Anybody with tow hitch on E70 yet?

Has anybody had one installed yet from BMW? Is it even an available option yet? I assume it's a dealer-installed option only? There is no cut-out for the hitch on the rear valence. How is the hitch supposed to be placed? I can't imagine they would just roto-zip the opening. I must have a hitch, so that's the main thing keeping me from ordering one right now.

Originally Posted by rscholl

Has anybody had one installed yet from BMW? Is it even an available option yet? I assume it's a dealer-installed option only? There is no cut-out for the hitch on the rear valence. How is the hitch supposed to be placed? I can't imagine they would just roto-zip the opening. I must have a hitch, so that's the main thing keeping me from ordering one right now.

Dealer installed. The bumper needs to be cut with die grinder then a trim kit is installed. It is pre-wired. The bumper support is removed and discarded and the hitch crossmember replaces the the original bumper crossmember. The vehicle need to be programmed BEFORE the install. Expect about 4 hours to complete. It comes with a BMW hitch cover, but it is not a good fit (to loose). I lost mine the first day and replaced it with a better blank.

Great! Thanks so much for posting pics. Your E70 looks awesome in black...I haven't seen one yet.

Why does the vehicle need to be programmed? For towing duties?

Originally Posted by rscholl

Why does the vehicle need to be programmed? For towing duties?

I really don't know. Must have something to do with the electrical and possibly the hitch zoom camera feature.

its adds some function to the camera

hitch zoom? Is this to watch the load as it slips away???

Seriously... what does that do?

Originally Posted by denaliman

Dealer installed. The bumper needs to be cut with die grinder then a trim kit is installed. It is pre-wired. The bumper support is removed and discarded and the hitch crossmember replaces the the original bumper crossmember. The vehicle need to be programmed BEFORE the install. Expect about 4 hours to complete. It comes with a BMW hitch cover, but it is not a good fit (to loose). I lost mine the first day and replaced it with a better blank.

Love your X5. Looks great in black. Yours is the 1st pic I've seen with the hitch installed - which I need on mine. Sorry, but I hate how poorly designed the accomodation for the hitch is. Cheap looking trim kit looks home made (actually home made may be better option) and it looks like you can see your muffler through the wider than necessary cut-out.

Can't BMW do a better job on a $70K car. I was looking at a Ford Explorer in my office lot today and it has a much better looking hitch cut-out.

I agree. I have the hitch on order, but after seeing the photos I may have to wait and see if they improve this.