[miked02]

Hi all, I'm trying to cost out the oem hitch retrofit for my 2020 X5. I'm a little confused about which parts exactly are required.

previously in this thread denaliman listed the following (rough prices added)

63-11-5-A05-6D0 AAA CONTROL MODULE - $145
51-12-7-425-457 3C20G02 GASKET (optional x2) can re-use factory $25
61-13-6-840-334 3C20E14 POLLAK $71
61-12-9-834-453 AAA WIRING (Harness) $690
(not listed) 51 12 6 889 278 trailer tow hitch kit $642
(not listed bumper piece less paint) 51128099115
$209
total $1782

i found the bmw retrofit install instructions which lists the following
71 60 2 475 103 Electrical add-on parts retrofit kit $292
51 12 6 889 278 trailer hitch tow kit $642
Control module, no PN listed, assuming 63-11-5-A05-6D0 AAA CONTROL MODULE - $145
bumper piece less paint 51128099115 $209
total $1288

so all of that said, the second list is quite a lower cost. Am i missing anything ? What does the 71 60 2 475 103 Electrical add-on parts retrofit kit $292 include? Does it contain the wire harness from the first list for $690? it would be a big cost savings if it did

additionally, i see two PNs for control modules, 63-11-5-A05-6D0 AAA and 63116894066. Does anyone know what the difference is?

thanks

[miked02]

To answer one of the questions in my last post: PN 71602475103 electrical add on parts, per realoem includes the control module, power distribution box, and battery cable positive, below floor. I don't see a need for the second two parts based on info in this thread.

At least 1 piece I missed in the above lists is the rear bumper reinforcement. Assuming it works with Msport package: I think it's PN 51127495552 - ~$145 https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...99#51127429429

My conclusion is the cost of an OEM retrofit is rough. ($2k just in parts), I'm probably going to go the stealth hitch route, even though I don't like the idea of having to cut the trim below the bumper.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by miked02

To answer one of the questions in my last post: PN 71602475103 electrical add on parts, per realoem includes the control module, power distribution box, and battery cable positive, below floor. I don't see a need for the second two parts based on info in this thread.

At least 1 piece I missed in the above lists is the rear bumper reinforcement. Assuming it works with Msport package: I think it's PN 51127495552 - ~$145 https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...99#51127429429

My conclusion is the cost of an OEM retrofit is rough. ($2k just in parts), I'm probably going to go the stealth hitch route, even though I don't like the idea of having to cut the trim below the bumper.

I’m thinking that route as well, next year. Can you update this thread with your experience once done? Thx.

[Adama75]

Originally Posted by Multimodal

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

I looked closely at Stealth Hitch's install instructions. They have you remove the Rear Impact Bar - (BMW # 51-12-7-441-145), which appears to be a major rear impact energy absorbing/dissipating element. While I agree that it may not violate the warranty, I'm concerned that it's removal will reduce the car's ability to safely absorb a rear impact.

It's not an abstract what-if concern I'm sharing. I've been hit twice from behind by idiots who were speeding on the freeway and didn't see me and other cars stopped in front of them. My Z4 took incredible hits but I walked away in both cases thanks to the energy absorption/dissipation capacity of the rear bumper system.

Are there other stealth hitch designs that don't require the removal of the Rear Impact Bar?

[houtan]

Originally Posted by Adama75

I looked closely at Stealth Hitch's install instructions. They have you remove the Rear Impact Bar - (BMW # 51-12-7-441-145), which appears to be a major rear impact energy absorbing/dissipating element. While I agree that it may not violate the warranty, I'm concerned that it's removal will reduce the car's ability to safely absorb a rear impact.

It's not an abstract what-if concern I'm sharing. I've been hit twice from behind by idiots who were speeding on the freeway and didn't see me and other cars stopped in front of them. My Z4 took incredible hits but I walked away in both cases thanks to the energy absorption/dissipation capacity of the rear bumper system.

Are there other stealth hitch designs that don't require the removal of the Rear Impact Bar?

Not sure if this helps, but the OE hitch also removes the crash bar.

https://youtu.be/Jfd1pIjlLlc?si=c9bMlH0DXsi7UuHn

[miked02]

Originally Posted by Adama75

I looked closely at Stealth Hitch's install instructions. They have you remove the Rear Impact Bar - (BMW # 51-12-7-441-145), which appears to be a major rear impact energy absorbing/dissipating element. While I agree that it may not violate the warranty, I'm concerned that it's removal will reduce the car's ability to safely absorb a rear impact.

It's not an abstract what-if concern I'm sharing. I've been hit twice from behind by idiots who were speeding on the freeway and didn't see me and other cars stopped in front of them. My Z4 took incredible hits but I walked away in both cases thanks to the energy absorption/dissipation capacity of the rear bumper system.

Are there other stealth hitch designs that don't require the removal of the Rear Impact Bar?

It looks like draw tite makes one that has a removable receiver, similar to stealth hitch and it re-uses the impact bar, but it requires trimming the side of it. They also have one with a fixed receiver. https://www.draw-tite.com/product/76...trailer-hitch# https://www.draw-tite.com/product/76...hitch-7200-lbs

Originally Posted by houtan

Not sure if this helps, but the OE hitch also removes the crash bar.

https://youtu.be/Jfd1pIjlLlc?si=c9bMlH0DXsi7UuHn

I can't believe I didn't see this video before I ordered and installed the stealth hitch a couple weeks ago! It looks like I was right, there is another 'bumper support' specific to cars with tow package. It looks like a flimsy piece of plastic that goes in place of the kick to open sensor, and I'm not sure it would actually be needed.

Anyway, I am again considering the oem hitch lol... the stealth hitch is a good product but it sticks out 3" past the bumper. I want to keep my 1 up bike rack on my car, since I ride a lot, I also want to be able to fit the car in the garage with the rack on it, and at the moment it makes the car too long.

[houtan]

Originally Posted by miked02

I can't believe I didn't see this video before I ordered and installed the stealth hitch a couple weeks ago! It looks like I was right, there is another 'bumper support' specific to cars with tow package. It looks like a flimsy piece of plastic that goes in place of the kick to open sensor, and I'm not sure it would actually be needed.

Anyway, I am again considering the oem hitch lol... the stealth hitch is a good product but it sticks out 3" past the bumper. I want to keep my 1 up bike rack on my car, since I ride a lot, I also want to be able to fit the car in the garage with the rack on it, and at the moment it makes the car too long.

Well, if you decide you want to sell the stealth hitch, I may be interested. And I am in socal as well.