Yes, that is all correct.

LED don't draw enough current so they cause the issues you mentioned: if it actually continue to happen even with a real trailer, there is a special adapter available at the VW dealer. VW had a TSB on point: http://www.billswebspace.com/vw.tb.....com/vw.tb.94-06-15_trailer_lights_inoperative_operate_intermittentally_869.pdf (BMW never did, but I had this problem on the X3 so I bought the adapter and have used it on the X5 as well)

The brake light on the tester is actually for the brake circuit (i.e. the electronic brake), not the brake lights of the trailer which are both turn signal simultaneously. Here's the diagram

Unless you have the brake control module installed that won't work.

How did you code it? Were you able to use Progman, do you have ISTA or you did it via NCSExpert? I couldn't get Progman to work with the X5 cuz I had the older interface so I ended up having the dealer do it since I didn't like to mess with NCSExpert

 

Yes, that is all correct.

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation. I coded it using NCSExpert.

 

I have all LEDs on my trailer and I don't have those issues.

 

It really depends on the current drawn and whether it's above or below the threshold necessary to trip the sensors in the car. A lot of the the testers have 1 LED which is generally not enough; trailers normally have multiple LED per indicator, some have enough to draw the required current, others might be 1 short causing issues such as faults (i.e. the car indicate a light is out in the trailer when it's not), hyper-blink of the flashers and so forth. It really depends and that's where the adapter comes in handy because it adds some extra load that brings the total draw above the threshold. It is really nothing more than a resistor, just packaged all nicely...

 

$90 to have dealer do the software after my install. Seems worthwhile as they now own that if any issue in future.


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X5 Trailer wiring nightmare

Just had a hitch installed on my 2011 X535d. Used the factory BMW wiring harness. Once installed, the lights all worked - except the brake lights. Was told that the dealer needed to "retrofit" it. $180 later, took it home, hooked up a trailer - same problem. We thought it was the module that comes with the harness kit. Ordered another one. Swapped modules upon arrival. Same problem - no brake lights. Took it back to dealer. 5 hours of troubleshooting. Finally, installed the new module and re-retrofited/flashed it. This did the trick. Shop manager told me that the modules have a serial number that the truck registers. If you change it, memory needs to be updated. Wild.

So, it has cost me ~$1,070 to put a hitch on my X5. Insane, but less than the $1,500 the dealer would have charged.

 

Just had a hitch installed on my 2011 X535d. Used the factory BMW wiring harness. Once installed, the lights all worked - except the brake lights. Was told that the dealer needed to "retrofit" it. $180 later, took it home, hooked up a trailer - same problem. We thought it was the module that comes with the harness kit. Ordered another one. Swapped modules upon arrival. Same problem - no brake lights. Took it back to dealer. 5 hours of troubleshooting. Finally, installed the new module and re-retrofited/flashed it. This did the trick. Shop manager told me that the modules have a serial number that the truck registers. If you change it, memory needs to be updated. Wild.

So, it has cost me ~$1,070 to put a hitch on my X5. Insane, but less than the $1,500 the dealer would have charged.

That is not exactly true, the most common problem where the brake lights does not work is because the ahm module comes programmed for Europe by default, you have to reprogram this to US and you will have your brake lights, but I bet all your modules used were good, the last module came with US programmed

 

LINCHUNTAO--Camera Zoom

Hi Linchuntao Not sure if it the same but we just had a hicth BMW installed by BMW on our 2014 X6. I did not see or notice anywhere where there is a ZOOM function. Is it only on the X5? Is it a programming mater that the service tech failed to program? We have ordered the BMW Brake Controller for them to install also but has yet to arrive.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Hitch Zoom Camera Function X6??

Hi Linchuntao or ANYONE Not sure if it the same but we just had a hicth BMW installed by BMW on our 2014 X6. I did not see or notice anywhere where there is a ZOOM function. Is it only on the X5? Is it a programming mater that the service tech failed to program? We have ordered the BMW Brake Controller for them to install also but has yet to arrive.

