Hitch availability and cost

[igorsvrub]

Originally Posted by igorsvrub

Be honest, I do not remember this info(but in spec it is not mentioned), but I remember that this one is electrical and can be easily removed when it is not needed.
When ordered there were 2 options available: electric and non-electric.
As I am not towing big trailers, so thus was not really focussed on figures.

Found out what is towing capacity
3.5 tonns

[finnbmw]

Originally Posted by igorsvrub

Found out what is towing capacity
3.5 tonns

Thank you! This confirms information from another source that the X5 is indeed rated to tow 7,700 lbs (or 3,500 kg). The limiting factor in the US appears to be the BMW hitch, which is rated at only 6,000 lbs. That is probably why BMW NA has the X5 rated in the US market to tow only the above mentioned 6,000 lbs (2,716 kg). In another words, with a proper hitch (not the one BMW sells here in US), X5 is capable of towing 7,700 lbs. In all likelihood though, the limiting towing factor becomes the tongue weight, which is 600 lbs (272 kg) regardless what hitch you use.

[igorsvrub]

Originally Posted by finnbmw

Thank you! This confirms information from another source that the X5 is indeed rated to tow 7,700 lbs (or 3,500 kg). The limiting factor in the US appears to be the BMW hitch, which is rated at only 6,000 lbs. That is probably why BMW NA has the X5 rated in the US market to tow only the above mentioned 6,000 lbs (2,716 kg). In another words, with a proper hitch (not the one BMW sells here in US), X5 is capable of towing 7,700 lbs. In all likelihood though, the limiting towing factor becomes the tongue weight, which is 600 lbs (272 kg) regardless what hitch you use.

I still do not understand why bmw does not sell hitch in US!!!
I mean why it can not be ordered from official dealer!

[atomic80]

I don't understand why the hitch doesn't come standard with the X5!

[TAY TAY]

Originally Posted by ChipB

Update: had the BMW Class III hitch installed this week. I did not have the dealership install the BMW electric brake controller, as I have one on order and rather than have it permanently installed in the driver-side cup holder my plan is have it loose so that I can remove it when not actually towing something (which is 99% of the time). Anyways, here are some photos of the hitch. It is removable, and when not installed the "receiver" (not a traditional 2" square design) is not totally invisible but pretty much out of sight. I've also included a shot of the rear-view camera screen - note that you can see the hitch, which should make backing to the trailer pretty easy.

Does the hitch come with an electric brake controller, and why does it to have sit in the drivers cup holder?

[ChipB]

The BMW Class III hitch does not include an electric controller - one can be ordered separately. I assume it's not all sold as a single package because many people have trailers with hydraulic rather than electric brakes - this is pretty common for boar trailers in particular. The controller from BMW costs over $200, not including installation. If you have one from an E70 it should work with the X15 hitch - at least that's what I confirmed with my SA at the dealer when I had my Class III hitch installed last week. I also believe that any after-market controller should also work, as long as you splice the wires properly to the hitch wiring. As for the BMW-brand controller sits in the cup holder - I suppose it's a good way to secure the controller and route wires in a neat fashion without making holes in the dash, but I don't like the idea of losing that cup holder. The controller must be securelly mounted and face forward in-line with direction of travel and can not be tilted, and the cup holder solution accomplishes that. My plan is to not bother hiding the wiring - since I tow a trailer so infrequently I will simply drape the wires from the controller over the seats to the connector in the rear.

[Iaro]

Originally Posted by atlantiQue

In Belgium the electric hitch (option 3AC) comes together with increased towing capacity (option 233) of 3500kg which would place it somewhere in the middle, above class III but below class IV. Understandable as people in Benelux, especially the Dutch, love towing campers . The price is 1225 euro (incl. tax).

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. Where can I order this hitch and wiring? Is it better than invisihitch?

[F15GorDe]

Originally Posted by Iaro

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. Where can I order this hitch and wiring? Is it better than invisihitch?

The Invisihitch IS the best hitch and when installed with the OEM module and wiring you have a very capable combination second to none in my opinion. There are several others here that will say the same. Depending on where you purchase everything you’ll be in the $1300-$1500 when all said and done for the OEM setup, alternatives will save $150 or so.

[Phil Devtec]

This is great information. Thanks for resurrecting this thread! I traded my truck in for my x5d and would need the occasional tow (to marina in spring and from marina in fall).

[Iaro]

Originally Posted by F15GorDe

The Invisihitch IS the best hitch and when installed with the OEM module and wiring you have a very capable combination second to none in my opinion. There are several others here that will say the same. Depending on where you purchase everything you’ll be in the $1300-$1500 when all said and done for the OEM setup, alternatives will save $150 or so.

Good info thanks. So how many pounds is invisihitch rated for, how much can you tow wit it?

[F15GorDe]

My 35d easily tows up to its rated capacity of 7700 lbs. Best source of the most up to date information regarding INVISIHITCH, no matter which vehicle, is Steve at their facility in Suwanee outside of Atlanta. (678)400-0121

[Iaro]

Originally Posted by F15GorDe

My 35d easily tows up to its rated capacity of 7700 lbs. Best source of the most up to date information regarding INVISIHITCH, no matter which vehicle, is Steve at their facility in Suwanee outside of Atlanta. (678)400-0121

Do you happen to know max tongue weigh for 50i?

[Whazzup@NJ]

I emailed Invisihitch and there are no authorized installers near me. I can't do it myself. What have others done?

[F15GorDe]

Max tongue weight is 600 lbs.

[jfox86264]

@atomic80 I see this thread is a couple of years old, but do you have any feedback on the hitch system you decided on? Thanks!

[redline9001]

There is NO way you can tow any where near 7000 lbs with an X5, most half tons can not tow that much and stay with in safety capicity.

Get a tongue weight scale and know your payloads of your x5. You will be surprised how fast it adds up... you, the wife, the kids and dog... and the cooler of beer all take away payload and your tongue weight

Stay safe out there