X5M Towing???

[arrivederci]

Originally Posted by infamousdiz

how much is each, I will install myself anyone do write up, I'm thinking for going with no light module because I hardly tow, but i use my thule cargo box the most.

You'd have to call invisihitch to get a quote but expect a little over $1K including coding for trailer wiring. You'd save some if you leave all that off and just did the hitch. I found an install writeup for an F15 M sport that was fairly accurate.

[alvinabed]

Originally Posted by SNAGuy

I don't tow anything as big or impressive as that, I use mine for a bike carrier currently.

I waited patiently for Invisihitch to finally come out with one for the F85/86 and I'm so glad I did, it was worth the wait.

We all got our BEASTS for the clean lines and amazing looks and when not in use I didn't want to see the receiver unit and Invisihitch sure delivered what they advertise. No one knows I have a tow bar installed unless it's being used or they are told.

First pic is with tow bar installed without the receiver unit attached

Second pic is with the receiver unit attached

Third is with my bike carrier

Woww we almost have the same bike.. i currently ride on sworks tarmac...

[SNAGuy]

Originally Posted by alvinabed

Woww we almost have the same bike.. i currently ride on sworks tarmac...

[mgaciah]

I think this one weight more than 4000 ponds, no problem towing them.

I remove the pic since it was upsidedown, I posted a correct one below

[Alberta]

Is it yours ?

[Alberta]

Originally Posted by Djvolume

Hahaha depends I guess what you prefer I love the rzr! Plus the deal was great and couldn't pass up

I was kidding dude

[jml]

Towed a new-to-me trailex enclosed with my track car in it. Trailer is about 1800lbs, car 3000lb, tires, winch, and other stuff was probably another 250lbs. I tuned the tongue weight to 650 with the position of the car.

It was really smooth. Oddly seemed easier than the open CT8045 I used before. Kinda need a trailer mounted backup camera now though.

[Djvolume]

Originally Posted by Can-am

I was kidding dude

It's all good so was I! Gone off roading

[SD-MAC]

Today was the first time I used my Invisihitch for something other than a bike rack (which is it's real purpose). I am without a proper towing vehicle right now so I trailered my John Deere lawn tractor (1300 pounds) on an aluminum trailer. I realize the weights are well below the limits, but I was still a bit apprehensive. To be honest, it still seems odd to have hitch that simply clicks in place. I was really impressed how well this vehicle tows and how well the Invisihitch system works. I cruised at 75 mph (5 below the speed limit) and reset the mpg calculator out of curiosity. I averaged 13.3 mpg on a 40 mile trip. That's really pretty good. Compared to my MB GL 550 (which I used once with the same set up) it was far more solid and the mpg was close to my GL without towing anything. While I don't plan to do much, if any, really towing I came away pretty impressed. Plus, I got my JD delivered for service! Sorry for the crappy pic.

[infamousdiz]

Originally Posted by SD-MAC

Today was the first time I used my Invisihitch for something other than a bike rack (which is it's real purpose). I am without a proper towing vehicle right now so I trailered my John Deere lawn tractor (1300 pounds) on an aluminum trailer. I realize the weights are well below the limits, but I was still a bit apprehensive. To be honest, it still seems odd to have hitch that simply clicks in place. I was really impressed how well this vehicle tows and how well the Invisihitch system works. I cruised at 75 mph (5 below the speed limit) and reset the mpg calculator out of curiosity. I averaged 13.3 mpg on a 40 mile trip. That's really pretty good. Compared to my MB GL 550 (which I used once with the same set up) it was far more solid and the mpg was close to my GL without towing anything. While I don't plan to do much, if any, really towing I came away pretty impressed. Plus, I got my JD delivered for service! Sorry for the crappy pic.

Thats a real JD too

What is there to do in the Dakotas?

[SLOWER]

What do the safety chains connect to on the Invisihitch?

[SD-MAC]

The chains connect to the hitch assembly. Same as most hitches.

[mgaciah]

Originally Posted by Can-am

I was kidding dude

Yes! of course...

[SVTX5M]

Does anyone have experience with towing with X5 M and warranty or maintenance issues? My local dealer is saying if I install Execuhitch I will void my warranty and maintenance plan as it puts "non engineered" loads on the car. This sounds like BS to me but I called another dealer and got the same story.

[Louv]

They'd have to prove the hitch was installed in such a way as to cause the failure.

Out of curiosity, why not install the factory hitch?

[SVTX5M]

I am considering the factory hitch but from what I can tell it will look like a big 2" square hole below the diffuser. The Execuhitch appears better made and not visible when not in use.

Does anyone have pictures of "factory" hitch installed?

[Louv]

My truck isn't in a very good place for pictures, but here's the hitch carrier without the hitch connected.

(BMW sells three hitches that connect here: A 2" square receiver (Class II - 3500 lb), a 2" ball (Class III - 6000 lb), and a 2-5/8" ball (Class III - 6000lb)

[SVTX5M]

Thank you VERY MUCH for the pics as I could not find these anywhere with our X5M. Could you please measure the height from ground to hitch bottom? seems very close to the road.

Also, could you get a side view as I would like to see how far the hitch extends outward from fascia.

Did you install yourself? Other than taking fascia off it should be very easy.

Did BMW do coding for you to get the car electronics to work or did it just work after the wire harness installed? Wondering if the "sway control" they describe works as advertised when trailer gets a little fishy back there.

[Louv]

Originally Posted by SVTX5M

Thank you VERY MUCH for the pics as I could not find these anywhere with our X5M. Could you please measure the height from ground to hitch bottom? seems very close to the road.

Also, could you get a side view as I would like to see how far the hitch extends outward from fascia.

Did you install yourself? Other than taking fascia off it should be very easy.

Did BMW do coding for you to get the car electronics to work or did it just work after the wire harness installed? Wondering if the "sway control" they describe works as advertised when trailer gets a little fishy back there.

Note: This is an X6M, but I *think* they are the same wrt the hitch.

Height above road: 9 inches.
Height of Tailpipes above road: 10 inches.

I did not install myself. A long time ago, I installed a factory hitch on my 2000 M5. Same process, I'm sure. Better electronics these days. BMW did the coding. Now, if anything is plugged into the trailer wiring, the rear parking control sensors are disabled. I'm pretty sure the "sway control" built into the anti-lock braking and stability control works as advertised.

Side pictures. (sorry... bad images... best I can do for today)

[SVTX5M]

That's perfect. I think I am going to go a different way for towing. 2017 Raptor

[mgaciah]

Originally Posted by mgaciah

Yes! of course...

Watersport mode!!

[mgaciah]

Another Watersport mode, this one weights around 4500 pounds, I drove for 10 hrs from San Jose to Golfito which is one of the most remote areas on not perfect roads, and I can tell you that I hardly feel that I had 2 tons behind, the X5M rocks!! for towing!!