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      07-07-2021, 03:35 PM   #1
ColoradoKevin
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Loving My New Stealth Hitch

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Loving my new Stealth Hitch. Where is it you say? Invisible, all underneath the bumper. Pricy but well worth it!
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      07-07-2021, 03:57 PM   #2
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Looks great! Or at least I assume it does under the bumper.

I'm thinking about getting the Stealth Hitch, did you do the install by yourself?
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      07-07-2021, 04:05 PM   #3
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What is pros and cons of this vs factory tow hitch option at $550?
I know the factory option would delete the kick-to-open feature.
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      07-07-2021, 04:18 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by motherkin View Post
What is pros and cons of this vs factory tow hitch option at $550?
I know the factory option would delete the kick-to-open feature.
I don't know how it is in the USA but the European models have the factory stealth tow hitch and still get the kick to open option.
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      07-07-2021, 04:21 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximus07 View Post
I don't know how it is in the USA but the European models have the factory stealth tow hitch and still get the kick to open option.
Unfortunately not the case in the U.S. I ordered without the tow hitch because I wanted to keep the kick to open.
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      07-07-2021, 04:30 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YuicyYumboYack View Post
Looks great! Or at least I assume it does under the bumper.

I'm thinking about getting the Stealth Hitch, did you do the install by yourself?
Oh no. I am short on patience and there is no way that I would have not damaged the car. I looked at the directions on line and it said it takes about 2.5 hours to install. It would take me two days.
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      07-07-2021, 04:33 PM   #7
Therealmatzaman
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I got a stealth hitch added to my 50i. I looked into doing it myself considering I was pretty handy and Ive done a few hitches before. Man, let a pro do it. The process requires taking off the bumper cover, parts of the bumper, the taillights, most of the trunk trim, etc. I bought mine from Rackattack and all together it was about 1100 installed.

Would I have preferred the OEM one? Yes, but I didnt have to order my vehicle and risk all the other shortages.
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      07-07-2021, 04:36 PM   #8
ColoradoKevin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by motherkin View Post
What is pros and cons of this vs factory tow hitch option at $550?
I know the factory option would delete the kick-to-open feature.
Well I had no interest in a hitch when I purchased the vehicle a few months ago. Then we bought e bikes and I live in Colorado with millions of trails so I needed a way to haul them.

The factory hitch is very visible and in my opinion distracts from the look of the vehicle. I have the M Sport package and I really like the way it looks so I did not want them cutting into the bumper. I could have gotten a lesser price hitch but you cannot see this one because it is under the bumper. All you do is attach the receiver when you are ready to use it. And, as you said, you loose the foot remote opener with the factory hitch.
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      07-07-2021, 04:38 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximus07 View Post
I don't know how it is in the USA but the European models have the factory stealth tow hitch and still get the kick to open option.
Lucky you. Not in the states.
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      07-07-2021, 05:11 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ColoradoKevin View Post
Oh no. I am short on patience and there is no way that I would have not damaged the car. I looked at the directions on line and it said it takes about 2.5 hours to install. It would take me two days.
Haha got it. Maybe I'll go that route as well...
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      07-07-2021, 08:00 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeelover696969 View Post
how much was the product + the install? Can we get a pic of the actual product?
stealthhitches.com $668 for hitch without ball. Three pictures show receiver attachment, the interface under the bumper with the lock and the final picture is the receiver attached. Installation was $464.
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      07-07-2021, 08:15 PM   #12
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The factory hitch comes out higher, which may, in some cases be an advantage.

If you intend to actually tow something rather than just use a bike carrier, unless you add the OEM wiring module and harness (not that hard IF it comes prewired, the current US vehicles do NOT), you will lose the following:
- trailer stability control
- auto disable of rear PDC sensors
- vehicle sensing of trailer light status operation
- heavier front brakes
- additional engine and transmission cooling
- new rear camera view

The X5 is a truck...a hitch doesn't seem out of place to me. I can't see the rear when driving. If you add one afterward, to duplicate the full capability will cost a LOT of money. To get something you can use in many cases doesn't have to be super expensive and yes, there are aftermarket harnesses that can make the lights work, but they will be transparent from the vehicle.

In Europe, you'd want the electrical harness, as they require auxiliary lights when carrying something like a bike that could hide the existing ones. It's a good idea in the states as well.
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      07-07-2021, 08:18 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jad03060 View Post
The factory hitch comes out higher, which may, in some cases be an advantage.

If you intend to actually tow something rather than just use a bike carrier, unless you add the OEM wiring module and harness (not that hard IF it comes prewired, the current US vehicles do NOT), you will lose the following:
- trailer stability control
- auto disable of rear PDC sensors
- vehicle sensing of trailer light status operation
- heavier front brakes
- additional engine and transmission cooling
- new rear camera view

The X5 is a truck...a hitch doesn't seem out of place to me. I can't see the rear when driving. If you add one afterward, to duplicate the full capability will cost a LOT of money. To get something you can use in many cases doesn't have to be super expensive and yes, there are aftermarket harnesses that can make the lights work, but they will be transparent from the vehicle.

