X5 F15 Tow Hitch Australia

[ClubbyX5M50d]

Can anyone share some info on fitting a tow bar to an F15. I bought an Execuhitch from a supplier in South Africa for my old E70. I have sent numerous emails without any response so I gather they are out of business. So I'm looking for another supplier/installer here in Australia. I have an m50d, I will be adding the rear diffuser at some stage and I want the hitch to be removable so it's hidden.
Any recommendations?

[ikheetleon]

Why not go with the original electric BMW hitch? Mine was installed at the dealer later on. I have a diffuser as wel on my m50d. Just a push of the button in the boot and the hitch will automatically appear from under the car.

[ClubbyX5M50d]

I'm interested, are you in Australia?
I'm not sure whether this option is available here.
Aldo what is the tow capacity?

[ikheetleon]

I'm in europe.
Factory installed, capacity is 3500kg. If installed later on, 2700kg.

[Cost a lot]

My father-in-law has a F15 M50d and had the BMW hitch fitted by BMW, not sure of price, think around $1,600. Its not electric, however hidden as the hitch receiver lives in your boot when not in use. Its a real bugger to put in and take out as its under the car and you have to really bend down do a bit of giggling to get it in. Its also very heavy. I would go the full electric option if using all the time, or simply just leave the manual receiver in. Post some pictures of your M50d. What other mods have you done? or doing?

[ClubbyX5M50d]

Originally Posted by ikheetleon

I'm in europe.
Factory installed, capacity is 3500kg. If installed later on, 2700kg.

Hey, why does the capacity reduce if fitted later?

[ClubbyX5M50d]

Originally Posted by Cost a lot

My father-in-law has a F15 M50d and had the BMW hitch fitted by BMW, not sure of price, think around $1,600. Its not electric, however hidden as the hitch receiver lives in your boot when not in use. Its a real bugger to put in and take out as its under the car and you have to really bend down do a bit of giggling to get it in. Its also very heavy. I would go the full electric option if using all the time, or simply just leave the manual receiver in. Post some pictures of your M50d. What other mods have you done? or doing?

I've only had the ride for 3 weeks so no pics yet. I have added M Performance grille and I'm planning front & rear carbon treatments. I just need the tow hitch sorted first so I can tow my boat.

[mynameisplayer]

I can't see that being allowed in the land of red tape! Don't care if Ze Chermans made it and it's TUV approved, FFS we only just approved ISOFIX seats. Lucky Country?! Lucky we're allowed outside we have so many rules and regs... On a serious note, go get your ute (you are an Australian?) and go to the tip with that. Tow with an X5? That'd be like going offroad with one! Mwahahaha *monacle falls into brandy glass*

[Ninjaoz]

Originally Posted by ClubbyX5M50d

Can anyone share some info on fitting a tow bar to an F15. I bought an Execuhitch from a supplier in South Africa for my old E70. I have sent numerous emails without any response so I gather they are out of business. So I'm looking for another supplier/installer here in Australia. I have an m50d, I will be adding the rear diffuser at some stage and I want the hitch to be removable so it's hidden.
Any recommendations?

Check out my thread, here you go matey

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1103834

[Stinkyxy]

I don't use a hitch but from what I have read on the board so far (see the invisihitch thread) If you go with the factory hitch, while cool to have a button and have it pop out, it is very limiting.

It is a non-standard sizes ball, I believe you need an adapter for bike racks, etc ( more $) and you do not have a receiver.

So it use is limited without pouring a ton of money into it. There are a few threads on the topic with prices ranging from $200 to $1000.

[ikheetleon]

The difference in towing capacity has to do with factory options. If you factory order the electric hitch (3AC) you get option 233 (higher towing capacity) with it. Installing it afterwards only gives option 3AC. Pricing was about 1200 euro. It a normal standard size ball. I have a standard bike rack and trailer which works without any adapters or any modifications.

[ClubbyX5M50d]

Originally Posted by ikheetleon

The difference in towing capacity has to do with factory options. If you factory order the electric hitch (3AC) you get option 233 (higher towing capacity) with it. Installing it afterwards only gives option 3AC. Pricing was about 1200 euro. It a normal standard size ball. I have a standard bike rack and trailer which works without any adapters or any modifications.

Still doesn't make sense why the factory capacity is higher if it's fitted as an option.