07-07-2021, 04:18 PM | #4 |
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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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07-07-2021, 04:33 PM | #7 |
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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 | |
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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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07-07-2021, 05:11 PM | #10 |
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07-07-2021, 08:00 PM | #11 |
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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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07-07-2021, 08:20 PM | #14 |
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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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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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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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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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08-03-2021, 01:30 PM | #22 | |
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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. Gerry
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