In Europe, you'd want the electrical harness, as they require auxiliary lights when carrying something like a bike that could hide the existing ones. It's a good idea in the states as well.
and all I want it for is a bike platform so I am a happy camper.
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      07-07-2021, 08:20 PM   #14
ColoradoKevin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeelover696969 View Post
Thx!
is it called a stealth hitch because it retracts behind the bumper? or can the actual 2in receiver square be seen from directly behind the vehicle like the OEM hitch?
You cannot see anything until you insert the receiver. Hook up is under the bumper.
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      07-07-2021, 08:27 PM   #15
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Part of the modification is to cut the under bumper cover so you have access to the actual mount. When it's removed, it's not visible from the rear unless you're on the ground looking up. You may or may not be able to insert and remove it until you lay on the ground at least the first few times so you can get to the release knob and release the locking pin.

One of the OEM versions sold outside of the US, has the thing motorized so it extends and retracts with just a button press. It uses a gooseneck, not a receiver, so also would require bike racks not sold in the USA to function that lock onto the ball of the gooseneck. The Stealth hitch has two different inserts you can buy for it:
- a receiver suitable for use with US style bike racks. It is NOT suitable for towing
- a ball towing attachment that plugs in in place of the receiver for towing

Stealth hitch makes a variety of different ball hitches with different extensions and heights... https://stealthhitches.com/products/ball-mount-u3s

Last edited by jad03060; 07-07-2021 at 08:33 PM..
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      07-07-2021, 08:34 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeelover696969 View Post
ah, so you attach the receiver when you want to use it. I see.

Just curious though, why didn't u just get the $500 OEM factory hitch with your new car?
Two reasons...I didn't want a hitch originally, then I bought e bikes so I needed a hitch for the bike rack. I got a Stealth Hitch because I didn't want to see it at all when not in use.
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      07-07-2021, 08:55 PM   #17
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and he retains the kick to open/close feature!

I'm highly considering this. my kids are getting more active on their bikes, and I want to take them to trails further away from our current routes.
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      07-07-2021, 09:11 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nZtiZia View Post
and he retains the kick to open/close feature!

I'm highly considering this. my kids are getting more active on their bikes, and I want to take them to trails further away from our current routes.
Yes, that feature is retained with this hitch. At 64 and retired, I too am ready to hit the trails on a bike and see things you can't see from a car.
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      07-07-2021, 09:20 PM   #19
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ColoradoKevin
did you take it to an authorized stealth hitch installer? Mine is quite a distance away…
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      07-07-2021, 09:27 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nZtiZia View Post
ColoradoKevin
did you take it to an authorized stealth hitch installer? Mine is quite a distance away…
I did. Lucky I am in Denver and there were a few to choose from. The Stealth website listed my BMW dealer as an authorized installer but when I called, they were not.
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      07-08-2021, 10:05 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jad03060 View Post
The factory hitch comes out higher, which may, in some cases be an advantage.

If you intend to actually tow something rather than just use a bike carrier, unless you add the OEM wiring module and harness (not that hard IF it comes prewired, the current US vehicles do NOT), you will lose the following:
- trailer stability control
- auto disable of rear PDC sensors
- vehicle sensing of trailer light status operation
- heavier front brakes
- additional engine and transmission cooling
- new rear camera view

The X5 is a truck...a hitch doesn't seem out of place to me. I can't see the rear when driving. If you add one afterward, to duplicate the full capability will cost a LOT of money. To get something you can use in many cases doesn't have to be super expensive and yes, there are aftermarket harnesses that can make the lights work, but they will be transparent from the vehicle.

In Europe, you'd want the electrical harness, as they require auxiliary lights when carrying something like a bike that could hide the existing ones. It's a good idea in the states as well.
I got the factory hitch because I knew I would occasionally tow, and in fact connected a utility trailer within a month of delivery. I was surprised that I got a warning on the dash that said something like, “There is a fault in the left trailer turn signal/brake lamp.” So there’s your “vehicle sensing of trailer light status operation.” That X5 is smart! 😃
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      08-03-2021, 01:30 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nZtiZia View Post
ColoradoKevin
did you take it to an authorized stealth hitch installer? Mine is quite a distance away…
One option is to check with your local body shop. Many do hitch installs. Ask your BMW advisor for their recommendation. Body shop rates are a lot less than the dealer rates.

Stealth Hitch includes coding through Okee (that's his name - pronounced Okay) at codemycar.com.

I had a Stealth hitch on my F15. Worked really well. I got the factory option on the G05.

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