Tow hitch for 2011 X3

I see you can order a hitch plug accessory for $8, but I don't see anything on the bmwusa.com configuration pages about a tow hitch itself for the new 2011 X3. If you can order a hitch cover, I suppose there must be a hitch as well. Nor do I see any info about towing capacity on the config pages.

Can anyone shed light on this? If I get any SUV during the buying cycle, it will have a tow hitch so I can take our lawn and garden equipment to the dealers for periodic maintenance.

I was told (in Canada) nothing until March.

Hi there, i wonder the same. Dealer said that a tow hitch can be installed after-market. However, I know that there is an electric hitch
option S03AC, "Trailer tow hitch with electrically operated pivot mounted tow ball"

There is no way though of ordering that... At least I don't know how... Anyone any ideas?

Here's a picture of the electric hitch

Originally Posted by swood02

... Nor do I see any info about towing capacity on the config pages.

Can anyone shed light on this? ....

The Road & Track [pre-release] review of the 2011 X3 listed a specified towing capacity of 5291 lbs., but the Automobile Magazine review lists a towing capacity of 4400 lbs. The X3 Owner's Manual mentions that you should not tow anything that weighs more then the X3 itself weighs (4112 lbs.for an empty 28i and 4222 lbs. for a empty 35i to 5126 lbs. for a fully loaded 35i). Towing a very large lawn tractor should present no problems.

The ultimate towing capacity will probably be limited by the hitch class and hitch capacity.

Sweet! Love the electric hitch and the picture, but still unclear how to order it?

I think the electric hitch is only available in Europe.

Originally Posted by drtdvl

I think the electric hitch is only available in Europe.

This is correct, euro only...this hitch does not conform to us dot regs...large thread on this in e70 forum.

Look at execuhitch, www.execuhitch.com they price around $700.00

Do you have any experience with ExecuHitch or do you know someone who has? When I went to their website, they said the model selector was offline for a "few weeks" for updating. It wasn't a huge confidence builder, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I'm on the wrong coast to have them use my X3 as their mule. Hopefully, someone near them on the East Coast will have the pleasure and get a hitch for free.

I called Execuhitch US to check on availablility of a hitch for the new X3. They said that the design was being tested at the South Africa headquarters, since they had earlier access to an X3 than did the US offices, and there should be news on pricing and availalbilty in the next few weeks. I gave them my email address and asked to be notified accordingly. I'll post an item when I have more news.

Thanks. I got the same info when I emailed them.

I had one fitted on my X3 (previous model) and my 325I (06). I love it.

I'm also curious if whatever hitch solution comes out will fit on the X3 with M-sport. M5driver, if I recall from another thread, you have an F25 with M-sport on order, so this may be of interest to you too.

Yes, I do have a x35i M Sport on order. It would be pure speculation on my part as to the compatibility of the Execuhitch with an f25 X3 M Sport. That said, I don't think the bumper and skirt changes for the M Sport would rule it out. If you study the photographis, they make it appear as thought there is more clearance for the hitch with the M Sport skirt then there is with the a base x35i skirt.

Originally Posted by M5driver

Yes, I do have a x35i M Sport on order. It would be pure speculation on my part as to the compatibility of the Execuhitch with an f25 X3 M Sport. That said, I don't think the bumper and skirt changes for the M Sport would rule it out. If you study the photographis, they make it appear as thought there is more clearance for the hitch with the M Sport skirt then there is with the a base x35i skirt.

How long will it take before you get your new X35i M Sport? I'm considering ordering one...they said if I order it now it would be around first of June for delivery.

To my knowledge X3 M Sport production has not started. Speculation elsewhere on Bimmerfest and other online X3 forums is that M Sport Start of Production (SOP) is 4/11/11. If and when it does, I'm sure it will be widely reported. Although I read somewhere that the physiical build is only 2 weeks, something between 4 and 6 weeks from SOP would seem to be realistic turnaround. My dealer is convinced that we will see our X3 around mid-May. That feels aggressive to me, but I've developed lower expectations given the months and months it's taken to see my various M5s arrive from Germany. My last one, which was the first one delivered in Oregon, was ordered in early August and arrived in late November.

One other bit of news from my dealer, apparently the availability of the mechanics or the electronics for the power rear door feature have delayed other X3s they have on order. Since my wife is coming off a Lexus RX-400h and adores this feature, we'll just have to wait that one out as well. She waited two years to get her RX, so she's also not in any hurry on her X3.

Anyone have any updates on the availability of a hitch for the new X3. We'd like to get one installed so we can use our Thule hitch mounted bicycle carrier.

I piciked up my new X3 in December and was told the hitch would be available shortly. The parts folks followed up and have been saying April. When April came with no hitch I called BMW and now they are saying June. It's becoming a real problem.

Huge problem as boating season is almost here...

Our boating season is already here so I have two jet skis I can't use as well as my bicycle carrier. The amazing part is you call BMW and they act like they could care less about the proublem.

From what I can tell on the "execuhitch" site, that video that shows them removing the hitch from underneath would be ok for a boat/trailer, but not for a bike carrier...the bike carrier would have to slide in parralel to the ground which this does not...very weird. I have a bike carrier I want to use as well but my X3 was just done production yesterday and I think doing a hitch after the fact may be very disruptive to everything underneath...I'm thinking about just doing a roof system for my bikes and calling it a day

Is an "Execuhitch" available for the 2011 X3? I have a call into them ... but the gal I spoke with said they do have an adapter for a bike carrier. You may have found an alternative.

I spoke with "Execuhitch" again and they are trying to get a new X3 for one day to develop the mounting. They are in Atlanta if anyone has a 2011 and is interested in a hitch phone 678 400-0121

hitch is in process with BMW - expect pull weight to be in 3500 # range.