[eRiggs5]

Is it possible to retrofit the tow hitch if it's ordered without? I found an x5 I like however, it didn't come with a hitch that I really need...

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by eRiggs5

Is it possible to retrofit the tow hitch if it's ordered without? I found an x5 I like however, it didn't come with a hitch that I really need...

There's an aftermarket one, invisihitch/stealth hitch, which you may look into. Probably would be cheaper to go this route then to do a retrofit. The added benifit is when the hitch isn't in use, you won't have the eye sore that is the current hitch setup.

[cesimeone]

I wouldn't mess with aftermarket hitches on the X5

[cesimeone]

I've had 2 X5s both with factory hitches...my F15 was the BMW optional tow pack and my G05 was ordered with.

My best friend is a BMW master tech and let me know how many "screw ups" he's seen with aftermarket kits, not the mechanical side of the kit (I.e mounting, bolting, chassis etc.) but the electronic bit. The towing module communicates with the car quite a bit for the PDC system, display for trailer lighting notifications, rear air ride for auto leveling, driver assistance features for limited functionality when the trailer is connected. Needless to say, quite a bit.

Considering how flooded these cars are with tech, having Joe Saturday from the town hitch shop down the street install my stuff on a vehicle he really doesn't know.....wasn't a chance I was willing to take.

This doesn't mean the BMW Stealership gets it right every time but at least they have the resources to do so if they f*** it up.

[denaliman]

Stealth Hitch is the way to go.

[James_G0540i]

I've got the after-factory BMW OEM towing hitch and it's awesome.

It all comes down to how often you tow, what you anticipate towing and aesthetics (looks).

If you're towing every day, or a heavy load (> 6,000lbs) or maybe both - I'd probably get the factory option. Its rated up to 7,700lbs (3,500Kgs).

If you tow occasionally or only several times a year, the after-factory hidden/stealth is a great option, however you need to remember that the towing limit is reduced to ~6,000lbs (2,700Kgs).

The other consideration is aesthetics.

The factory option uses a different rear bumper setup with the rear diffuser missing. Some say it looks OK, but in my opinion it looks ugly, especially if you've got the M-Sport package. It looks like someone has rear-ended the rear-low bumper.

The after-factory OEM uses a removable hidden (Stealth) hitch setup, and all you see is the normal rear bumper & diffuser, when not in use.

There is no advantage (other than towing weight) in getting the factory installed hitch. Both options are coded into the vehicle's ECUs so that Safety and Electronics features behave properly when towing.

Westfalia make the after-factory OEM tow hitch, and you can buy it and get it installed by a 3rd party - but my advice is to get the dealer to install the OEM after-factory tow pack, as they know how to code the towing setup into the vehicles ECUs, which also means it does NOT impact the factory warranty.
The G05 X5 has some seriously advanced electronics and technology, and I wouldn't let anyone mess with it other than a qualified service dealer.

Good luck

[Multimodal]

I used an Invisihitch on my E70 X5 for 4 years with no problems. I bought a Stealth Hitch for my G05 X5. Both are rated at 7,700 lbs.

BMW says the G05's towing capacity is reduced to 6,000 lbs if you don't get the factory hitch but I don't believe that is anything but marketing. There are no changes to other equipment on the vehicle when you get the factory hitch so there is no reason for the towing capacity to vary.

With a Stealth Hitch I am viewing my X5's towing capacity as 7,700 lbs with a 600 lb max tongue weight.

[James_G0540i]

Originally Posted by Mr. Maboomba

I used an Invisihitch on my E70 X5 for 4 years with no problems. I bought a Stealth Hitch for my G05 X5. Both are rated at 7,700 lbs.

BMW says the G05's towing capacity is reduced to 6,000 lbs if you don't get the factory hitch but I don't believe that is anything but marketing. There are no changes to other equipment on the vehicle when you get the factory hitch so there is no reason for the towing capacity to vary.

With a Stealth Hitch I am viewing my X5's towing capacity as 7,700 lbs with a 600 lb max tongue weight.

That's probably true.

The Westfalia (BMW OEM) site that lists their stealth G05 X5 tow-hitch says 7,700lbs (3,500Kgs).

I only tow something in the 3700-3800lbs (~1600-1700kgs) range, so not an issue for me, but if something happens while towing something heavier on the non-factory hitch, it will be interesting to see what BMW's position would be.

[James_G0540i]

Here you go, pics with the tow on and off.

[bqvalen]

Originally Posted by cesimeone

I wouldn't mess with aftermarket hitches on the X5

Why? I did mine in my garage in 2 hours. Cost 1/5 bmw one. And when aftermarket you get to keep the kick to open feature.

[James_G0540i]

Originally Posted by bqvalen

Why? I did mine in my garage in 2 hours. Cost 1/5 bmw one. And when aftermarket you get to keep the kick to open feature.

I can think of one BIG reason - CODING.

Have you coded (or programmed) your car for towing?
Coding ensure sensors, safety features, transmission and engine recognize that you are towing, and modify their behavior accordingly. For example, two important features:
- Disabling of PDC/Parking sensors when you have a trailer attached, else the cars safety features could kick in while you're reversing with whatever your towing.
- Additional Transmission cooling. Transmissions come under more stress and heat during towing, so earlier cooling is required.

Do you have "Towing mode" in your General > Settings?
As the name implies this enables the cars systems for towing, and can be selected manually via iDrive7 before attaching a trailer, or automatically as the system normally recognises I have attached a trailer and enables it.

You may have saved some $ going DIY, but you risk damaging your car, or worst having a driving incident or accident associated with the car's safety systems kicking in when they shouldn't.

[EUPremier]

Originally Posted by Mr. Maboomba

I used an Invisihitch on my E70 X5 for 4 years with no problems. I bought a Stealth Hitch for my G05 X5. Both are rated at 7,700 lbs.

BMW says the G05's towing capacity is reduced to 6,000 lbs if you don't get the factory hitch but I don't believe that is anything but marketing. There are no changes to other equipment on the vehicle when you get the factory hitch so there is no reason for the towing capacity to vary.

With a Stealth Hitch I am viewing my X5's towing capacity as 7,700 lbs with a 600 lb max tongue weight.

Stronger cooling fan (1000W) & bigger wiring harnesses on vehicles equipped w/Tow hitch. Standard fan is 650W for all but the the most powerful variants.