X5 35d Tow hitch option?

I am building a 2012 diesel X5 had have jon shafer's price pdf. I wish I could order a 2013 and get in on eco credit!

I do not see a tow hitch option. Prewire yes, but is the factory tow hitch an option or is this in any PKG?

Thanks

Dealer install, I was quoted $1,200.

Interesting quotation BMW Power.
I realize the X5 is not a typical vehicle used for towing, but, it would be a handy feature.
It would seem this would be an easy factory option.
Porsche Cayenne offers the trailer hitch as $650 option and the tow capacity is ~1700# more than X5.

TrailerCouplw/o RemovBallJoint for Forsche Cayenne

Yes, the idea of $1200 for a dealer installed hitch when MB, Porsche, Lexus, etc., have factory options for less is ridiculous. But, it is what it is. Also expect a couple of days to sort out the computer coding. It may take less than a couple of days, but if you read the threads about hitch installation, you will see this is not unusual. Saying all this, I had mine installed for $1080 and the work is flawless. The diesel pulls my boat and trailer (3500lbs.) very well with about 20% decrease in mileage. When you have the kit installed, you might ask the dealer to "shoot" a little black, high-temp paint onto the muffler for the sake of appearance.

1. If it comes from the factory with the hitch then BMW must test and certify the car with CGVWR, and other regulatory requirements. By making it a 3rd party installed option they avoid this.

2. Don't be scared with "Coding", nor buy the argument that since it takes two days, $1200 is a good deal. A dealer should/will code it for one hour of labor- and if they have issues it becomes a BMW warranty matter.

3. You can buy the hitch and install it, mechanically, for a reasonable amount- and use it as a bike rack mount, etc, without ever needing coding.

4. For any real towing you need electric brake controller- which is over and above the coding costs

VDC Install is the only way to go. It even comes with an official Monroney Label addendum for $1,000 with all BMW factory parts and labor. A no-brainer.

BMW has a tow hitch option (factory installed) - manual and automatic, but not for the US. I thought it is because of the required bumper cut and not the CGVWR, etc. issues, but I can be wrong. I installed OEM Euro hitch to avoid the ugly bumper cut.

I got mine installed from a local hitch place for $400 or so, and they didn't have to cut the bumper...

Looks good, but I prefer OEM Euro hitch

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...202&highlight=

post #17

Originally Posted by Jon Shafer

VDC Install is the only way to go. It even comes with an official Monroney Label addendum for $1,000 with all BMW factory parts and labor. A no-brainer.

Plus if you lease, I am pretty sure the VPC install can be residualized, whereas the dealer installed one cannot.

Emission (Mike) was the first 'Fester I know of who got the VPC install (through Jon Shafer). See if you can search out his thread, as it has some great info.

Sent from my HTC Inspire using BimmerApp

Has anyone tried this hitch from Bavauto? It looks like minimal cutting is needed. Part no 13077 and it is $265.

I don't need the wiring and would probably take it off before I turn it in at lease end.

Originally Posted by BMW Power

Has anyone tried this hitch from Bavauto? It looks like minimal cutting is needed. Part no 13077 and it is $265.

I don't need the wiring and would probably take it off before I turn it in at lease end.

I installed that hitch on a previous X5 plus I had the wiring harness. Not all that difficult an install as long as you purchase the non reuseable rivets ahead of time.

Thanks. Where do you get the rivets? Are they just pop rivets?

anyone knows any local place to purchse tow hitch and install? dealshipers will charge between $1,200-$1,500
I live in Sacramento, looking to get this option added.

I've ordered hitches to three vehicles, including my X5 from etrailer. Their web site shows three hitches for 2012 http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2012_BMW_X5.htm I have the Curt on the X5 and a Drawtite on the XC90. Both manufacturers seems to be quality stuff, Curt maybe a bit more.

I've then had a local shop put it on along with Modulite wiring harness. Etrailer sells the Modulite for the X5 http://www.etrailer.com/t1-2012_BMW_X5.htm

Total price has always been about $400-$450, much less than what the dealers are asking. No problems yet, however I do not tow heavy trailers.

thanks for the web link, I need someone local around Sacramento to install it.
I just want to make sure they done an X5 before too.

my X5D is only a few days new......hee...hee.....

Another option is Execuhitch, don't know if they have retailers on the West Coast

http://execuhitch.com/tow-hitches/

okay, I got a price quote from my stealership on a install on a OEM hitch. They told me it will cost me around $1,200 for it.
do you think this is a good price for a install on a 2012 X5D?

Why pay $1200 when you can have it done for $400 somewhere else ???

can you tell me teh shop that can do the hitch for my 2012 X5D?

that is why I am asking online about this stealership price

I live in San Jose bay area and had mine done in no time at Eyers Hitch in Santa Clara
They even have web site too: http://www.eyer****ch.com/

LOL... the word sh*t in the link has been censored... it is www.eyers hitch.com in one word (without the space...)

hello onefastx5 can I ask how much you paid for your hitch?
no issue with codes?

It was a little over $400 . That included the hitch around $170, another $100 or so for the electrical harness, and the rest just labor.
No issue with codes, I don't see why there would be. But I didn't get it reprogrammed to enable the zoom feature on reverse camera.

Originally Posted by BMW Power

Thanks. Where do you get the rivets? Are they just pop rivets?

From the dealer and they are cheap.