want a hitch for my '04 x3

hey everyone~
long time since I've posted! (having a baby will do that to ya

Anyways...now it's a VERY gorgeous summer here in northern michigan,
and my family is very active...
I realized the one flaw my x3 has now----
NO TRAILER HITCH
BIG TIME disappointment.
I didn't even think of that when i bought it!
So, what are the BEST options- in actually doing a self-install
trailer hitch???
are there aftermarket ones that you can buy (because I've already
contacted the BMW dealer in town- and it's roughly 350 JUST for the attachment,
and another 150 for the hitch-ball!)
So, we will really try to make this a DIY project!
Especially since my sister is flying out visiting from Washington,
We will be making a short trip up to Mackinaw Island-- bikes only!

Please give any input/web-links you have!
Thanks!
Happy sailing

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/...h-2006-x3.html

good luck, should be similar

Adding a trailer hitch is a definite DIY job. I did mine with relative ease. It takes a little time but the DIY here is pretty good:
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/...h-2006-x3.html

I bought my hitch at etrailer.com There are several makes to choose from. I bought the Draw Tite as I've used them in the past and fitment was perfect:

Check them out here: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2005_BMW_X3.htm

It takes around 2 hours if I remember correctly. You have to remove the bumper cover and the rear end collision brace (which gets chucked in lieu of the hitch).

Have fun.

Thanks ALOT you guys!
We did the DIY, with the links provided! Hubby got the hitch
on in about an hour! Awesome!
Mackinaw island here we come!

I'm looking to do this myself. The BMW wiring kit is plug and play. Since you went after market, how easy was it to install the wiring?

I went with an aftermarket conversion kit like the one listed here: http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-V...cleid=20059943

I leave it coiled up in the storage space (where the battery is) when not in use. When I need it i just run it out over the bumper and close the tailgate. Works perfectly. I bought the kit a walmart I believe for a lot less.

Originally Posted by ducx3

I'm looking to do this myself. The BMW wiring kit is plug and play. Since you went after market, how easy was it to install the wiring?

If you don't like the idea of aftermarket trailer wiring you can buy the kit separate. Though I'm not sure how much you would save buying an aftermarket hitch and an OE wiring harness. I went all OE myself and I'm glad I did. But then again I'm pretty anal about such things. Probably too anal sometimes.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES185399/PriceAlert/

http://www.trademotion.com/parts/ind...&siteid=214672

I'm ok paying for the OEM parts. The problem is there's only 1 dealer in the state or at least within 400 miles of me. Last I checked with the parts guy he couldn't find the hitch for me. I've got the part number in hand now so I'll try again next time I'm in town. Otherwise, ordering on line and shipping the hitch is not feasible and I'd have to buy an aftermarket hitch instead from a local dealer. But I could buy the OE wiring harness to satisfy my desire to not cut and splice into those beautiful harnesses.

Originally Posted by ducx3

I'm looking to do this myself. The BMW wiring kit is plug and play. Since you went after market, how easy was it to install the wiring?

We have yet to install wiring (for trailer purposes)--- i'm not sure when we'll do this, possibly before we go on a road trip....
but otherwise, the hitch looks great, my hubby did a great job, looks like it belongs on the vehicle!