The BMW dealership guy is knowledgeable, super-helpful, and has called and emailed various departments, but the bottom line is that BMW doesn't sell a plug or brake controller for 2019 X5's. So (like the old song) I'm all dressed up with no place to go. I've checked with Pollak (maker of the factory-installed trailer wiring receiver on my X5), eTrailer, and others -- none has a plug for this connector. So (as a last resort before I cut it off the connector and start splicing wires) I'm checking in to see if anyone has any other viable suggestions. |
05-04-2019, 08:18 PM | #3 | |
456bhp for breakfast
425
Rep 913
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-19-2019, 06:45 PM | #4 |
New Member
5
Rep 8
Posts |
Any update on this?
I identified the under-dash connector as BMW 1378134-01. I was able to find a duplicate on a French Amazon site, but no male version of the connector. I can find no other information on the connector. I can confirm that the connector has +12V, GND and stoplight/brake pedal wires. I'm assuming the 4th wire goes to the trailer brakes. Has anyone used this connector or cut it off and used the wires for their trailer brake controller? |
Appreciate
0
|
09-19-2019, 07:37 PM | #6 | |
Private First Class
113
Rep 192
Posts |
Quote:
Update: Amphenol P/N is AMP 1-828 819-1; its a restricted part so Amp doesn't sell it or its mate or a datasheet to general public. The male portion *seems* to be same as that used on the blower motor resistor in old BMWs but seems to be intended for a PCB board mount. Perhaps you can buy a used/broken blower resistor and take it off? https://www.google.com/search?q=64118372775 Last edited by smovva; 09-19-2019 at 08:21 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
1
TSMC55126.50 |
10-16-2019, 05:02 PM | #7 |
New Member
11
Rep 20
Posts |
Want to bump up. I am picking up a 14 ft tandem trailer. The dealer can install an integrated brake controller for the electric brakes. Anyone have an update for the the correct plug or should I have the dealer install a new harness?
|
Appreciate
1
Wild Blue3683.50 |
10-17-2019, 08:49 AM | #8 |
Enlisted Member
21
Rep 49
Posts |
I also have the tow package, but no way to connect a standard brake controller. Ended up using a wireless brake controller. Not cheap, but does work. BMW sells one and so does Curt and Tekonsha. I like the Tekonsha Prodigy wireless ($280), which is believe is what the BMW actually is
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-17-2019, 08:59 AM | #9 |
Brigadier General
4539
Rep 3,507
Posts |
Awesome find, I just started shopping for trailers and didn't remember to check this !!!!! I will have to look into this as well.
__________________
2022 M8 Comp Convertible
2023 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2019 718 Cayman Base 2015 M235 Manual On the list for the M2 CS |
Appreciate
0
|
11-11-2019, 05:28 AM | #11 |
First Lieutenant
134
Rep 326
Posts |
I have the towpackage and used this wireless controller. Worked ok as far as electrical controllers go.
CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQ99SDD..._YuuYDbV5B40N0 I asked the sales person and service department several times and no one ever indicated there was a connector already for a controller under dash. I would very likely have used the wires instead. I'm also very curious to know if it worked for anyone. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-23-2020, 06:55 PM | #14 |
Captain
629
Rep 773
Posts |
There's one module you plug into the 'cigarette lighter' to set/vary the braking force to match the weight of your trailer. The actual controller just plugs into the 7 way connector on the back of the car. Once you set the force you don't actually need the module inside the car anymore but I like to keep in plugged in when I tow because it will confirm the controller is actively working.
Last edited by gofast182; 01-23-2020 at 07:04 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-23-2020, 10:02 PM | #15 | |
456bhp for breakfast
425
Rep 913
Posts |
Quote:
Presumably the cigarette lighter is just for power, so how is the brake signal getting to the trailer with the setup you describe? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-24-2020, 07:07 AM | #16 |
Captain
446
Rep 810
Posts |
I too am puzzled by this entire thread.
If you have a 7-pin connector, pin #5 manages the electronic braking system which your trailer has, so I am not sure what that 4-pin trailer brake controller is for? (must admit I'm not familiar with braking systems on trailers, as my trailer only has mechanical brakes). Interestingly, my BMW OEM trailer connector on my X5/G05 is a 12-pin connector - see pic below. The 12-pin adds 5 x larger pins for: - A fridge ignition feed to power the fridge in your trailer home or trailer while you’re driving. - A breakaway battery monitor. This allows the voltage of the battery on your breakaway unit to be displayed on the dash of your vehicle. - ESC, which is Electronic Stability Control, if your trailer home has it. - a heavy earth return. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-24-2020, 10:38 AM | #17 | |
Captain
629
Rep 773
Posts |
Quote:
In-car module to set braking force WIRELESS BETWEEN HERE AND HERE Module on trailer which is the actual controller "Old" Controller in car (hardwired)--->7 way on car--->Trailer "New" Force module in car~~~> | 7 way on car--->Prodigy Controller on trailer--->Trailer If it still doesn't make sense you can always google it, see the mfr site, etrailer, or Amazon.
__________________
2020 M340i xDrive, Portimao Blue
2019 X5 xDrive 40i, Mineral White 2006 S2000, Berlina Black (Track car) Last edited by gofast182; 01-24-2020 at 10:54 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
2
russelldav424.50 LexxM31698.50 |
01-24-2020, 12:37 PM | #18 | ||
456bhp for breakfast
425
Rep 913
Posts |
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
01-27-2020, 05:37 PM | #19 |
456bhp for breakfast
425
Rep 913
Posts |
For those interested I think I got hold of the trailer brake connector wiring diagram for the G05, pre-installed with the factory hitch. This is for a US/Canadian spec. vehicle. I have no idea if it changes in Europe/Asia. I plan to create my own wiring adapter so I can plug and play a brake controller for the couple of times a year when I tow a trailer.
The harness is hidden under the steering wheel, underneath the dashboard. PIN 1: BLACK / Brake Switch PIN 2: RED / +12V Power Supply PIN 3: BLUE / Trailer Brake PIN 4: BROWN / Ground See image attached kindly supplied by my service dept. I know a few people have already tried this on the X3 so I am interested in your feedback e.g. sptucker |
02-10-2020, 10:46 PM | #20 | |
456bhp for breakfast
425
Rep 913
Posts |
Quote:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...l/61131378134/ Looks right from the thumbnail so I ordered one to try it. Will let you know! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-11-2020, 12:49 AM | #21 |
Lieutenant Colonel
2896
Rep 1,864
Posts |
Looks like we have a bunch of people here with towing experience. I have a couple questions that are preventing me from upgrading from an E70 to a G05 until I know more. I'm hoping you all can help:
• How are you towing substantial loads with the limited payload capacity (849-871 lbs) of the G05? (BMW rates the payload capacity much lower than the difference between GVWR and curb weight. I haven't figured out why yet.) • In your experience is 2-able air suspension a must have for towing with the G05? The vehicles I'm considering now are all equipped with 2VF M Dynamic suspension, not air. My E70 with standard suspension does sag about 3-4" towing my boat. • Factory installation of the hitch increases the rated towing capacity to 7200 lbs. It's not clear to me if other components are upgraded to support that or it it's just marketing to encourage people to get the factory hitch. Have you all noticed anything different? Ben |
Appreciate
0
|
03-08-2020, 10:14 PM | #22 | ||
Major
791
Rep 1,179
Posts
Drives: 2014 X5 50i M Sport, M3(sold)
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PNW
|
Quote:
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|