wingless' X3 F25 2015 Invisihitch Installation

wingless · Jan 19, 2015

We needed a tow hitch for our new 2015 X3 xDrive28i BMW.

After an exhaustive search I selected the Invisihitch by Execuhitch, with the ball carrier, the bike rack receiver and the BMW trailer module. The vehicle will be reprogrammed by CodeMyCar to utilize the new module and to personalize the configuration.

The hitch is well-made and is provided as a system. I recommend this hitch.

Be aware that the factory aluminum bumper support is discarded during the installation. That bumper support has the threaded inserts for the tow eyes. There are no tow eyes with the hitch. That should not be a problem, because the hitch includes two sturdy safety chain loops that are suitable for that function instead.

When the ball carrier is removed, the hitch is completely hidden. It is only visible when looking up from the ground at the bottom of the vehicle. The ball carrier is easy to remove. It also has a built-in key lock for extra security.

The hitch is easy enough for a DIY installation. The instructions and materials are complete.

The vehicle electrics tolerated the toe kick sensor, the parking sensors and the passive proximity antenna plugging and unplugging w/o getting weird.

Note that the directions and the cutting template supplied were not followed. I instead created my own cut pattern from measurements, to have two smaller holes, instead of one larger hole.

Hitch Parts

Reflector Removal

Reflector Removed - Note Screw to Remove

Taillight Cover Removal

Taillight Cover Removed - Note Nuts to Remove, then Taillight, then Unplug Taillight

Taillight Nut Removal

Fenderwell Plastic Rivet Removal - Remove Three Rear on Each Side

Fenderwell Plastic Rivet Removed

Fenderwell Trim Clip Released - Note Hidden Screws (4) to Remove

Fenderwell Trim Fastener + O-Ring - Note Trim Fastener and O-Ring Both Fall Off Easy - Don't Lose

Gravel Guard Screws

Gravel Guard Nuts

Gravel Guard Removed

Facia Bottom Screws - Remove Three Each Side

Facia Clip Releasing - Note the Prior Yellow Pry Tool was Too Flexible - Switched to Disposible Chop Sticks

Facia Corner Clip Releasing

Facia Removed - Facia Support Shown - Passive Proximity Antenna Shown

Facia Supports Removed

Aluminum Bumper Removed

Invisihitch Beam Installed

Torque Hitch Assembly to 90 ft-lbs

Hitch Installed

Facia Interior - Parking Sensors and Toe Kick Sensors

Gravel Guard Marked for Cutting

Gravel Guard Cut

Hitch Viewed Through Gravel Guard Cutout

jgroarke · Jan 19, 2015

Awesome WIP pics - love it!

abee20 · Jan 19, 2015

Thanks for the post. I too went back and forth between the OEM hitch and the Execuhitch and decided to go with Execuhitch after doing all the research. My 2012 X3 35i is currently in the shop at this very second getting the hitch installed.

wingless · Jan 20, 2015

abee20 said:
My 2012 X3 35i is currently in the shop at this very second getting the hitch installed.

Post an image(s) of your installation and provide information on the hitch when yours is returned.

abee20 · Jan 19, 2015

wingless said:
...The vehicle will be reprogrammed by CodeMyCar to utilize the new module and to personalize the configuration.

I not 100% familiar with the coding process which is one of the reasons why I contacted Execuhitch prior to making my purchase in order to inquire about how to complete the coding after the hitch is installed. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Execuhitch offers to complete the coding remotely for free as long as the hitch with wiring harness are purchased.

There was a form that came in the box which had a long list of coding options for me to choose from. The Execuhitch representative told me that all I would need is a laptop and an internet connection.

wingless · Jan 20, 2015

Here are some images showing the finished installation cutout and the ball carrier attached.

gc3 · Jan 21, 2015

Finished pics look great, no outwardly visible changes to the bumper.

Toast. · Jan 23, 2015

Looks great!
How long would say install took you?

wingless · Jan 23, 2015

Thank you!

That was my Sunday afternoon project.

The most difficult part was releasing the side clips on the bumper facia, but no problemo once I switched to the chop sticks.

My deviation from the instructions on the gravel guard cutout took some planning and some layout changes, but I didn't want a very large opening and preferred / required the two smaller openings.

I also tweaked the gravel guard cutout for another couple hours after work to make the hitch door move freely.

wingless · Jan 24, 2015

The hitch was also purchased w/ the 2" receiver carrier, to be used only for a bike rack.

