10-22-2021, 05:07 PM | #23 | |
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Smaller volume market a factor and also distribution agreements with each country likely to add contractual complications to changing model specs. US factory to US market may not have the same issue. |
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10-23-2021, 12:10 PM | #24 |
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X7 builds on US website still offer hitches.
Ultimately I wouldn't sweat it. As others have said the OEM removes the kick sensor and depending on the body color, does not contrast visually very well. (It's black, and to certain eyes, appears asymmetric and off centered) The only reason I ordered the hitch was solely because it is cheaper to add it on during the build than to retrofit it (or any other brand hitch) later. Plus I prefer the OEM look and wanted the software to be factory coded. This is what mine would look like. But in my opinion it doesn't look as good on lighter colors (high contrast) or with no shadowline/M sport (gray bumper guard) https://www.flickr.com/photos/592410...in/photostream Here are pictures how it looks on cars with no shadow line and xline or light color bumpers:
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10-23-2021, 03:34 PM | #25 |
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THere are mechanical as well as electrical components involved with the OEM hitch that would be VERY costly to replicate with after market devices. The OEM hitch, if you can get it, is way cheaper and more capable than the aftermarket ones as it includes the electrical interface that performs the following functions:
- stability control - lights along with bulb out detection - camera changes - pdc deactivation and then, you have the increased braking and cooling capacity. What it does not include is an electronic brake controller that some models provide, but it's not needed for lighter trailers. IMHO, it's all behind you, you can't see it while driving, and I don't think it really looks bad, so the cost/benefit ratio more than makes up for that. The lack of kick to open isn't a big deal to me as I've got comfort access...even with my hands full, I can press the button on the hatch to open it up, so I don't have to put things down. If I had to get the fob out, that might be a different thing, but I doubt it would be enough to sway me. In many markets, not the US, or at least it's not enforced, putting something like a bike rack on the back that then blocks the lights, requires auxiliary lights on the rack, so having the electrical interface becomes much more important, and the auto shutoff of the PDC means one less thing to deal with manually each time you start the vehicle. Hopefully, the lack of OEM towing package is only short-lived...it's a bargain. |
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10-24-2021, 07:53 PM | #26 |
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Yea, no more tow hitches for X5. Ordered mine 3 weeks ago and my sale rep called me right before they placed an order saying the hitch is no longer available.
We decided to swap it for an alcantara headliner on the spot. Hoping no more issues with the build. Stuck in "production begins" for over a week now. |
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10-24-2021, 07:57 PM | #27 | |
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10-24-2021, 09:25 PM | #28 | |
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Once the order has been accepted, generally, that means they've been able to source all of the parts (i.e., they've been ordered for that vehicle). But, things are still somewhat fluid, and who knows what may change. Accepted means by the factory, not your dealership... |
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10-25-2021, 04:14 PM | #29 |
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My order is in "Production Begins" status now
and the Hitch is still in the "Added options" section. Does this mean I will still have the hitch? Or things could change as production going? |
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10-25-2021, 04:38 PM | #30 |
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I think you're good. They removed 2 options from my order last week when it changed to "scheduled for production."
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10-25-2021, 08:30 PM | #31 |
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If options are deleted from an order does the buyer have the right to cancel with a full refund and no further obligation?
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10-25-2021, 11:12 PM | #32 | |
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Since I need it for a bike rack only, I didn't bother myself installing electrical connections to the trailer. |
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10-25-2021, 11:14 PM | #33 | |
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- Buyer signs a build spec document and expect car to be what he wants to be - If factory changes build, there should be a right to cancel this order without any penalties (e.g. non-refundable deposit). |
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10-26-2021, 02:37 AM | #34 |
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Removed from our build… Just got the allocation today and we had to sign off on the new build sheet showing the trailer hitch removed.
Cheaper and get the prettier bumper (plus the kick to open feature), but as pointed out above, gonna be a lot more $$ for a comparable hitch if we decide to install one later. |
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10-26-2021, 02:55 PM | #35 | |
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10-26-2021, 03:55 PM | #36 |
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The body is the same with or without the factory hitch so that portion of 'strength' is the same, but the OEM towing package also comes with better brakes (and, I think) cooling, so that might lower the max towing capacity. Depending on which brakes on the vehicle, that may not be an issue, and if you're not trying to tow something at the top end of the allowance, probably not an issue, either. On the chassis, the maximum tongue weight would still be 551#, regardless of the hitch you installed. Aftermarket ones may advertise more, but in the fine print, they say it's limited to the vehicle specs, which may be lower.
It's a lot easier to get the ball at the proper height with the OEM receiver than something like the Stealth hitch. THey essentially have three heights, anything in between or beyond the +/- 2.5" from 18" in 2.5" steps will require customization and extra costs. THe ball mount I bought for mine allows a +/- 4" range in 1" increments, and they sell one that has more range, if needed. |
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