Hitch

[JCL]

Originally Posted by cmee330

OEM quality for nearly half the cost

No, the web site lists it at several hundred dollars more than the OEM hitch.

[Quicksilver]

Yeah $875.00 for an e53

I spent quite a bit of time looking over their product list. Was there an install fee?

Originally Posted by JCL

No, the web site lists it at several hundred dollars more than the OEM hitch.

[mhollinrake]

I have a htich on my 2002 X5 that I installed. I need the "module" or wiring harness adapter to connect to the trailer. I can't find a part number or soource for an adapter kit, only the mention that I need the module. I''m therefore assuming a standard light cable kit for splicing into the tail lights won't work - would appreaciate any help for a part number, web sites, etc.

Thanks,

M

[JCL]

The dealer sells the OEM wiring harness. It includes a plug-in harness, and a trailer light control module. It is specific to the X5. The reason to use it is that the BMW lights are multiplexed, and have a monitoring circuit that measures resistance on each wiring circuit. That is the monitor that tells you if you have a bulb out.

It is possible to simply use T-splices from the rear lights. Some have done it with no reported problems. Others have reported that the vehicle threw fault codes. Entirely up to you. I used the OEM harness, not just for the above issue, but because it enables the trailer mode on the PDC (disables rear PDC sensors so that it doesn't beep all the time due to the trailer).

The OEM harness and hitch are more expensive if purchased separately.

Good luck.

PS: Welcome to X5 World. In future, it is better to start a new thread for a question, instead of extending an old thread.

[mhollinrake]

Thanks for the prompt response and recommendations. Any idea how expensive the harness is as I already have a hitch I'm very happy with.