[SM2]

Originally Posted by Abbot26

I'm picking up an X3M soon that has the electrically folding tow bar fitted, I've no idea how that's going to work, hey ho

Images would be greatly appreciated.

[SM2]

Originally Posted by pluckydks

Not to hijack thread, but I just saw this today at the BMW Welt in Munich. I don’t know any details yet.

No close up images?

[Abbot26]

Originally Posted by SM2

No close up images?

Picking her up on Saturday, will take a vid of it in action and post for you guys to see

[SM2]

Originally Posted by Abbot26

Picking her up on Saturday, will take a vid of it in action and post for you guys to see

Thanks, I'm not seeing a part number for X3 M but maybe uses same hitch as M40i, hopefully you can find a part number on it.

[You]

Would love it if BMW offered a factory hitch for the US instead of having to tear apart a brand new vehicle. I'm always worried about the fit of the parts going back together.

[MrItaly]

Originally Posted by You

Would love it if BMW offered a factory hitch for the US instead of having to tear apart a brand new vehicle. I'm always worried about the fit of the parts going back together.

Rear bumper is pretty straight forward. It was a lengthy but easy job. Grab a buddy when you're pulling and remounting the bumper. Everything else can easily be done solo with some patience and care. Their step by step instructions with photos are pretty good.

[MrItaly]

Originally Posted by SM2

Thanks, I'm not seeing a part number for X3 M but maybe uses same hitch as M40i, hopefully you can find a part number on it.

Odd, I could have sworn one came up when I ordered for my X3MC.

[-JLT-]

just got my stealth hitch. looking forward for install

[MrItaly]

Originally Posted by -JLT-

just got my stealth hitch. looking forward for install

You're gonna love it!

[BrockDM]

Originally Posted by -JLT-

just got my stealth hitch. looking forward for install

Congrats John! It's such a handy option to have

[Transfer]

Got mine installed today. Took me about 3 hrs total with a break in the middle to run out for an 18mm deep socket which I thought I had. Instructions were overall very good and there were only a few moments that I was thinking "don't F this up!"

All in tax+ shipping it cost me $721 for bike hitch only option. I got some local quotes for install. One was a fairly reasonable $300 but location 30 miles away and the other was $500. I had basically all the tools so figured I could do it and In the end I'm glad I did.

[MrItaly]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Got mine installed today. Took me about 3 hrs total with a break in the middle to run out for an 18mm deep socket which I thought I had. Instructions were overall very good and there were only a few moments that I was thinking "don't F this up!"

All in tax+ shipping it cost me $721 for bike hitch only option. I got some local quotes for install. One was a fairly reasonable $300 but location 30 miles away and the other was $500. I had basically all the tools so figured I could do it and In the end I'm glad I did.

Welcome to the club. It's a very useful upgrade.

[clutchdj]

Can anyone confirm if this can be installEd without having to remove the rear bumper and taillight assy?

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by clutchdj

Can anyone confirm if this can be installEd without having to remove the rear bumper and taillight assy?

Nope. You have to take the whole thing apart.

[poohbear]

out of interest, what is the ground clearance of this stealth hitch?

[cfm56d7b]

Very nicely done. Thanks for sharing pictures!

[2kaccordocoupe]

I see they have an option for the X4MC now as well. I guess you guys towing got the combo kit?

Question: Can you not just get the basic version and slide in your own 2" draw bar and ball?
Or does it have a much lower loading rating compared to the proprietary tow bar and ball?

[strohw]

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

I see they have an option for the X4MC now as well. I guess you guys towing got the combo kit?

Question: Can you not just get the basic version and slide in your own 2" draw bar and ball?
Or does it have a much lower loading rating compared to the proprietary tow bar and ball?

They say you can't tow with the rack mount but you can. They just don't rate/test it because it doesn't comply with EU standards which need a solid mount. The problem you get is that the rack version doesn't have have a wiring harness or chain anchors included.

If legitimately need to tow for longer distances than you can get away with no lights or anchors then you need the combo kit.

[to_riffic]

[PhrogFixer01]

Originally Posted by clutchdj

Can anyone confirm if this can be installEd without having to remove the rear bumper and taillight assy?

It really isn't that difficult. All you need are some basic hand tools (and hopefully a torque wrench) and a good plastic pry kit ($20 online). The directions included are very clear and complete. Took me about 2.5 to 3 hours on my own to do it. I would never pay the $300 to $500 that someone else mentioned for "professional installation" as it really isn't that involved. Very high quality setup though and you won't be disappointed!

[2kaccordocoupe]

Originally Posted by strohw

They say you can't tow with the rack mount but you can. They just don't rate/test it because it doesn't comply with EU standards which need a solid mount. The problem you get is that the rack version doesn't have have a wiring harness or chain anchors included.

If legitimately need to tow for longer distances than you can get away with no lights or anchors then you need the combo kit.

That makes sense. Thanks.
I do need the chain hooks yes, for wiring I was thinking of going another route like the OEM module.

Does the stealth wiring kit integrate nicely with the bmw electronics to disable pdc etc when a trailer is connected or do turn it off manually?

[Transfer]

So mine is working well but has a small amount of side to side play (1 mm?) that is amplified by a bike rack/bike that is probably 80 lbs total. Basically it sways more than I like but can't say it's a problem yet. It is definitely coming from where receiver locks into hitch frame.

Anyone else notice this? Normal? Not normal?