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      12-01-2018, 07:12 PM   #1
batm4n
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Tow Hitch - Observations

For those looking to purchase the Tow hitch options, here are some observations I made on pickup

1 - Adding the factory tow hitch seems to disable the option to use your foot to open the trunk

2 - IDrive has two options for those who opted for the Tow hitch

a) There is specific Tow camera view, and has the same guide lines as backup
b) There is a specific trailer setting for the side mirrors

3 - If you opt for the M-Sport with trailer hitch, there's no concealment for the hitch. The bumper is just notched out for the hitch.
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      12-01-2018, 07:32 PM   #2
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This is BS if true as BMW says nowhere that adding the hitch removes any option or functionality (except it removes prewiring as it is fully wired)

1 - Adding the factory tow hitch seems to disable the option to use your foot to open the trunk
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      12-01-2018, 07:37 PM   #3
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Does the X5 come with a factory hitch if you don't select the 7500towing limit option? I ordered a 50i M sport and did not select the extra towing capacity so I'm curious to see if the hitch is included or not.

I have a hitch on my M40i and yes it disables the kick to open on your trunk

edit: nevermind it doesn't have a hitch by default disregard my above comment
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      12-01-2018, 07:49 PM   #4
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I always thought the increase towing limit was more of a marketing thing than any increased capacity.

You need to opt for the hitch option otherwise nothing is installed. I believe there is no difference in the wire harness. The standard wire harness has the capability to add the hitch wiring at a later time.

Also adding the hitch changes the diffuser piece in the back to have the notched out component to support the hitch
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      12-01-2018, 08:14 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batm4n View Post
3 - If you opt for the M-Sport with trailer hitch, there's no concealment for the hitch. The bumper is just notched out for the hitch.
Any chance you took a photo of it? Curious to see how it compares to the xLine I saw with a hitch - which didn't really look "concealed" either.

As for the kick not being active with the hitch installed, do you think it's something that could be coded, or is the hardware not there because of the hitch mounting points?
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      12-01-2018, 08:32 PM   #6
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Was searching around and X3 appears to get disabled also with the hitch and reports are the hardware (ie sensors) are not installed.

Not cool BMW now where indicates this when you order - I found one thread where the dealer had to re-order an X3 because they didn't tell the OP this would happened and he wanted it more than the hitch.
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      12-01-2018, 09:19 PM   #7
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Here's two pics of the hitch.

I believe the kick sits directly center where the hitch goes.

I would have to think that someone could source the sensor and remount it to the side to get it to work.

Probably needs some coding.
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      12-02-2018, 05:24 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batm4n View Post
b) There is a specific trailer setting for the side mirrors
What does this do?
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      12-02-2018, 09:48 PM   #9
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After reading what little is in the manual.

Setting the trailer tow mode does something to the safe guards and warnings in the vehicle. It wasn't too specific. I'm guessing it modifies some parameters related to traction control sensitivity

It also seems to kick in a trailer stabilization feature where it will auto brake if it detects your trailer fish tailing or wobbling around.
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      01-02-2019, 04:04 PM   #10
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Anyone figure out yet how to mount the BMW hitch-mounted bike rack from the previous generation X5 to the G05 with factory hitch? BMW offers nothing in the way of transport accessories for the new hitch.
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      01-02-2019, 05:33 PM   #11
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I use a Kuat rack with the factory hitch, solid, doesn't wiggle or make noise, and I can open the top tail gate with it in the storage/upright position when not in use.
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      02-18-2019, 09:09 AM   #12
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Here is a shot of the factory hitch on the x-line. Since I special ordered this, it would have been nice if they told me the kick to open would be gone, but I doubt they even knew.
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      02-18-2019, 10:07 AM   #13
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I have the folding hitch and it is fricking awesome. Bumper is the same - completely not visible until deployed. I must be getting old because I am excited to try it out in a couple of weeks...turning into my late granfather that towed caravans (never!).

I have noticed that the trunk does not open with a wiggle of the foot though...so that seems accurate.
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      02-18-2019, 03:46 PM   #14
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What do you have against caravans?
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      02-18-2019, 03:50 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PhatBoyG View Post
I use a Kuat rack with the factory hitch, solid, doesn't wiggle or make noise, and I can open the top tail gate with it in the storage/upright position when not in use.

What size is the receiver? Is it a 2 inch?
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      02-18-2019, 04:02 PM   #16
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This is bull crap. Nowhere it’s spelled out that kick sensor is disabled with hitch installed. I will give Bmw hard friggin time when I will get mine. I am wondering how big of a deal it’s to relocate basic sensor to be bit of to the side??
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      02-18-2019, 04:13 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kotkot View Post
This is bull crap. Nowhere it’s spelled out that kick sensor is disabled with hitch installed. I will give Bmw hard friggin time when I will get mine. I am wondering how big of a deal it’s to relocate basic sensor to be bit of to the side??
This from BMW Genius:
"The installation of the trailer hitch with a 7,200 pound towing limit as a standalone option cannot be ordered with Smart Trunk. The additional hardware blocks the ability to add this technology. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause."

StealthHitch have an after market hitch that doesn't block the sensor.
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      02-18-2019, 06:39 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SWBOS View Post
This from BMW Genius:
"The installation of the trailer hitch with a 7,200 pound towing limit as a standalone option cannot be ordered with Smart Trunk. The additional hardware blocks the ability to add this technology. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause."

StealthHitch have an after market hitch that doesn't block the sensor.
Too late lol. Order is placed and my sales rep didn’t warn me. So aftermarket company can figure this out and bmw can’t?? Hmm... well.. than after delivery, bmw can replace oem hitch with stealthhitch option.
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      02-18-2019, 08:58 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kotkot View Post
Too late lol. Order is placed and my sales rep didn’t warn me. So aftermarket company can figure this out and bmw can’t?? Hmm... well.. than after delivery, bmw can replace oem hitch with stealthhitch option.

Keep it. Too much PITA to have to attached aftermarket and only factory hitch has towing capacity of 7200lbs. And I don't really use kick to open feature anyways.
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      02-18-2019, 09:05 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drilling View Post
Keep it. Too much PITA to have to attached aftermarket and only factory hitch has towing capacity of 7200lbs. And I don't really use kick to open feature anyways.
Yeah, the factory installed option is the only way to get the oil cooler and I think some transmission upgrade in order to tow the 7200lbs.

I'm looking for a bike rack mainly and on rare occasion towing the smallest U-Haul.
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      02-18-2019, 10:37 PM   #21
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I believe it was discussed on this forum that there are no hardware upgrades to drivetrain when you order factory hitch. I have not checked the technical documentation to confirm this.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SWBOS View Post
Yeah, the factory installed option is the only way to get the oil cooler and I think some transmission upgrade in order to tow the 7200lbs.

(...)
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      02-19-2019, 04:05 AM   #22
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Can someone confirm if there are there any modification for extra cooling for the oil and transmission fluid when you get the factory hitch?

A second question; does the backup camera show a good view of the trailer hitch ball?

Thanks,
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