BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Today's Posts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-15-2009, 11:20 PM   #1
lst71
New Member
Canada
4
Rep
13
Posts

Drives: 2006 X3 2.5i 6spd, 2007 X5 3.0
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Question Towing Hitch

Thinking about installing a towing hitch on my 06 X3.
Does anyone have recommendations or pics which ones are the best fit ?
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2009, 05:21 AM   #2
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lst71 View Post
Thinking about installing a towing hitch on my 06 X3.
Does anyone have recommendations or pics which ones are the best fit ?
The factory kit is the only was to go, in my opinion.

You can install it if you know cars, but programming must be done by the dealer.

Don't let them charge you for more than 1 Hour, but I doubt it takes more than 30 minutes.

I'd call around for the best price quote!
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2009, 08:27 AM   #3
lst71
New Member
Canada
4
Rep
13
Posts

Drives: 2006 X3 2.5i 6spd, 2007 X5 3.0
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Thanks, red-sauerkraut
Good info.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2009, 09:29 PM   #4
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rs6655 View Post
I installed my own and agree that OE BMW is the only way to go.

Programming is not required.
Unless your 09 is pre-programmed, programming is required, regardless of what the book, or the dealer tells you.
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2009, 01:38 AM   #5
Convertible
Private First Class
Finland
16
Rep
187
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: FINLAND

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lst71 View Post
Thinking about installing a towing hitch on my 06 X3.
Does anyone have recommendations or pics which ones are the best fit ?
I just installed removable hitch to my car. BMW uses Westafalia hitches that you can get a lot cheaper from Westfalia than from stealers shop. The part is excaclty the same. (at least in EU)

I had to buy new diffuser with a removable plastic when hook is on. (M pac.)

No programming was needed and PDC works with hook on.

An independent BMW shop installed it for 200€, and the hook was 399€ delivered home.

http://cgi.ebay.de/Anhaengerkupplung...4.c0.m14.l1262

If US has different system (probably does) try to find out who makes that set for BMW and if they sell it elsewhere.
__________________
E87 120i M Sport
E87 118i
E30 M3
E30 M3 Convertible
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2009, 11:13 PM   #6
Ninjaoz
Major
Ninjaoz's Avatar
Australia
79
Rep
1,123
Posts

Drives: E39 540i, E90 320d,F15 30d
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 320d  [10.00]
thanks for the instruction guide, is it suitable for LCI X3 as well? (i.e post 2006 models)
Appreciate 0
      09-21-2009, 01:44 PM   #7
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

Sorry?

I know for a fact it requires programming, to fully function...

The adding of the Brake Module is why it must be programmed!


Quote:
Originally Posted by rs6655 View Post
I'm sorry but you are misinformed.

It's all plug and play. It was on mine and has been on every install I've ever read about.
Appreciate 0
      09-28-2009, 02:26 PM   #8
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

The car requires programming to have brake lights on the trailer!!!

Install a test light, and see for yourself...


---Not the same thing, so I'm not sure what your point is---



Quote:
Originally Posted by rs6655 View Post
No brake module for USA X3's.

If one is towing a heavy trailer it will need surge brakes.
Appreciate 0
      09-29-2009, 11:00 PM   #9
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

The book is not completely correct, the car does require programming after the install, to have trailer BRAKE lights work!!!

Install a test light, to see for yourself...!!!


Appreciate 0
      10-01-2009, 05:47 AM   #10
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

I disagree. I know what I'm talking about, and anybody can check with dealer to confirm I'm right, so whatever you want to say is fine, but I'm more than right about the needed programming. I'm not talking about running lights, I'm talking about BRAKE lights!!!

Nice car, by the way!

Quote:
Originally Posted by rs6655 View Post
I have no need to use a test light. I tow a trailer with mine, have been for almost a year, and check the lights every time I hook it up. ALL the lights have worked perfectly since day one with no programming.

I don't know where you're getting your information but it is totally wrong.
Appreciate 0
      10-01-2009, 10:50 AM   #11
chuck92103
Major
chuck92103's Avatar
92
Rep
1,209
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Socal

iTrader: (0)

I don't think non- iDrive cars need programming.

An X6 with iDrive and rear camera does for sure. After the dealer installed my hitch, another option in the iDrive camera setting showed up. The option lets you select the camera angle for tow hitch so when you are backing up you get a better view of the hitch when moving into position to connect a trailer.
__________________
2011 535i
2008 VW GTI
Appreciate 0
      10-01-2009, 02:23 PM   #12
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

Wow, a person that thinks before they speak.

Who knows,,, but clearly know-it-all above might not realize that things change from time to time. The 07-09 model requires programming. A lot depends on how the dealer sets the computer up before selling the car. Maybe they were kind enough to pre-program his car, but it is required to function correctly & safely.

Quote:
Originally Posted by chuck92103 View Post
I don't think non- iDrive cars need programming.

An X6 with iDrive and rear camera does for sure. After the dealer installed my hitch, another option in the iDrive camera setting showed up. The option lets you select the camera angle for tow hitch so when you are backing up you get a better view of the hitch when moving into position to connect a trailer.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:28 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST