Hi all-
Just traded in my '98 528i that I've had since new for a '07 530xit. Looking for a hitch for it. Noticed that the Curt hitch sold for the '07 requires drilling the spare wheel well. The hitch sold for the '08 doesn't and ties into the 5mph bumper bolts and the lower subframe.

My question is there really a difference between the structure of the rear subframe and bumper mounts on the '07 and '08 e61's?

I'd prefer the drill free option ( http://www.thehitchstore.com/class-i...ch-p-2125.html )
over the one specified for my car ( http://www.thehitchstore.com/class-i...tch-p-128.html )

As you can see the drill free version looks beefier and ties into much more substantial sections of the car than the '07/'06 version.

I'd really like to get a Westfalia hitch, but haven't found anyone in the US that will sell them to me...

Thanks -

Dave

I believe you didn't get the LCI (facelifted version) until later in 2007 in the US, as MY2008? If that's the case, you are comparing a non-LCI with an LCI, so this could be the reason for the different design.

Correct, mine is a pre LCI. I guess my question is, did BMW actually change the design of the rear subframe and the bumper supports for the LCI models?
I wondering this because all of the European towbars (Westfalia, Thule, & Bosal) seem to work on both pre-LCI and LCI cars -
http://www.towequipe.co.uk/

Thanks -

Dave.

To be honest; I don't know. The bumper itself was redesigned, but whether that meant new bumper supports... hmmm...:think:

sorry for threadjack, but I'm a newbie and looking for similar info. I have an 08 535xi... and will be looking for a tow hitch for my bike trailer soon. my questions: 1. what is LCI? 2. what hitch did you end up going with?

No worries. You have an LCI since yours is an 08' model. So you can get the hitch that doesn't require drilling into the spare tire well.
I still haven't decided yet, but will probably end up getting a Westfalia hitch from Europe along with a wiring harness. They are the OEM in Europe, but hella expensive compared to the Curt hitch you can get in the US.

If I was you - I'd get the Curt hitch since you can one that doesn't require drilling holes into your spare tire wheel.

I'm still interested in finding out if there were any changes to the sub frames or underbody of the car between the LCI and non-LCI wagons