2" Receiver Hitch in USA? Also: Wiring?
10-27-2013, 02:51 PM
#151
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Location: Polk City, FL USA
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My Ride: 2001 M5, 2010 535iXT Automatic
Model Year: 2001, 2010
Any of our EU / UK brethren have a reinforcement bar they can check the distance of the mounting holes ?
10-27-2013, 02:57 PM
#152
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I finished the primary install of the EU towbar and dedicated wiring. I really like the wiring concept, and although the instructions are in pictographs instead of words, it went relatively well. Both the towbar swan neck AND the electronics plug are not visible when not in use. The plug actually swings up behind the bumper as well.
Two primary challenges
1. When I finished the wiring I got a PDC Failure error on the iDrive. A little later a LEFT brake lamp failure occurred. I went through the wiring, ensuring the relay box inside the car was tight and the errors were still there. I then removed the bumper and fiddled with the PDC plug. Checked iDrive and both errors were gone. As we know, sometimes errors don't immediately go away even when the error fault is fixed. So... still looks like a wiring connection situation. On the way home, I received an error code for LEFT and RIGHT brake lamps. Both brake lights work on outside and appear normal. I have not checked with the trailer hooked up.
Two primary challenges
1. When I finished the wiring I got a PDC Failure error on the iDrive. A little later a LEFT brake lamp failure occurred. I went through the wiring, ensuring the relay box inside the car was tight and the errors were still there. I then removed the bumper and fiddled with the PDC plug. Checked iDrive and both errors were gone. As we know, sometimes errors don't immediately go away even when the error fault is fixed. So... still looks like a wiring connection situation. On the way home, I received an error code for LEFT and RIGHT brake lamps. Both brake lights work on outside and appear normal. I have not checked with the trailer hooked up.
I know when I installed the hitch on my previous X5, it had to be reprogrammed, which had the side benefit of also changing the camera view to show the trailer hitch when reversing (pretty handy).
The only problem you might have is whether or not the US dealers can 'program' the car for 'trailering package', since I don't think our cars were ever offered/approved for towing (or something to that effect).
That's just a guess, though. It will be interesting to see if your error codes go away with a trailer plugged in though.
10-27-2013, 03:33 PM
#153
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My Ride: 2001 M5, 2010 535iXT Automatic
Model Year: 2001, 2010
Sarge,
Wiring kit is supposedly eliminates all the "ECU" codes, and is the OEM equivalent. Since it is intermittent, probably a connection that could be better. The wiring has to be connected at various points, Passenger side bolster of R rear seat, under spare, at the plug receptacle, three separate power wires, three separate ground wires.... Lots of room for error on my part, and the EU connectors are very good, but strange for me.
BTW, spent 12+ years enlisted/NCO and then 11+ as Warrant. Thank you for your service.
Wiring kit is supposedly eliminates all the "ECU" codes, and is the OEM equivalent. Since it is intermittent, probably a connection that could be better. The wiring has to be connected at various points, Passenger side bolster of R rear seat, under spare, at the plug receptacle, three separate power wires, three separate ground wires.... Lots of room for error on my part, and the EU connectors are very good, but strange for me.
BTW, spent 12+ years enlisted/NCO and then 11+ as Warrant. Thank you for your service.
11-27-2013, 04:02 AM
#155
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My Ride: 2001 M5, 2010 535iXT Automatic
Model Year: 2001, 2010
Hi 6speed,
I'll take some photos, but not much will be shown, it is all under the bumper. The low tongue weight rating for all of these, might lead one to consider staying with the US version from Curt. I'm still on the decision process on this one. I have a persistent "Brake Lamp Failure" reading on the IKE/Nav screen that is bothersome. Not sure if it is from US vs UK lamp/bulbs or ....???
I'll take some photos, but not much will be shown, it is all under the bumper. The low tongue weight rating for all of these, might lead one to consider staying with the US version from Curt. I'm still on the decision process on this one. I have a persistent "Brake Lamp Failure" reading on the IKE/Nav screen that is bothersome. Not sure if it is from US vs UK lamp/bulbs or ....???
11-27-2013, 09:22 AM
#156
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Not true and anyone who appreciates the styling of a BMW should please not bolt on an ugly Curt receiver!
About $500 gets you full custom with ZERO loss of departure angle. No drilling occurred, just thoughtful design and welding. Approved for 3500 lbs and 350 TW:
11-27-2013, 09:24 AM
#157
Senior Members
lowest point at rear edge is the exhaust. I had the receiver angled up slightly to add more clearance for the bike rack itself. Other brands like Yakima would have even better clearance due to the immediate curve upwards out of the receiver.
05-27-2014, 08:15 AM
#159
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My Ride: 2007 530XiT BSM/Auburn
Model Year: 2007
BTW, is the hole through which the bolt goes in and holds the rack to the receiver behind the bumper fascia?
-r
05-27-2014, 07:31 PM
#160
Senior Members
Mine was custom and I am sure they did not make any sort of template at the time.
The hitch pin is obviously behind the facia
as per post #156.
(no need to quote large photos on the same page/thread for reference)
A good craftsman could make you one similar. As you can see in the 156 photo, there is a stabilizer bar that follows the contours of the lower body shell. This flat bar runs back to near the front of spare tire shell and connects with a lateral support bar which bolts into factory bolt points so that drilling was not required.
The hitch pin is obviously behind the facia
as per post #156.(no need to quote large photos on the same page/thread for reference)
A good craftsman could make you one similar. As you can see in the 156 photo, there is a stabilizer bar that follows the contours of the lower body shell. This flat bar runs back to near the front of spare tire shell and connects with a lateral support bar which bolts into factory bolt points so that drilling was not required.