[kolosy]

I'm ordering an M50i and can't spec the tow hitch. I was able to install one on my X3MC, you just needed to buy the OEM controller and pop it into the spot where it was supposed to be + some coding. Is it the same story here?

[Outack]

Based on my understanding, the X5 no longer comes with the preparation from the factory.

So the only way forward is to install a third party hitch, and splice into the wiring harness. I.E. Stealth Hitch.

HUGE let down.

[Fahrfun]

Kind of ironic that trailer prewiring shows as a standard feature on the X5M build as of right now on the US market models, but not the M50i nor the 40i ICE. A website oversight? Or do they actually mean it because the vehicle supposedly shows rear air suspension as standard as well?

[kolosy]

the prep on the X3 is just a $200 module and wiring harness that plug into an existing socket in the trunk. i'm just asking if it's the same on the X5.

[Flying Ace]

i would ask about pre-wiring. Then again, we don't know where the parts shortage is related to for hitch and whether it's related to electronic parts vs the metal piece.

If it's pre-wired, then it's a matter of buying all the OEM components and getting it coded. BMW has extensive history of getting this retrofit completed on prior X5 generations. Expect at least $1000 of cost when all said and done, and note, OEM requires the removal of kick sensor and to trim the bumper.

IIRC, someone was able to retrofit an OEM hitch on a pre-wired model and keep the kick sensor by modifying the mounting point of the hitch.

[jad03060]

Originally Posted by kolosy

the prep on the X3 is just a $200 module and wiring harness that plug into an existing socket in the trunk. i'm just asking if it's the same on the X5.

Unless they've changed things, the prep for plugging in towing is not standard in the line and hasn't been for a few years for US deliveries. Now, since they can't seem to source enough of the parts, I think it's primarily the electronics module, they don't offer the factory towing package for any US X5 models right now. FOr the latest, and it could change, you need to verify that with your dealer. To me, it would be smart to now put that harness in, so people could get the OEM functionality, when the parts are readily available. I've not seen that that is true.

There are NO aftermarket electronics packages that provide all of the OEM towing functionality, but there are boxes that will get the lights to work. That's true for many of the latest MY BMW model lines. Prior to that, there were two aftermarket boxes that could replicate the OEM functionality...they no longer do.

[dbullock]

I bought an after market hitch-had my local auto body install it, and bought an electrical hook up on Amazon. the process was less than $450, works great, and it looks fine on the X5

[Bucksn6]

I'll sell you my x5m50i. It has touchscreen and towing. Exclusive options since you can't get them. Only 1000 miles. 97k MSRP. Asking the low low price of 110k including the market adjustment for these "exclusive" features.

[jad03060]

Originally Posted by dbullock

I bought an after market hitch-had my local auto body install it, and bought an electrical hook up on Amazon. the process was less than $450, works great, and it looks fine on the X5

That gets you the mechanical bits for the hitch and the ability to turn on the lights, but does not get you the OEM capabilities, which when you could order the towing package included:
- larger brakes
- towing package stability control logic automatically triggered in the vehicle
- vehicle monitoring of the trailer lights
- additional trailer camera view with alignment line to help align with the trailer
- automatic disabling of the rear PDC sensors

You might be able to enable some of that by coding, but BMW won't do it for you or warranty it as they would with an OEM box, at least most dealerships.

One person, you can search and find his thead, ordered the OEM parts and retrofitted most of them. Don't think he changed the brakes, but got the harness, the module, the rear bumper cover, and hitch components. Cost far more than when you could get the OEM functionality.

Now, if all you want it for is to put a bike rack on, or don't care about the other bits, yes, you can do that.