535i Tow Hitch
03-28-2011, 06:26 AM
#1
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Looking to add a jet ski to my stable this summer.
Do we have any affordable and non-permanent options to attach a tow hitch to tow a jet ski on a trailer?
I don't want to drill holes or anything like that.
Car is a 2010 E60 535xi with M-Sport body.
Thanks.
Do we have any affordable and non-permanent options to attach a tow hitch to tow a jet ski on a trailer?
I don't want to drill holes or anything like that.
Car is a 2010 E60 535xi with M-Sport body.
Thanks.
03-28-2011, 07:47 AM
#2
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My Ride: 535i
I have the cheap hitch from etrailer, think it was around $100-$150 for all the parts. Part of it attaches to the trunk pan so you would have to drill, but it is removable. I wouldn't attempt to haul a lot of weight with it but a jetski would be fine. Mine is just used to haul my little 4'x6' utility trailer (~125 lbs) for my street bike (440 lbs) or mx bike (230 lbs), along with an occasional trip to Lowe's for oversize items. Check out etrailer.com, I seem to remember one for the XI E60 that attached to the frame rails (i.e. no drilling)
There are certainly nicer, more substantial hitches available, but nothing else is even close price wise.
There are certainly nicer, more substantial hitches available, but nothing else is even close price wise.
03-28-2011, 10:04 AM
#3
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I have the cheap hitch from etrailer, think it was around $100-$150 for all the parts. Part of it attaches to the trunk pan so you would have to drill, but it is removable. I wouldn't attempt to haul a lot of weight with it but a jetski would be fine. Mine is just used to haul my little 4'x6' utility trailer (~125 lbs) for my street bike (440 lbs) or mx bike (230 lbs), along with an occasional trip to Lowe's for oversize items. Check out etrailer.com, I seem to remember one for the XI E60 that attached to the frame rails (i.e. no drilling)
There are certainly nicer, more substantial hitches available, but nothing else is even close price wise.
There are certainly nicer, more substantial hitches available, but nothing else is even close price wise.
Sweet.
That looks very neat actually. Do you have any more pictures from the install?
Price does seem unbeatable. Did you do the install yourself?
I think a jet ski is around 800lbs.
03-28-2011, 10:20 AM
#4
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My Ride: 535i
Manufacturer: Curt Manufacturing
Part Number: 11498
Rating: Class I
Receiver Size: 1.25"
Maximum Weight Carrying Capacity:
Gross Trailer Weight: 2000 lbs.
Tongue Weight: 200 lbs.
Hitch- http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...cleid=20087248
Wiring- http://www.etrailer.com/p-119176KIT.html
Install Instructions- http://www.etrailer.com/instructions.aspx?pn=11498
Search google for an etrailer coupon code, I found a 30% off code when I ordered mine.
I didn't run the wiring out to the hitch, it just stays down under the spare. When needed I pull the plug out and the wiring is thin/ sturdy enough that I can just close the trunk on it.
Hope that helps!
Part Number: 11498
Rating: Class I
Receiver Size: 1.25"
Maximum Weight Carrying Capacity:
Gross Trailer Weight: 2000 lbs.
Tongue Weight: 200 lbs.
Hitch- http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...cleid=20087248
Wiring- http://www.etrailer.com/p-119176KIT.html
Install Instructions- http://www.etrailer.com/instructions.aspx?pn=11498
Search google for an etrailer coupon code, I found a 30% off code when I ordered mine.
I didn't run the wiring out to the hitch, it just stays down under the spare. When needed I pull the plug out and the wiring is thin/ sturdy enough that I can just close the trunk on it.
Hope that helps!
03-28-2011, 10:26 AM
#5
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Manufacturer: Curt Manufacturing
Part Number: 11498
Rating: Class I
Receiver Size: 1.25"
Maximum Weight Carrying Capacity:
Gross Trailer Weight: 2000 lbs.
Tongue Weight: 200 lbs.
Hitch- http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...cleid=20087248
Wiring- http://www.etrailer.com/p-119176KIT.html
Install Instructions- http://www.etrailer.com/instructions.aspx?pn=11498
Search google for an etrailer coupon code, I found a 30% off code when I ordered mine.
I didn't run the wiring out to the hitch, it just stays down under the spare. When needed I pull the plug out and the wiring is thin/ sturdy enough that I can just close the trunk on it.
Hope that helps!
Part Number: 11498
Rating: Class I
Receiver Size: 1.25"
Maximum Weight Carrying Capacity:
Gross Trailer Weight: 2000 lbs.
Tongue Weight: 200 lbs.
Hitch- http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...cleid=20087248
Wiring- http://www.etrailer.com/p-119176KIT.html
Install Instructions- http://www.etrailer.com/instructions.aspx?pn=11498
Search google for an etrailer coupon code, I found a 30% off code when I ordered mine.
I didn't run the wiring out to the hitch, it just stays down under the spare. When needed I pull the plug out and the wiring is thin/ sturdy enough that I can just close the trunk on it.
Hope that helps!
It deffinitely does.
Thank you so much.
I don't care much about the DOT stuff, as long as I can move it around.
(The garage is 10 minutes away from the water...)
03-28-2011, 12:13 PM
#6
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My Ride: 2006 550i, 1984 Mercedes Gelandewagen
You can also go the factory route and be able to tow BIGGER things. This is 100% bolt on. I got mine from PF Jones. Three days from the UK to Oregon.
The sport body will require a "small" flap to the cut for the hitch I think. The standard non-sport does not.
The sport body will require a "small" flap to the cut for the hitch I think. The standard non-sport does not.
03-28-2011, 12:23 PM
#7
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Hmm. Now this get's me thinking.
I wonder if the one ProMed posted will fit the M-Sport rear bumper.
@ProMed:
Can you modify how low you want the hitch to sit? Do you think it will clear the M-Sport bumper?
03-28-2011, 04:15 PM
#8
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My Ride: 2007 530xiT, 1964 MBZ 220SEb Coupe, 1986 MBZ 300E and a 1997 Jeep Cherokee as my cottage car.
Previous rides started with a 1947 Studebaker Commander convertible and included numerous Fords, VWs, MBZs, Saabs and, for added measure, a '61 Buick Special Wagon and Pontiac GTO.
03-28-2011, 04:20 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530xiT, 1964 MBZ 220SEb Coupe, 1986 MBZ 300E and a 1997 Jeep Cherokee as my cottage car.
Previous rides started with a 1947 Studebaker Commander convertible and included numerous Fords, VWs, MBZs, Saabs and, for added measure, a '61 Buick Special Wagon and Pontiac GTO.
Please tell how you accomplished the wiring on your USA spec. car. I installed a hitch on my '07 M 61 but have never found someone who could provide and install a wiring harness.
03-29-2011, 01:01 AM
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Did it on my e60 sport. You need to get a new difusser that allows access to the tow hitch with a cover. The electrics Was done by my local towbar/ exhaust guy. You can get a general box that they connect for wiring with newer cars. I had some threads going with it. Have a look at my history.