[James_G0540i]

I'm having an issue when connecting my trailer to my X5 G05, and I'm just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this or if its normal.

My trailer has a standard round 7-pin round connector, and I use an adapter to connect it to my G05 - which has a 12-pin flat connector.

When I initially connect my trailer to my car, the car recognizes I've got a trailer connected and goes into "Trailer Mode", but I get a "Check Control" fault message saying there is an error with trailer indicator signals. When I try the indicators, they still work, but flash faster than normal.

Now, when I turn the car off and on again, the check error disappears.

Is this normal? ...anyone had a similar experience?

I've tried changing the plug adapter, and even the plug on the trailer for a new one, and the problem is still there.

[Stinkyxy]

Originally Posted by James_G0530d

I'm having an issue when connecting my trailer to my X5 G05, and I'm just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this or if its normal.

My trailer has a standard round 7-pin round connector, and I use an adapter to connect it to my G05 - which has a 12-pin flat connector.

When I initially connect my trailer to my car, the car recognizes I've got a trailer connected and goes into "Trailer Mode", but I get a "Check Control" fault message saying there is an error with trailer indicator signals. When I try the indicators, they still work, but flash faster than normal.

Now, when I turn the car off and on again, the check error disappears.

Is this normal? ...anyone had a similar experience?

I've tried changing the plug adapter, and even the plug on the trailer for a new one, and the problem is still there.

I had the same issue but I thought the trailer tail light was out. I wonder if I have another issue with the car.

[radmjk]

I have only pulled our boat one time back in the fall using a round 7 pin plug to five pin adapter, 7 pin to X5 and five pin to trailer and didn't experience any faults. I'm sorry you are having issues.

[James_G0540i]

I should have also mentioned that my towbar was installed by the dealer I bought the car from, and is therefore fully under Warranty.

I am starting to think it may be a electrical or wiring loom issue on the car.

Looks like I'll be back to the dealer on Monday for them to check it out.

[Flippy_00]

My X3 F25 is also very picky on the trailer connector.
I cleaned the trailer connector and the bulb connections thoroughly and the check messages disapeared.

Seems like the electronics in the beemer are very sensitive...
I use my trailer alot, and if there are no check messages, i'm 100% sure it works...

When i use other trailers, i always expect to have an error...

[James_G0540i]

Visited the dealer who installed my towbar this morning, and he put it on his towing test rig. The behaviour I have described above is "normal". He said all G05's get that error when you initially connect a conventional trailer, then the error clears within a few minutes, OR when the car is switched off and on again.

So all good, if anyone gets this error after connecting their trailer, it temporary and "normal"...

[KayWhy]

James - sorry to hijack your thread but I am picking up my NZ X5 early February. I am hoping that you may be able to answer a couple of questions for me please. My X5 has a factory fitted tow hitch which is rated for 3,500kg towing capacity. My owners manual defines the maximum tow ball load as 140kg. I have seen some Australian media releases saying that the Aussie 3,500kg kit has a 280kg ball limit. Is your hitch rated for this? What does your owners manual state for these capacities? Thanks. Paul

[James_G0540i]

Originally Posted by KayWhy

James - sorry to hijack your thread but I am picking up my NZ X5 early February. I am hoping that you may be able to answer a couple of questions for me please. My X5 has a factory fitted tow hitch which is rated for 3,500kg towing capacity. My owners manual defines the maximum tow ball load as 140kg. I have seen some Australian media releases saying that the Aussie 3,500kg kit has a 280kg ball limit. Is your hitch rated for this? What does your owners manual state for these capacities? Thanks. Paul

Good question, because this is quite a confusing issue - all thanks to BMW which make the situation very ambiguous.

I have the X5/G05 30d Diesel with M-Sport package, including M-Sport brakes.

• The car's manual actually states 1900kgs towing capacity, 3500Kgs with increased trailer load.
• The X5/G05 Sales specification sheet says 2700kgs towing capacity.
• The towbar installation sticker states 2700kgs towing capacity
• BMW in their media releases say 3,500kgs - as you have indicated.

* these figures are for trailers with brakes.

The 3.0litre Diesel has tonnes of torque at 620NM, and based on the car's kerb mass of 2185kgs - there's no issue in towing at least 2700kgs.

So I sat down with the Dealer Service manager and asked him exactly what you are asking me - as I was confused too (do you blame me??).

Apart from vehicle weight and torque, he told me the towing capacity is also based on the vehicle being able to hold the trailer on a 12% upward gradient, which puts a major dependency on the cars brakes.

He told me that as I have the upgraded M-Sport brakes, my towing is rated to the full 3,500kgs, which aligns with the Westfalia X5/G05 towing kit specs - BMW OEM towbar is actually made by Westfalia. You can get those specs at: https://australiatowbars.com.au/bmw-...a-genuine.html

If you have the standard X5/G05 brakes, you would be restricted to the lower 1900kgs.

I've attached the page from the car's manual specific to TOWING, hope that helps.

[KayWhy]

Thanks James. I have the MSport package too. Link below to the article I was talking about. Your owners manual page is as per mine. I will be towing a 27' caravan and am now going to move my bike rack from yhe A-Frame to the rear in order to get my tow ball weight down for 220 kg to 130kg. A bit of a hassle but I don't want to be out of spec for insurance purposes.

https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-news...owing-capacity

[James_G0540i]

Originally Posted by KayWhy

Thanks James. I have the MSport package too. Link below to the article I was talking about. Your owners manual page is as per mine. I will be towing a 27' caravan and am now going to move my bike rack from yhe A-Frame to the rear in order to get my tow ball weight down for 220 kg to 130kg. A bit of a hassle but I don't want to be out of spec for insurance purposes.

https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-news...owing-capacity

The fact that you have the factory fitted hitch means you're good good for 3,500kgs - no issues there.

As mine is after factory fitted, I still wouldn't go over 2,700kgs. I only tow a 16.5m boat, and the total weight is only around ~1600kgs, so I'm well within the limits.

Does the factory fitted tow pack have a 7-pin or 12-pin flat plug?

[chrisvd183]

Originally Posted by James_G0530d

The fact that you have the factory fitted hitch means you're good good for 3,500kgs - no issues there.

As mine is after factory fitted, I still wouldn't go over 2,700kgs. I only tow a 16.5m boat, and the total weight is only around ~1600kgs, so I'm well within the limits.

Does the factory fitted tow pack have a 7-pin or 12-pin flat plug?

Factory installed is a 13 pin not 12.