Help with hitch receiver (2157696)

[Ceramic Rabbit]

Hey guys, i just got the regular BMW square hitch receiver but cannot get the indicator to turn back from red to green.

I've read a thread that said to just push it in hard until it snaps, but even when I pull the receiver out it won't go back to green. No matter what i do with that lever, lock or unlock it push it in or twist it, i cant get it to go back green again.

Anybody have any advice?

[RED_Y_]

Its not very straight forward when you do it first time, but if you get in once you will figure it out. What you need to do is basically insert the tip of the adapter and then push it in and down hard so it will click in and get locked. I can make a video for you tomorrow if you can't figure it out.

[Variante Alta]

Agreed with Red - it's not particularly intuitive at first. When I purchased the X5 the 2" ball receiver was already installed and I could not get it off for love nor money. I fortunately had ordered a 2 5/16 for our TT so could examine how the thing works. The key is the stainless 'tongue' at the inserted end of the receiver - it needs to latch properly under the hitch portion attached to the car. If you insert the receiver so it's almost at the installed point (two outside nubs almost in their supports) and then quickly shove the whole assembly in and down it will click in place and be lockable (showing green). The one that came installed on my car was seized so I had to work the stainless tongue free so the turning mechanism would retract it. Morale of that story was don't leave them on long term - remove them when not being used.

If that doesn't help, Red's video should help. I could find absolutely no video help online a year ago to show how these receivers were supposed to be installed/ removed. Once you get the technique, you can do it in your sleep.

[Ceramic Rabbit]

Thank you guys i really appreciate the replies. I'll give it a shot later today, i was sure I was doing something wrong but i had no idea what it could possibly be since its such a simple part.

[RED_Y_]

In case you are still struggling here is the video:

[Ceramic Rabbit]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

In case you are still struggling here is the video:
https://youtu.be/peyCDCz8u3U" rel="ugc" target="_blank">http://<a href="https://youtu.be/pey...eyCDCz8u3U</a>

That is exactly the video i needed, thank you!

Really appreciate it, hopefully this thread will help someone else in the future as well.

[Davidcaruso77]

Just helped me! Thanks! trying to figure out my 2017 X5 40e.