Here are images of the 2" receiver carrier and the bike rack, also showing it tilted out of the way.

abee20 · Jan 24, 2015

As promised, here are a couple of pictures from my install.

abee20 · Jan 24, 2015

Here's a few more pics with the 1 1/4 inch adapter and bike rack attached.

wingless · Jan 25, 2015

Nice images posted by Abee20! Thank you!

wingless · Jan 26, 2015

The instructions on the ball carrier state: "Always Lock to Prevent Accidental Release".

Today I used the hitch to pull my daughter's personal watercraft trailer. Instead of plugging the ball carrier in until the latch snaps (for photographs), I also attempted to push-in the built-in lock pushbutton. It didn't budge.

I discovered that the latch knob needed to be manually rotated tighter, drawing the tapered ball carrier plug tighter into the tapered hitch receptacle, making the assembly even more secure, before it was possible to push-in the lock pushbutton.

This is a well designed product!

abee20 · Jan 26, 2015

I like the fact that there is absolutely no "play" in any portion of the hitch once the adapters are attached. Feels like one solid extension of the vehicle.

wingless · Feb 9, 2015

Here are images showing the wiring part of the installation.

The Invisihitch directions were full and complete.

My installation deviated from the provided instructions in that I disassembled the vehicle more than indicated, for better access and the best possible installation.

My process also included these steps not listed in the instructions: loosening, but not removing the battery (remember to remove / replace the vent hose); removing / replacing the forward foam electronic module holder; removing / replacing the left foam electronic module holder; removing / replacing the hatch latch foam mechanical module holder; removing / replacing the cargo rails and removing / replacing the sill and sides covers.

My experience was that it was much easier to also remove / replace the felt covering the right side fuse panel by removing the push fasteners retaining that part.

New Trailer Vehicle Wiring Harness

New Trailer Vehicle Wiring Harness - USCAR Connector

New Trailer Vehicle Wiring Harness - Trailer Module Connectors

New Trailer Vehicle Wiring Harness - Power Contacts and CANbus Connectors

USCAR Connector and Harness

USCAR Connector

USCAR Wiring

Trailer Module

Trailer Module Connectors

Cargo Area

Cargo Area Storage

Below Cargo Area Storage

Right Storage Bin Removal - Torx and Two Push Fasteners

Rear Facia Grommet - Removed and Drilled for USCAR Harness - USCAR Harness Inserted Through New Grommet Hole

USCAR Harness Contacts Inserted Into Connector Housing

Trailer and USCAR Harness Routed Under Left Foam Module Location

Trailer Module Connected to Harness

Trailer Module Installed

Below Cargo Floor Wiring Completed

Behind Fuse Panel - Four Position Connector and Trailer Harness Mate

Behind Fuse Panel - Gray Pin 3 to Trailer Harness Red w/ Blue (Poke into Housing) - Also Four Pin Connector Mated

Behind Fuse Panel - Black Pin 1 to Trailer Harness Red w/ Yellow (Poke into Housing) - Also Four Pin Connector Mated

Vehicle CANbus Connectors Mated

Vehicle and Trailer Harness CANbus Connectors

Vehicle and Trailer Harness Ground - Apply Sideways Force When Nut Removed to Maintain Vehicle Ground Connection

Fuse Panel Wiring Complete

Chris Zanot · Feb 28, 2015

2015 X3 Invisihitch "WOW"

Just had the guys in Suwanee Ga. install the Invisihitch system on my new X3 35i M.
What a package and for about half the price BMW wanted for their hitch. The parts are
built tough to exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle and utilizes the same wiring harness
as BMW would. Very courteous and professional service with no questions left unanswered.
I highly recommend this package to maintain the sexy look of your X3's rear end!

wingless · Feb 28, 2015

Chris Zanot said:
Just had the guys in Suwanee Ga. install the Invisihitch system on my new X3 35i M.
What a package and for about half the price BMW wanted for their hitch. The parts are
built tough to exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle and utilizes the same wiring harness
as BMW would. Very courteous and professional service with no questions left unanswered.
I highly recommend this package to maintain the sexy look of your X3's rear end!

The install looks great and the rear end still looks sexy.

bteiger · Nov 15, 2015

fantastically detailed information. I recently purchased an X3 and the EcoHitch, I have the factory controller and the wiring harness but need more information on the full process. is there a link to the factory harness install instructions somewhere? I would also like to find the mount for the factory connection box that will work with my EcoHitch as there are no connection box clips or mounts that came with it.

bteiger · Nov 15, 2015

specifically I need something like part "M" in this PDF
http://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/ins429.pdf

wingless · Nov 16, 2015

The instructions look different than those provided by Invisihitch.

If the question is about getting a bracket to hold the trailer connector, then these images show the two ell brackets. Those were included w/ my hitch.

