[etr2016]

I have done an exhaustive amount of research on this topic but there is surprisingly little information out there. I'm an avoid mountain biker and will need a vehicle to support 3 bikes on a bike rack that connects to a hitch. Right now I have a VW sportwagen that does a great job holding 2 bikes, in the 1 1/4 inch hitch. To get to 3 bikes I need the 2 inch hitch. Apparently my local BMW dealer only sells the 1 1/4, but on etrailer.com, you can get a 2" hitch for the X3. We plan to buy the X3 next month after VW settles the buy back on the dieselgate scandal.

Has anyone here installed a 2" hitch on their vehicle? The installation instructions look pretty difficult so I'll likely outsource this to a shop (of course none of the local dealers will even install a 2" hitch since they aren't providing it).

Any input is greatly appreciated! I have a 1UP bike rack if anyone knows what that is (if you need a bike rack, this one is amazing!)

[Barbera335]

I have a Curt hitch on mine and it has been fantastic. Installed it myself, was actually quite simple but the entire rear bumper does need to be removed.

http://www.curtmfg.com/part/13107

[wingless]

The Invisihitch is a great choice. It has BMW wiring, BMW trailer electronic module and remote professional programming.

It includes a square receiver for a bike rack and the-most-solid ball carrier for a trailer. The solid ball carrier makes for silent towing when the trailer is unloaded.

Here is my X3 Invisihitch installation.

[dreaming440i]

Originally Posted by Barbera335

I have a Curt hitch on mine and it has been fantastic. Installed it myself, was actually quite simple but the entire rear bumper does need to be removed.

http://www.curtmfg.com/part/13107

Same for me on the Curt. Very happy, and definitely the most economical way to go, especially if you're not towing. Any reputable shop shouldn't have any trouble with this, unless they totally mess up while trimming the panels.

[etr2016]

Thanks for the replies. The Curt hitch is what I have been eyeing - and thank you for that great install! I've installed two hitches before and didn't have any issues - but the X3 hitch looked like a pain in the butt in the etrailer video.

[etr2016]

Originally Posted by wingless

The Invisihitch is a great choice. It has BMW wiring, BMW trailer electronic module and remote professional programming.

It includes a square receiver for a bike rack and the-most-solid ball carrier for a trailer. The solid ball carrier makes for silent towing when the trailer is unloaded.

Here is my X3 Invisihitch installation.

With the Execuhitch do you have to use one of their bike racks? I cannot see what kind of opening this one has. I certainly like the fact that it is hidden. I should say...my wife will certainly like the fact that this is hidden.

[wingless]

Originally Posted by etr2016

With the Execuhitch do you have to use one of their bike racks? I cannot see what kind of opening this one has. I certainly like the fact that it is hidden. I should say...my wife will certainly like the fact that this is hidden.

No, they sell integrated hitch systems, not bike racks.

For mine, I got the ball carrier w/ 2" ball and I got the 2" square receiver, w/ that 2" square receiver to be only used for a bike rack, not for towing.






This is the other square receiver, a 1-1/4" receiver, also only for a bike rack.

[etr2016]

This looks like a really solid option. My bike rack is a 2" so I'm glad they have this option.

[Radioactive]

Just installed a Draw Tite class three hitch on my 2011. Easy install. Greater tongue weight than the Curt. Using new Rocky Mount Splitrail for two bikes can be expanded to four bikes.

[etr2016]

Originally Posted by Radioactive

Just installed a Draw Tite class three hitch on my 2011. Easy install. Greater tongue weight than the Curt. Using new Rocky Mount Splitrail for two bikes can be expanded to four bikes.

After doing quite a bit of research, I think this is what I'll do as well. Looks like a good value and I like the greater tongue capacity.

Easy install....lol.....I hope i come away saying that.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by etr2016

I have done an exhaustive amount of research on this topic but there is surprisingly little information out there. I'm an avoid mountain biker and will need a vehicle to support 3 bikes on a bike rack that connects to a hitch. Right now I have a VW sportwagen that does a great job holding 2 bikes, in the 1 1/4 inch hitch. To get to 3 bikes I need the 2 inch hitch. Apparently my local BMW dealer only sells the 1 1/4, but on etrailer.com, you can get a 2" hitch for the X3. We plan to buy the X3 next month after VW settles the buy back on the dieselgate scandal.

Has anyone here installed a 2" hitch on their vehicle? The installation instructions look pretty difficult so I'll likely outsource this to a shop (of course none of the local dealers will even install a 2" hitch since they aren't providing it).

Any input is greatly appreciated! I have a 1UP bike rack if anyone knows what that is (if you need a bike rack, this one is amazing!)

My girlfriend and I recently installed a Curt hitch on her 2016 X3 35i.

Here's a video from etrailer:

Use that video in conjunction with the PDF that I've attached from ISTAD Rheingold. This PDF is the factory instructions for all procedures (as well as pre-requisite procedures) and includes torque specs for every bolt and nut.

Tools that will make this job easier:
- Interior trim removal kit (Schwaben 11 piece master kit)
- Dremel for trimming plastic pieces (you will need to trim 3 pieces)
- Rivet gun (we did not have a rivet gun that worked. we used the 2 person method for install rivets and fortunately it worked)
- Cordless drill (speeds up installation)

Here are some pictures from the install my GF and I did:

[dreaming440i]

Oh, man, your girlfriend has a nice garage!

[Radioactive]

Originally Posted by etr2016

After doing quite a bit of research, I think this is what I'll do as well. Looks like a good value and I like the greater tongue capacity.

Easy install....lol.....I hope i come away saying that.

Actually install is pretty easy. Just time consuming. Budget about 1.5 hrs. Think if I did it again, I would try to do it without removing rear tires. I needed a plastic rivet gun and nylon trim removal tools, so I bought the cheap ones at Harbor Freight. Worked great. If you have an extra set of hands that would help with bumper replacement, I did it myself though. BTW, Draw Tite has less cuts to make than Curt.

After two months still hanging on the car!

[etr2016]

Has anyone tried a bike rack for more than 2 bikes? I have a 1UP bike rack (which is amazing if you're in the market) that can support up to 4 bikes. It's a platform style rack, and I believe the X3 should be able to support the weight.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by etr2016

Has anyone tried a bike rack for more than 2 bikes? I have a 1UP bike rack (which is amazing if you're in the market) that can support up to 4 bikes. It's a platform style rack, and I believe the X3 should be able to support the weight.

Most Class 3 hitches should be able to support a tongue weight of 350 lbs.

[etr2016]

I was told that for every 12 inches you extend from the hitch the tongue weight goes down 25%. Not sure if anyone has heard that but it sort of makes sense that the tongue weight is limited to a certain length.

[Radioactive]

Originally Posted by etr2016

I was told that for every 12 inches you extend from the hitch the tongue weight goes down 25%. Not sure if anyone has heard that but it sort of makes sense that the tongue weight is limited to a certain length.

Have you given 1UP a call? I'm sure their engineers could advise you on effective weight. Fulcrum physics.