[Mrdonbonjovi]

For anyone else interested the install method mentioned by PabstBleuRibbon works as discussed! 1 hr 30 min with a baby break half way through.

Non-traditional means to raise the car a bit but it got the job done.

Recommend to tape the exhaust tips with painters tape and then layer with a thicker duct tape to eliminate risk of scratches when removing/installing the bumper and hitch brace.

All in all, simple and quick!

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Mrdonbonjovi This is awesome & after removing my rear bumper for another different project I never realized how easy popping the rear bumper off was. Looks like I just need a flex joint extension.

[classic_erik]

Just installed my stealth hitch and using it for the first time with a bike rack. Is it normal to have some play / wiggle in the rack once installed? I would have thought it was rock solid but there is definitely some slight give left to right that I’m concerned about.

[thestimp]

Originally Posted by classic_erik

Just installed my stealth hitch and using it for the first time with a bike rack. Is it normal to have some play / wiggle in the rack once installed? I would have thought it was rock solid but there is definitely some slight give left to right that I’m concerned about.

Completely normal, you can get shims to help it stay in place.

[stoked335d]

Is there an adapter option to raise the bike rack few inches usinggthe stealth hitch? Have carbon wheels on my MTB and road bikes and constact heat from the tail pipes can damage carbon bike wheels.

[gapband]

Originally Posted by stoked335d

Is there an adapter option to raise the bike rack few inches usinggthe stealth hitch? Have carbon wheels on my MTB and road bikes and constact heat from the tail pipes can damage carbon bike wheels.

Kuat makes a Hi-Lo adapter that raises and adds length to the hitch receiver.

I picked this during my Audi S4 days and haven't used it since but it worked to move my bikes away from the exhaust.

[FuzzleMucker]

Thanks for post!

I backed out of immediately adding a hitch due to how complex the Stealth Hitch install guide made the process appear and wasn't sure if I wanted to trust a 3rd party with an install.

Been improvising while I found the courage to tackle it...

[onerazorsharp]

Hey All,

New to the forum and have been following as im a mountain bike enthusiast and really needed a hitch installed. Stealth hitch is really nice, I opted to spend a little less and find a fixed unit model instead. I won't get into why I went this route, but I wanted to share my findings and install for any of those interested.

Looking for a fixed unit model was a bit tricky, everything shows compatibility to either the m40 or just the standard X3. I have the LCI X3M Comp. After some digging I found a drawtite model on Amazon, even had an X3M owner confirm fitment in review. Here's a link
https://a.co/d/4L8D01V

Let me just say that it's been a while since I've wrenched or modified my own vehicle, and I know I'm capable enough to take the bumper cover off if needed. But needless to say I was a little worried that I'd get stuck in one of those multi trip missing tool something broke frustrated evenings. But when I called over to some local shops for install quotes the numbers were pretty ridiculous! 400 to 700 for labor without wiring was what I was getting.

So I took a chance, bought some ramps, and decided to give it a go based on what I saw in this walkthrough. Man! The LCI rear bumper is awesome when it comes to installing a hitch. As long as you don't need the wiring. All in all about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours, with me just being extra slow and careful.

[X3MBimmi]

I have a '21 X3M and am looking at these options. I found the wiring harness and trailer control module and want to install the factory wiring harness for the 7-way plug feature, I'll have to code it in E-Sys. I have a small 20' boat but if i use the stealth hitch and the fact it has 18" clearance from ground to top of ball, my boat will be leaning toward the vehicle about 1.25" from the rear to front of the trailer. I do not want to add more tongue weight than necessary, thus the idea of using the drawtite hitch seems better for me. I can add a raised hitch to compensate for the lower height that stealth offers. Only thing I have questions with is where in the heck do I mount the 7-way plug if i go this route? What would you do?

[R BMW]

To mount the plug, I'd use some silicone adhesive and wire ties. Just check it once in a while but then there are no holes needed to mount.
I did the same but used the Draw-tite Hidden hitch.