The one attached to the hitch is custom. The one holding the trailer connector would be available at any trailer supply store.

bteiger · Nov 22, 2015

@wingless really appreciate the posting of this install as the install of the OEM factory harness was really easy with your instructions. Doing the EcoHitch install next week.

wingless · Nov 22, 2015

Glad to help!

Good luck w/ your hitch and your X3.

bteiger · Nov 28, 2015

I did the EcoHitch install today and it is completely hidden when the tongue mount receiver is removed. The EcoHitch main cross bar is MUCH lower than the one in the Invisihitch install and made for some interesting adaptation of the fitment. I ended up just going with a 4 round post harness rather than the factory 7flat and 4 round cluster. Because the EcoHitch cross bar is so much lower there was not proper way to mount the factory connection ports without it really dangling below, and that is exactly what I was trying to avoid. I ended up with a larger hole in the gravel guard to accommodate all the access to the wiring harness as well as the attachment for the receiver. Doing some adaptation of the factory wiring harness through the weather seal grommet made it a very clean look on the outside and since I have never towed a trailer with brakes I really had no use for the 7 flat connector.

I had to order the https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2712045/ expanding rivets to replace the ones that get popped out as that wasn't clearly explained as these are one time use fasteners.

Next up is to get a proper tongue with the appropriate lift/drop distance. From the looks of the tongues attached they are raised rather than lowered. Any hints as to what the height difference is from the receiver to the base at the ball? I want to make sure the motorcycle trailer is at the right height.

wingless · Nov 28, 2015

bteiger said:
I had to order the https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2712045/ expanding rivets to replace the ones that get popped out as that wasn't clearly explained as these are one time use fasteners.

wingless said:
Hitch Parts

Fenderwell Plastic Rivet Removal - Remove Three Rear on Each Side

Fenderwell Plastic Rivet Removed

The center pin was pushed through w/ my cotter pin tool.

The Invisihitch parts included the six push fasteners shown in the bottom right corner. Those worked fine during installation.

Diesel Bimmer · Aug 18, 2016

Sorry to resurrect an old post. However, I'm ignorant as to the reason it is necessary to 'recode' the vehicle computer when a hitch is installed. Someone please enlighten me.

gc3 · Aug 18, 2016

To activate the function of the rear view camera that allows close look at the hitch when it is installed.

barkingcats · Aug 19, 2016

There's a lot to change

I think reprogramming the car to pull a trailer is fairly involved. The stability management system needs to be set to turn off if there's a trailer, because all the handling rules go out the window. The car needs to handle probable extra loads on the taillight circuits because of the additional trailer lights. You get the camera zoom on the trailer hitch. I asked for other setting changes while the guy was doing his thing; still, the whole process took a couple hours.

GetMore · Oct 13, 2016

So, this setup would allow the car to control trailer brakes automatically?

wingless · Oct 17, 2016

No, the system does not include a trailer brake controller. That would need to be added, if required.

My USCAR connector was not populated w/ the electric trailer brake wire. If electric brakes are to be added, then that wire would need to be added to the harness, probably obtained from Pollak. The wire side of that connector has a plug where the electric trailer brake wire would go. Once that wire is polulated, then it would need to be run to the controller at the driver's location.

This system includes the BMW trailer module that provides trailer stability and rear camera ball zoom, plus other trailer functions

New Trailer Vehicle Wiring Harness - USCAR Connector

USCAR Connector and Harness

USCAR Connector

USCAR Wiring

Recon4 · May 5, 2017

I've had this hitch on my 2014 X5 for four years. I've hauled a small motorcycle trailer with a Harley on it all over the country. The hitch is flawless! This is a GREAT product and I will buy another one when I buy my next X5 probably next year, 2018.
http://execuhitch.com/tow-hitches/bmw-x3-f25-xdrive-35i-manual-hidden-trailer-hitch.html

invisihitch · May 6, 2017

Thanks @Recon4. We're biased of course, but BMW really seems to have dropped the ball on their X3 hitch with its lower-than-vehicle tow capacity and its nonstandard rack receiver. And then they priced it up. So we kept the good part -- the OEM harness -- and paired it with what we believe is a properly designed hitch.

I just now saw the questions about adding an electric brake controller. As @wingless documented, BMW left out one wire on its X3 wiring harness -- the wire that conducts the output from an electric brake controller to the 7-way trailer plug. I guess the assumption was that nobody would tow something heavy enough to require trailer brakes with the X3. But the X3 is rated for up to 5500 lbs towing. So if you need to add a brake controller, I recommend the Prodigy RF. It doesn't require the missing wire in BMW's harness, and it's a really well designed product. (Invisihitch has no relationship with Tekonsha; I simply like their Prodigy RF controller).

wingless' X3 F25 2015 Invisihitch Installation

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