Trailer hitch on your X6?

Has anyone installed a trailer hitch on their X6? I am looking for clean options that won't require surgery to the rear end. So far I have found a company in GA that claims to be able to do just that with a removable hidden hitch. I just haven't seen very many pictures. Please share any thoughts, thanks.

No one even considering a hitch?

We ended up doing it at the dealer on ours (2013 model). X6 is leased and although more expensive then the other options, wanted it covered under warranty and didn't want any lease return issues. Lastly, I wasn't about to install it myself. I didn't see any solution, however, that didn't require the rear panel being notched.

I am looking into the exact same thing except for a 2013 X6M, anyone??. On the 3.5 and the 5.0 it can be done. There are some pics over at X5world.

Here's a pic from another forum

Confirm with your dealer, but I believe these are the part numbers for non-M models.

Trailer Hitch Kit-Class III(PN: 71 60 2 156 527)
$500.00

Ball and Tongue(PN: 71 60 0 413 358)
$45.00

Metal Bumper Trim Piece(PN: 71 60 0 443 105)
$25.00

Receiver Cap(PN: 71 60 0 303 882)
$8.00

Was just quoted $1180 plus tax for OEM hitch installed by dealer for reference. Debating putting on a Curt Hitch myself as I just need it for bike carrier and/or luggage rack. Looks like an easy install and is only $200.

Originally Posted by wjheinle

Was just quoted $1180 plus tax for OEM hitch installed by dealer for reference. Debating putting on a Curt Hitch myself as I just need it for bike carrier and/or luggage rack. Looks like an easy install and is only $200.

What did you decide to do???

Have the dealer do it. With an 80k car, why risk it by going somewhere else. It looks great and they will stand behind the work.
You don't want a guy who works on Fords and Chevys while only occasionally seeing a BMW SUV performing the work. Get it done right. I was very happy with my dealers work and would def do again. $1200.00.

Originally Posted by PapaB

Has anyone installed a trailer hitch on their X6? I am looking for clean options that won't require surgery to the rear end. So far I have found a company in GA that claims to be able to do just that with a removable hidden hitch. I just haven't seen very many pictures. Please share any thoughts, thanks.

The people you are referring to is Execuhitch. I had them install one of their hitches on my old X5d when I did a Spartenburg delivery and loved it. It was completely hidden, so when I leased my new X6 I went to them first to see what they offered. I have to applaud their honesty as they admitted that their solution for the X6 was not that well executed and the pictures they sent to me proved their point as it looked like the opening in the pan was cut with a pair of hand held shears by someone with a bad case of the shakes, just awful! With the angle of the pan and the distance from the rear the hitch needs to be, its impossible to hide all the components so I too decided that if I had to have a hitch that was exposed I might as well go the BMW dealer installed route. I can't say I'm as happy with the looks of it over my Execuhitch on the X5 but its not too bad and over time I don't really notice it much any longer. I had mine purchased and installed for under 1k by my dealer.

PS I didn't have any problems with the lease return of my X5 with the Execuhitch installed.

Has anyone come across a DIY for hitch install on X6? I installed the OEM hitch on my X5.. It was time consuming but not rocket science.. saved the $600 or so the dealer wanted in an afternoon...

I agree with just about everything everyone is saying. I just can't stand messing with the clean look of the rear end. I am having everything on the outside except the actual paint powder coated black and then lowered. I just want a 100% fully hidden hitch.

I installed the execuhitch myself on my X6. It certainly was not an easy task for the faint of heart. The entire rear bumper wheel well to wheel well comes off in addition to your tail lights. I was however able to make a good clean cut in the grey lower bumper pan. It is noticeable only from low angles behind the car, but isn't a bad look. I intend to trim the hole with door edge trim for the cleanest look, I may even figure out a way to use the removed piece to create a removable door. It doesn't bother me that much though. Certainly not enough to prioritize in the last few months.

I think the difference between me and an installer was my care in cutting the hole. I used several hole saws and a jig saw to get perfectly round corners and 'keyhole' point. I taped the area around the hole to prevent any scuffs and be able to mark everything up. Probably could make it smaller with a second go at it...

bdgtexas. after sharing all that, you have to offer a couple of pics.

Originally Posted by JimX6

bdgtexas. after sharing all that, you have to offer a couple of pics.

I have pictures of cutting the hole out and some install photos I took in process. I do not have any of the back of the car once installed and it is already dark outside. I have one with his first tow after installing...

Let me see if I can figure out how to link pictures...

Basically there is no hitch out there that can do better than going through that gray trim pan on the bottom of the car. It has to do with where the frame of the car is that the hitch bolts on to. I put one picture up that shows the new bumper that is the hitch. The new bumper weighs about 80lb (welded tubular steel) and replaces one that is 15-20 lb (pressed metal with foam insert). If you go straight down from the back of the car frame that is as far up under the car as any hitch can probably get. Your car frame ends about where the edge of the trunk opening is when you rear hatch is open.

The hole i cut was a little wider than necessary. I will try and get some pictures of the car with the hole.

I am feeling inspired!!! However, there is no way I have your skill to pull this off. I am just trying to decide whether I give it to the dealer, or just use my wife's Range Rover when I need to tow my KTM and other bikes for a trail ride.

"We are not worthy..."

Jim

Originally Posted by JimX6

I am feeling inspired!!! However, there is no way I have your skill to pull this off. I am just trying to decide whether I give it to the dealer, or just use my wife's Range Rover when I need to tow my KTM and other bikes for a trail ride.

"We are not worthy..."

Jim

Well there is good news. i have been in contact with Execuhitch over the past several months. they have designed a hitch for the X6M that does not require any cutting. Not sure if it will fit the X6, but I imagine it should. They are tooling now for production and I have an order on the books. Won't be ready for shipping until next month. I will update when I have more info.