Any help would be appreciated.
__________________

 

Not sure about 2014 X6. On X5 E70, trailer hitch zoom feature can be enabled purely by coding (that means you don't have to install a hitch to enable this feature). Here is the picture of this feature:

 

Interestingly that this is possible. I bought my '12 (n Oct of '12) & at the time we had the dealer install & program the hitch. Back then, they said that there is no "zoom" feature so now I am wondering if they simply did not know what they were doing when they installed it.

 

I have an X5, 2008 with the 4.8L engine. I installed a hitch from Etrailer, wire harness from etrailer and had it working for under$350.00. I have towed several times now.
I have found it works better when I shift manually. In automatic mode it holds the gears too long.
We drive a very twisty road with steep uphill and downhill. The trailer is only 4,000 pounds so not too heavy but the X5 pulls it really well.
When I first installed it I had trouble with the X5 brakes because the trailer uses surge brakes. The shock in the trailer brake was old and weak causing the trailer brakes to apply too soon.
This caused the car to buck a little. Fixing the surge brakes on the trailer fixed the car bucking issue.
Last time out I had to do a strong stop from 60 MPH. I used the car brakes until I could feel the trailer start to lock up, then I eased off the car slightly to keep the boat brakes rolling rather than skidding.
It stopped really well with no un expected issues. I have towed for 30 years so I know what is normal.
I do understand that I could program the car for trailer work and it might offer a big improvement but I am very happy with the way this X5 is towing and braking with the trailer.
I do have to reach down and disable the rear camera when backing up to kill the alarm. That is the only problem but a quick shut off eliminates this.
I only tow 4-10 times a year so I can shut down the camera when necessary. $350 vs 1,500. Take your pick.

 

I also bought Drawtite for e70 50i from etrailer. I used bmw tow harness wiring kit and did the coding. I tow 5500 steel trailer/racecar w Dual electric brakes and wireless Tokinsha RF brake controller. Works fine. Spend around $650 (oem bmw harness costs a bit)

 

[QUOTE I have found it works better when I shift manually. In automatic mode it holds the gears too long.


I agree with that statement. I have to shift manually as well when towing.

 

Trailer Wiring Harness Coding Procedures

Hi Linchuntao,

I brought / exported my US spec 2013 X5 35 abroad and I recently installed the OEM trailer hitch and wiring harness here. I have not yet hook (connect the wiring harness) on the car because it says on the instruction that you need to do reprogramming. I read on this thread that you used the NCSExpert to do the programming. I haven't done or have any background on coding or programming and here are a couple of questions that I wanted to ask you.

1. Where can I buy the cable and software in the US?
2. Can you give me a step by step procedure how to reprogram it?
3. If I connect the wiring harness inside the vehicle, what will happen if I do not do the reprograming? As of the moment, I just need the hitch to attach my bike rack and a cargo box with tail lights.

 

Hi Linchuntao,

I brought / exported my US spec 2013 X5 35 abroad and I recently installed the OEM trailer hitch and wiring harness here. I have not yet hook (connect the wiring harness) on the car because it says on the instruction that you need to do reprogramming. I read on this thread that you used the NCSExpert to do the programming. I haven't done or have any background on coding or programming and here are a couple of questions that I wanted to ask you.

1. Where can I buy the cable and software in the US?
2. Can you give me a step by step procedure how to reprogram it?
3. If I connect the wiring harness inside the vehicle, what will happen if I do not do the reprograming? As of the moment, I just need the hitch to attach my bike rack and a cargo box with tail lights.

