What are you tips for towing setup.

[Hellrot]

I will be towing an e36 which is just under 3000 lbs.

What type of hitch do you recommend I get and who should install it? I have a 50i on normal suspension, are there any other considerations I should be aware of?

Trip will be 2k miles.

[unluky]

I asked the same question - there were a lot of recommends here.

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1565379

[1norseman]

Stealth Hitch is what I use, works great for towing trailers, though I have rear air, not coils.

Depending on tongue weight of your trailer, and how much weight you are transporting in the back of the X5, you might want to go with a cheaper, but non hidden hitch though.

This way you will have a square receiver, and you can use a load distributing hitch.
Several brands to chose from, and I believe even U-haul can install those for you. (if you dare to let them touch your vehicle...)

When it comes to the wiring harness, I went OEM, and had it installed by the dealer.
But you can install it yourself, and have remote programming done also.

[unluky]

Originally Posted by 1norseman

Stealth Hitch is what I use, works great for towing trailers, though I have rear air, not coils.

Depending on tongue weight of your trailer, and how much weight you are transporting in the back of the X5, you might want to go with a cheaper, but non hidden hitch though.

This way you will have a square receiver, and you can use a load distributing hitch.
Several brands to chose from, and I believe even U-haul can install those for you. (if you dare to let them touch your vehicle...)

When it comes to the wiring harness, I went OEM, and had it installed by the dealer.
But you can install it yourself, and have remote programming done also.

Is the "remote program" just the hitch zoom feature? Or is there more to it than that?

[David3]

I am researching hitches for my '15 35i. I decided to go with a Curt hitch as it tucks up under the bumper nice and tight without having to cut anything. Also, unlike the hidden receivers, you can use any 2" hitch you want so you can get the ball at the height you need. My X5 has rear air springs, so good to go there. I will be going with OEM wiring and module (if not already in place).

[alphaod]

Originally Posted by unluky

Is the "remote program" just the hitch zoom feature? Or is there more to it than that?

My understanding is there is an entirely different stability control program for when there is trailer attached including the ability to install a electric brakes module.

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by David3

I am researching hitches for my '15 35i. I decided to go with a Curt hitch as it tucks up under the bumper nice and tight without having to cut anything. Also, unlike the hidden receivers, you can use any 2" hitch you want so you can get the ball at the height you need. My X5 has rear air springs, so good to go there. I will be going with OEM wiring and module (if not already in place).

FYI, Stealth Hitches makes different height "ball mounts" for their hidden hitch solution, just cost way more.. ($119 for an extra arm, unless you buy them when they have a sale)
https://stealthhitches.com/collections/ball-moounts

But, as I mentioned above, with a 2" receiver solution, I believe you are able to use weight distributing hitches (better check with hitch mfg), which is what I believe OP might need for his trip, since he doesn't have rear air springs. So your solution would be a better choice IMO..

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by unluky

Is the "remote program" just the hitch zoom feature? Or is there more to it than that?

Originally Posted by alphaod

My understanding is there is an entirely different stability control program for when there is trailer attached including the ability to install a electric brakes module.

To be honest, I need to read up on it.

What I do know. Backup camera updates. Rear PDC deactivation when towing. Lights out warning will also work for trailer lights, once programmed.

The stability control, might just be for the DHP versions?

The ability to install electric brakes, is there regardless. Even BMW's version is a separate unit with wires plugged pretty much straight into the trailer. Some people have installed aftermarket wireless trailerbrake modules. Does not affect programming as far as I know.

It would not surprise me if there are other things like transmission and ECU, that might be affected too. I tried to search, but could not find an answer quickly. Especially on a 35 model, I would think the shift points, would benefit from a change when towing. It not reprogrammed, I would recommend towing in manual mode.

Anyway, now I'm going to have to find out more about this, and update my reply when I have better answers.

[KillFox91]

I purchased my X5 previously owned; it came with the oem hitch.

Attached to it is the goose neck with the 3" receiver tube that allows a standard ball and pin.

To my understanding this is rated for 3000 lbs.

Looking on one of the bmw sites I saw that there are multiple "attachments" for the hitch; including one that is a 2" ball that connects down below where the key lock is.

To my understanding that would be rated for 6000lbs?

I of course cannot find which bmw site I was on now...

Also, can the dealer provide me a key? Rather do that than go to a locksmith but beggars can't be choosers.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by KillFox91

I purchased my X5 previously owned; it came with the oem hitch.

Attached to it is the goose neck with the 3" receiver tube that allows a standard ball and pin.

To my understanding this is rated for 3000 lbs.

Looking on one of the bmw sites I saw that there are multiple "attachments" for the hitch; including one that is a 2" ball that connects down below where the key lock is.

To my understanding that would be rated for 6000lbs?

I of course cannot find which bmw site I was on now...

Also, can the dealer provide me a key? Rather do that than go to a locksmith but beggars can't be choosers.

Yes there are two hitch options. The receiver and the ball. Everything you mentioned is correct.

Not sure if all bmw hitch keys are universal or not. Also doubt your local dealer has a tow system in stock. But doesn't hurt to ask.

[KillFox91]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Yes there are two hitch options. The receiver and the ball. Everything you mentioned is correct.

Not sure if all bmw hitch keys are universal or not. Also doubt your local dealer has a tow system in stock. But doesn't hurt to ask.

I found part numbers for others that may want to go this route.

82712349501 - 6000lbs tow rated 2" ball adaptor.

82712349502 - 3500lbs tow rated receiver tube

82712349500 - BMW Tow Harness

82712349499 - BMW Tow Trailer Hitch Cross Tube

[happydude]

Originally Posted by KillFox91

I found part numbers for others that may want to go this route.

82712349501 - 6000lbs tow rated 2" ball adaptor.

82712349502 - 3500lbs tow rated receiver tube

82712349500 - BMW Tow Harness

82712349499 - BMW Tow Trailer Hitch Cross Tube

Here is the part number for the hitch module 71606889589. I ended up going stealth hitches with the active (OEM) wire harness and module. Based on things I’ve read here on the forum and I was able to buy it with 20% off coupon which essentially was around the same price as OEM but it included the coding.

[alphaod]

Originally Posted by KillFox91

I purchased my X5 previously owned; it came with the oem hitch.

Attached to it is the goose neck with the 3" receiver tube that allows a standard ball and pin.

To my understanding this is rated for 3000 lbs.

Looking on one of the bmw sites I saw that there are multiple "attachments" for the hitch; including one that is a 2" ball that connects down below where the key lock is.

To my understanding that would be rated for 6000lbs?

I of course cannot find which bmw site I was on now...

Also, can the dealer provide me a key? Rather do that than go to a locksmith but beggars can't be choosers.

The tow hitch adapter should have come with two keys. Anyways the lock on the side of the adapter has a four-character code can use that to order replacement keys.

The part number for the key re-order is: 82712157719

The part number for the ball adapter is: 82712414452

The ball adapter will come in separate pieces just so you know so you can choose two different ball heights. IMO I think the ball adapter is very conservatively rated.