[Beardielox]

What did you do with your rear exhaust hangars? Did you just take them off and leave them off, since there is nowhere to attach them onto the stealth hitch? There seems like there is a lot of play in the exhaust when done this way. Do you get any noise from the exhaust hitting anything?

[Th3Walrus]

Originally Posted by Beardielox

What did you do with your rear exhaust hangars? Did you just take them off and leave them off, since there is nowhere to attach them onto the stealth hitch? There seems like there is a lot of play in the exhaust when done this way. Do you get any noise from the exhaust hitting anything?

From the pictures, it looks like you reinstall the bumper brace (with the hanger studs) over the hitch.

[Beardielox]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

From the pictures, it looks like you reinstall the bumper brace (with the hanger studs) over the hitch.

Haha I’m dumb, and totally missed that. Thank you for pointing it out to me.

[taliben]

Can the diffuser method be used to install a stealth hitch on a pre-LCI? Or am I screwed

[codeyf]

Originally Posted by taliben

Can the diffuser method be used to install a stealth hitch on a pre-LCI? Or am I screwed

I did mine just a couple weeks ago. It was super easy to do, even removing the entire bumper cover. The only time I had my wife help, was in holding one end of the cover up when I was reinstalling it, so that I could plug the proximity sensors back in. I just printed the directions from the Stealth Hitch site and went with those. Don't be intimidated, you can do it!

[bk_g80_m3]

Is using a lift or ramps necessary? Or is it a comfort thing?

Also is the universal joint socket attachment necessary?

I’m looking to pick up a 2024 X3M Comp soon and will be looking at the stealth hitch

Lastly any tips on popping the diffusor off to avoid tab breakage?

[jloco]

Just did this install yesterday. For the 2020 X3M there is less room to get the crash bar out so I had to follow the factory directions and remove the bumper. Still not a big deal. Also, you will need pry tools and deep sockets for removal of crash bumper and tightening of stealth hitch block because the bolts are hella long. Overall took me about 3 hours because I had to get deep well sockets from the parts store mid install.

All that work and you cant even see it, stealth is legit...lol

[Th3Walrus]

Originally Posted by jloco

Just did this install yesterday. For the 2020 X3M there is less room to get the crash bar out so I had to follow the factory directions and remove the bumper. Still not a big deal. Also, you will need pry tools and deep sockets for removal of crash bumper and tightening of stealth hitch block because the bolts are hella long. Overall took me about 3 hours because I had to get deep well sockets from the parts store mid install.

All that work and you cant even see it, stealth is legit...lol

jloco unrelated question for you, since you just removed your 2020 bumper. I just noticed my bumper is popped out slightly below the fuel door, half way between the wheel well and taillight. How do I pop out that area to inspect for the cause, and reinstall? I'm guessing follow the stealth hitch install instructions step 1 - 12 for one side, at step 13 remove the 3 lower side bolts, then pry off the one side.

I'm hoping it's just popped out, but I'm worried something is bent. I just had Dinan springs installed, and wondering if the shop somehow whacked something. I don't see any impact damage to the rear bumper.

[jloco]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

jloco unrelated question for you, since you just removed your 2020 bumper. I just noticed my bumper is popped out slightly below the fuel door, half way between the wheel well and taillight. How do I pop out that area to inspect for the cause, and reinstall? I'm guessing follow the stealth hitch install instructions step 1 - 12 for one side, at step 13 remove the 3 lower side bolts, then pry off the one side.

I'm hoping it's just popped out, but I'm worried something is bent. I just had Dinan springs installed, and wondering if the shop somehow whacked something. I don't see any impact damage to the rear bumper.

Yeah the 3 bolts hold the bumper in place under the wheel well molding. Unless there is a tab broken it should just pop back into place. Don’t forget to put all 3 bolts in on the under side of the bumper on each side as well.

[billyfirkins88]

does this delete the kick to open trunk feature?

[thestimp]

Originally Posted by billyfirkins88

does this delete the kick to open trunk feature?

Shouldn't, haven't heard anyone reporting that.