1. Cable can be bought from ebay, programs you have to download them, look it with google
2. When you program your Hitch you must modify the FA, Which means that you have to modify the list of features that comes in your car originaly, it not so hard but you really need to know what you are doing before trying to do something, You have a lot to read. go to bmwcoding.com
3. Nothing will happen if you connect the whole wiring, AHM (this is the module name) in your car, will do something until programmed

 

Can anyone confirm that this "zoom" option is visable WITHOUT anything connected to the vehicle?
Specifically, I do NOT see that option in normal daily operation.
I don't currently have a trailer with electronics immediately available to check to see if the ZOOM function "appears" once the electronics would have been connected

 

I can confirm that zoom is available whether the trailer is attached or not - but the feature wasn't enabled at the dealer. I installed the hitch and had the dealer program the car. They had "no idea" what I was talking about when I asked about the zoom feature. I managed to enable it with coding myself. By the way, I enabled it on my 2008 and now my 2012 X5.

-John

 

My dealer was not able to code the "zoom" feature when they (supposedly) programmed mine. I informed then a couple of times that it should be available and even took it back once when they did not do it the first time. I use to code so maybe I need to get he program and do it myself

 

The more i research this, the more i want to give up.

I finally decided on a hitch solution for my 2013 X5 (lease is up in January).. now i'm trying to figure out what do about wiring. I called the dealer and they wanted $450 for the wiring harness! Thats more than the hitch!

I like what Westlotorn's wiring solution, but my only concern is how will this affect my lease return? I'm definitely going to get a new x5 in January and most likely another hitch system

Is there an OEM style harness I can buy from a 3rd party? The e-trailer module requires wiring work which I don't mind doing, but the electronics in the new BMW's are intimidating.

 

You mean this wiring harness?
http://www.getbmwparts.com/partloca...ndex.cfm?action=AccessoryCatalog&catalogid=4462&siteid=214672&categoryID=184334

Notice the price. You don't need to pay dealer prices to get OE parts.

 

Haught dang!!! thank you sir!!! Is stuff like this that make forums great! :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

All you have to do with a BMW part number is plug it into Google and you will get prices from many places. You might even find a cheaper place than that. Some dealers run an Internet store for BMW parts. So you get BMW parts for a lot less money.

 

So I purchased the Drawtight Hitch, ball mount kit, and lock system from e-trailer (free shipping).

Then I purchased the OE BMW harness from the link given here.

All in, $500. The harness appears to be plug n play like the hitch. So all of this will be up for sale sometime in early January 2016 if anyone wants to buy it from me.

 

You will still need to have the vehicle coded after the wiring harness is installed.

 

Only if I want the zoom camera feature correct?

Is that covered by the free maintenance program?

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No and No. The vehicle won't have any of the tow features enabled and I think the lighting won't work as well. So you need the vehicle coded. Coding is not covered under warranty or the maintenance program. You will either need to pay the dealer, an indy shop, Okee or someone else to handle the coding.

 

My dealer charges $160.. I'm more comfortable with software programming then splicing wires on a lease. So I'm gonna try and update the software myself. I read about NCSexpert on this thread, does anyone know the exact code values for the towing features or do I need to translate all the german to figure it out?

 

Also interested in this response... Can we not just use E-Sys to code the F25 X3? I use that to code my F30 335i... Got a rediculous quote from my dealer today at $130/hour & would be anywhere from 2-5 hours... i was like, uh no thanks.. that's way too high... should take an hour at most

 

Ended up having the dealer do it during a regular service. $160 total for the update. 2-3 hours is ridiculous for an update.


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Thanks for the discussion here I'm researching a hitch on my new to me 2010 V8 and this was very helpful.

 

I am having the brake light issue as well - I traced the signal back to the truck and don't see voltage on the electric brake line, although the running lights and turn signals work fine. I hooked up the laptop to try to code it or at least see what the AHM values were set at, but I don't get that module as an option to query or change. 2011 X5d with factory tow package. Has anyone seen that before? No indication that the module exists?

 

Read out your FA, if there isn't the retrofit code for the trailer module, chances are you don't have one

 

Then I would need to add the module into the VO in FA? I'm a coding newb and do not want to mess up the X5 - taking a cross country trip with the trailer on Monday, and would like to have functioning brake lights on the trailer, but not if I end up making the X5 undriveable in the process!

 

+AHMU to the FA, write to CAS and FRM with FA_write (something like that) as the job