05-15-2020, 02:01 PM | #1 |
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OEM Trailer Hitch Retrofit?
My sister in law just got a new leftover 2019 X5. She's not going to be towing with it at all, so she didn't pick one out with the towing package. She does want to put a hitch for her bike rack on it though, but she's (rightfully, IMO) worried that with all of the electronics in the rear tailgate/bumper area, an aftermarket hitch would mess with her warranty. She wants OEM only, installed by a dealer. However, her local dealer says that the retrofit doesn't exist? Is this true?
I don't have any experience with the G05s, just the E-series vehicles, and I know that the dealer will do a retrofit of an E70 or E83 with no issues. Is there something weird on the G05s that would prevent it from having the hitch installed? I see P/N 51126889278 on getbmwparts.com for the US version of the trailer hitch. |
05-16-2020, 06:42 AM | #2 |
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There is an after-factory OEM factory hitch option, have a look at the pics below.
I actually think its better than the factory hitch because its hidden and removable when not in use, which keeps aesthetic look of the rear clean. The only downside is it's not rated to tow 3500kgs, only 2700kgs - but more than enough for my needs. Best to get the dealer to do it, because it needs to be coded into the vehicles ECUs, which also enables a "trailer mode" which disables the rear distance sensors and co-ordinates the trailer with the cars safety systems. |
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05-16-2020, 01:09 PM | #3 |
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Stealth Hitches
I strongly recommend Stealth Hitches. Had one on my X4 M40i and just installed one on my X5 M50i. You can buy a kit with a receiver, a ball, or both. Very easy to install and rated to 8,000 for towing.
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05-16-2020, 01:43 PM | #4 |
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Reminder on this thread that factory BMW hitch in US, Canada, and maybe some other markets is completely different than rest of the world. The OP is in US and I suspect the request assumes a US version, which is a female receiver.
Interestingly, I believe that's the first time I am seeing the after-factory OEM version in the style James_G0530d shows. No idea if that will fit a US car, but I doubt it.
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05-16-2020, 05:32 PM | #5 | |
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We don't tow in my vehicle often but it's nice not to take my husbands F-250 on a 4 hour road trip to tow the fishing boat. |
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05-16-2020, 09:01 PM | #6 |
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The tow bar fitted to my car also has a female receiver under the rear bumper.
The installation is quite involved, and involves removing the rear bumper and replacing the crash-bar with a version that has the towbar receiver. I've attached the installation instructions - not that I would attempt to do it myself - I recommend getting the dealer to do it, and code it properly into the ECU so it integrates with all the cars safety systems. The towbar system itself is made by Westfalia (made in Germany) - and BMW supplies and fits this as their OEM, at least here in Australia. I'm curious as to why you say this wouldn't fit the U.S cars? ..I mean our cars come off the same production line from Spartanburg SC? |
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05-17-2020, 05:43 AM | #7 | |
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She also needs the 2" receiver type, not the ball. This is really only going to be used with a bike rack. |
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05-17-2020, 04:07 PM | #8 | |
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Looking at instructions, it actually doesn't look that bad at all as DYI (I was expecting welding, but it's just a bolt-on) — assuming of course that your specific car is set up for it. Sounds like AU models definitely are ready, but it is even odds in my mind whether US markets models are setup the same. I don't know either way, but BMW constantly does weird things with market models, and not just software, including mechanics. The fact that US and non-US have different stock hitches is a factor. Or there might be a sensor or a piece of trim that gets in the way. Or the sensor electronics get confused. No idea, but BMW often makes their own and others' lives complicated, that's the only reason for my caution statement. It is also interesting that BMW Australia considers these OEM. It is definitely not made by BMW, however, but rather Westfalia Automotive and I also doubt that BMWNA is going to consider that "OEM" in US. Interestingly it is available in US regardless: https://etowbars.com/Towbars/BMW/X5/...-X5-G05-Towbar UPDATE: I take that back, it is NOT available for shipment to either US or Canada! Site says "no shipping options available" if you select either country and it's not on their list of shippable destinations. Lastly, I don't see how a female receiver is setup on this from photos so far or instructions. Would you please post installed photos of yours in all positions for posterity.
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05-17-2020, 09:49 PM | #9 | ||
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06-04-2020, 11:19 PM | #10 |
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Has anyone ever found out if the North American OEM hutch can be added as a retrofit? And if so, what parts are required for both the hitch and the bumper?
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06-05-2020, 08:33 PM | #11 |
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It is not yet available for retrofit.
Your best bet is Stealth Hitch. I've had them on my E70 and my G05 - they make a very high quality product. By law in the U.S., your warranty cannot be invalidated due to an aftermarket part unless the manufacturer is able to show a direct link between the part and the failure. Check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus...s_Warranty_Act
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06-06-2020, 08:30 AM | #12 | |
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06-06-2020, 09:24 AM | #13 | |
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I chose to go with a Stealth Rack install and am awaiting their Tow conversion kit with BMW harness (as they've had for previous X5 models). It's a little more pricey this way, but I'd like to keep with the BMW electronics. No word on when the BMW harness will be available yet though I'm afraid. |
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06-07-2020, 08:47 AM | #14 |
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So my sister in law just let me know she got the hitch installed at a different BMW dealership. I'm assuming it's OEM, or at least an OEM accessory? I don't think she got the wiring, she just wants it for a bike rack. So far she's thrilled.
No pics yet, but I am curious what they installed. I told her to keep her paperwork so that if she gets any grief later on, she can show them that it was installed by an authorized technician at a dealership. |
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06-08-2020, 07:09 AM | #16 | |
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Haven't checked yet, but I'm curious if those other part numbers for the controller etc, are different from previous ones I'd found (and sent to Steve @ Stealth) |
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06-10-2020, 07:42 PM | #18 | |
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What I'm really interested in is that BMW San Antonio somehow got the wiring harness (61-12-9-834-453) which multiple dealers have told me is not yet available / on national backorder. I may have to give them a call!
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06-12-2020, 11:18 AM | #19 |
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No that hitch is US market it says it when you look up part numbers. Also in the US you cannot lookup European part numbers and vice versa. I am in Germany and they cannot look at any US parts or Order. I have tried 10 dealers.
I also have a quote from Dallas |
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06-25-2020, 09:08 AM | #21 |
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I am talking with BMW Toronto (Canada) on ordering the following for my 2019 X5 40iX.
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=71_1114
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06-28-2020, 03:25 AM | #22 | |
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But do you only use it for towing? I am not happy about the lack of 2" receiver as many of the hitch accessories I am using would no longer work like my bike carrier and cargo carrier. |
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