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      06-10-2015, 03:28 AM   #1
Mr Comfort
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OEM Trailer Hitch

hey folks, I would like to hear anyone's thoughts on the oem trailer hitch seems like a lot of money.
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      06-10-2015, 02:17 PM   #2
Lotus99
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Sure, do a search and you'll find all your answers.
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      06-11-2015, 08:47 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Comfort View Post
hey folks, I would like to hear anyone's thoughts on the oem trailer hitch seems like a lot of money.
The OEM hitch package includes revised electronics which are required if you have PDC, etc. Thus the system will recognize the trailer presence and presumably disable the rear distance control alarm.

Very neat unobtrusive installation
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      06-11-2015, 08:57 AM   #4
fjrmann
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it is a lot of money!

it is a class 2 hitch, 350# tongue wt. 3500# tow limit. very hidden when the ball hitch is not installed, and very clever attachment process.

it may add a few dollars at re-sale, since not many X3's are tow vehicles. with that said, it is indeed a very capable tow vehicle, especially with the 35i power plant.

see:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594010
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      06-11-2015, 09:01 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eaglesview View Post
Thus the system will recognize the trailer presence and presumably disable the rear distance control alarm.
very true if the trailer wiring is connected. I disconnect my wiring when launching my boat and the alarm does go off.
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      06-11-2015, 01:19 PM   #6
Mr Comfort
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thanks for your thoughts guys, e bay has them for 550.00 I'll install myself and a local bmw shop wants 125.00 to code the truck. Way way cheaper than the dealer. Just got a CPO and my condition of the sale was for them to repair a broken bumper support bracket. Since they had the bumper off I thought they would do me a hitch a little cheaper. Boy was I wrong, they wanted over two thousand. That wasn't happening. DIY is the only way to keep the cost down.
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      06-11-2015, 04:49 PM   #7
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you might as well look at the in invisihitch option too then, which is pretty much OEM quality and software stuff IIRC
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      06-11-2015, 07:14 PM   #8
Mr Comfort
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the only problem with the invis hitch is you loose the two rear toe hooks. That really come in handy for kayak tie downs. And its another hundred plus shipping.
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      06-16-2015, 05:30 AM   #9
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Here is my Invisihitch installation.

This hitch includes two loops that are available for tie points. (The factory only put one tow hook location on my 2015 X3.)
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      06-17-2015, 04:22 AM   #10
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very very nice! great job with the walk-thru pics
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      09-14-2015, 02:02 PM   #11
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I would like to put a trailer hitch on my car.

Is this the correct item?

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/35...--COMPLETE-KIT

If so, very little info on the website, can i put this on myself, or are there special tools, welding etc. necessary.

thanks
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      09-14-2015, 02:10 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eaglesview View Post
The OEM hitch package includes revised electronics which are required if you have PDC, etc. Thus the system will recognize the trailer presence and presumably disable the rear distance control alarm.

Very neat unobtrusive installation
So there are a few OEM part numbers (at different prices). I'm assuming the most expensive option is because it deals with the PDC.

If your X3 does not have PDC but is a newer build, you should be able to use a less expensive OEM tow hitch, correct?
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      09-15-2015, 06:38 AM   #13
DBV1
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Amazing that BMW does not offer a factory installed hitch for the SUV's. Crazy - when Mercedes and Porsche do and it is a relatively cheap option on those too.
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      09-15-2015, 07:29 AM   #14
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??? They do a factory installed hitch. My car has one and it's perfect for our needs.
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      09-15-2015, 09:20 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DBV1 View Post
Amazing that BMW does not offer a factory installed hitch for the SUV's. Crazy - when Mercedes and Porsche do and it is a relatively cheap option on those too.
+1.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ranger 6 View Post
??? They do a factory installed hitch. My car has one and it's perfect for our needs.
It isn't an option from the factory.
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      09-15-2015, 05:53 PM   #16
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Highly recommend Invisihitch --- neat, clean, can't be seen when hitch is out, comes with ball hitch and 2" receiver -- quoted 5000lb towing capacity on X3 3.5 -- all electronics and programming included... plus you can get the rest of the electronic annoyances re programmed as well, such as closing rear hatch with the fob, rolling up all windows and mirrors with the fob, true engine specs, tire pressure, etc. in the systems info, and dozens more options --- and less than OEM parts and installation.... Must find a good installer however...
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      09-15-2015, 06:18 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jbinbi View Post
I would like to put a trailer hitch on my car.

Is this the correct item?

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/35...--COMPLETE-KIT

If so, very little info on the website, can i put this on myself, or are there special tools, welding etc. necessary.

thanks
would love to get an answer to this. would like to get the trailer hitch, but don't know if this is the correct item to purchase. it looks right, but i can't tell.
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      09-15-2015, 06:46 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ranger 6 View Post
??? They do a factory installed hitch. My car has one and it's perfect for our needs.
Maybe for 2012, but BMW USA prohibits the current models sold in the US from including this system from the factory.
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      09-15-2015, 09:16 PM   #19
02420X3
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From what I've read here, Invisihitch is what BMW installs as a hitch in Europe.
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      09-16-2015, 06:42 AM   #20
Ranger 6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wingless View Post
Maybe for 2012, but BMW USA prohibits the current models sold in the US from including this system from the factory.
Ah, ok. Mines UK spec.
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      09-16-2015, 10:19 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wingless View Post
Maybe for 2012, but BMW USA prohibits the current models sold in the US from including this system from the factory.
Any reason for this?
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      01-12-2018, 03:13 PM   #22
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Hi I am new to the forum. I am trying to find help for a problem we have with our tow hitch. It appears to be jammed half in half out. The garage is saying we need to replace the whole tow hitch at a cost of £1500 I was just wondering if anyone had anything similar and if there is a cheaper solution. Thanks
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