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      09-02-2011, 08:40 PM   #19
skier219
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Drives: X3 M40i, M2C, Ferrari 328
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: USA

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotus7 View Post
Thanks - That's very informative. I had a early pre-release set of installation instructions that Execuhitch once had available on their website. However, the last time I checked it was no longer available for download. Obviously, they changed the final design.

I believe the OEM bumper beam is made of square section tubular aluminum. At least that's what it looks like through the tow ring access holes. The tow ring eyebolt mounts through a hole bored through the bumper bar. (Which is why the tow ring is so much longer than that on most other BMW’s.) Hope the Execuhitch has the (2) holes!

Here are some instructions for the Execuhitch unit:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=560736

After reading them, they do say to discard the bumper "core". Interesting about the tow ring hole -- I hope they planned for that in their hitch. Though I have to say, I'd rather have the stock bumper in there myself. A big rigid steel channel isn't going to crush and absorb like an aluminum tube would if you get rear-ended.

Here are instructions for the Curt hitch:

http://sitepro12.sitepro.com/masterl..._13107_INS.pdf

Note how the bumper bolts back on over the hitch in this case.

Between the two documents, there is a lot of useful information to plan the install. I will say, the X3 hitch is about zillion times more of a PITA to install than any of my previous vehicles. On every other car I have owned, the hitch attached from the bottom and there was no trim or bumper removal. I don't like pulling trim on a new car; it's not difficult, but a lot of that stuff breaks easily, so you have to be careful.
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