Expert Answers about BMW X5

• Can Rear Sensors on 2015 BMW X5 Be Disable for Bike Rack Use
• Usually when vehicles have rear sensors there is a way to disable them in the settings of your vehicle - you shouldn't need to take your 2015 BMW X5 to have something done to the computer to accomplish this. You'll want to check in your owner's manual for any specific instructions on how to to this. If you don't already have a hitch I recommend checking out the Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver # SH56VR because it's hidden behind the bumper until you connect the receiver, and then the...
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• Is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Installation the Same on a 2013 BMW X5 as the 2011 BMW X5
• The installation of the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75600, will be the same on the 2013 BMW X5 as it is on the 2011 BMW X5. These vehicles are part of the same generation of the X5 and BMW did not make very many changes. I have attached the installation instructions and our installation video on a 2011 model for you to check out. You should have no problem following our video when installing this hitch on your X5. One thing to keep in mind when installing this hitch...
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• Locating Cold Side Of Stop Light Switch on 2012 BMW X5
• Finding the cold side of the stop light switch on your 2012 BMW X5 will require the use of a circuit tester like the # PTW2993. The wire will be near the brake pedal, and will be the one that only has 12V power when you press on the brakes. We don't have specific information on its location so this is the only way to find it. This is the best location, but a 3rd brake light wire will also work. One thing worth mentioning is that we have found in the past some X5's can cause brake controller...
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• Will Fascia Trimming Be Required to Install etrailer Brand e84AR Class III Hitch on 2011 BMW X5
• Per the linked instructions, the etrailer brand # e84AR Class III hitch will require trimming a 4 x 2-1/4 inch piece of the bumper fascia away. I've linked to an install video for the # 13077 hitch which installs in the same manner.
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• Will Draw-Tite 76288 Class III Require Fascia Trimming to Install on 2022 BMW X5
• As you can see in the linked install instructions, the Draw-Tite # 76288 would require trimming the underside of the bumper fascia. I've provided a photo showing the detail of exactly how the fascia is trimmed, as well as a photo showing what the hitch looks like when it's installed. As you can see, the portion of the fascia that's trimmed is on the underside of the fascia, so it won't be easy to see from the rear of the vehicle.
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• Is Bumper Removal Required to Install Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75600 on a 2008 BMW X5
• The installation of Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75600 does require temporary removal of the rear bumper. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you so you can see all of the steps involved in the installation on a 2008 BMW X5. If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, a hitch pin with clip, and a carrying bag. For trailer wiring use # 119250KIT. I have included a link to the instructions and a...
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• How does Curt Echo Distinguish Brakes from Signal Lights?
• The Curt Echo # C51180 works differently from a normal brake controller since it is wireless. In order to activate your trailer brakes, the Echo needs to detect that both the left and right brake lights are illuminated and that the vehicle is decelerating (detected via internal accelerometer). If it only detects one of your turn signals, no power will be sent to the trailer brakes. In the case that you need to use your hazard lights while using the Echo, there is a specific setting to address...
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• Clarifying Installation Instructions for Trailer Hitches on a 2012 BMW X5
• Yes, you are correct. Curt's # 13077 instructions state to discard the steel bumper beam and fasteners while the Draw-Tite # 75600 has you reinstall them. For this reason, I would highly recommend the Draw-Tite hitch over the Curt hitch for your 2012 BMW X5. I have linked both the product and an installation video of it being installed on a 2012 BMW X5 to this page for your viewing and purchasing convenience.
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• Is E-Track Backing Plate Needed if Attach E-Track to 2x8 Boards on a Trailer
• Considering that the floor is made of wooden 2x8 boards on your trailer you would not have to use a backing plate but at the same time you can never be too safe. So it would still be a good idea to use backing plates such as # e96RR if you decided to.
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• Does Rear Bumper of 2015 BMW X5 Get Trimmed for Hitch Install
• The rear bumper will have to be removed to install the Draw Tite hitch part # 75600 on your 2015 BMW X5 but it will get reinstalled once the hitch install is complete. The lower fascia will need to be trimmed, but it will be a section that is not visible from the rear of the vehicle. If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop....
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• Removing Rear Bumper Fascia from a 2012 BMW X5 For Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Installation
• You are correct, I checked the instructions and the revision currently provided with the hitch, part # 75600, were done in 2008. I spoke with my technical contact at Draw-Tite and he said that his engineering department now has some directions photos that show additional steps that may be required for 2011 and newer BMW X5 vehicles. I will list them out for you and I have added photos that my contact sent for you to see. 1) Remove the first 3 rivets from the rear fender flare, and pop...
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• Stealth Trailer Hitch that Fits 2022 BMW X5 M-Sports Package
• We have Stealth trailer hitches that fit the 2022 BMW X5 M-Sport package with the part # SH22MR for a kit that includes a towing ball mount and trailer wiring as well as the part # SH64MR which only comes with a hitch opening for accessories like carriers and bike racks. We have confirmed with Stealth these are a fit for the M models.
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• How To Install Trailer Wiring Harness On a 2006 BMW X5
• In regard to the universal wiring kits like the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT, specific wire colors are not provided as these kits can be used on any vehicle. We don't have access to vehicle wiring diagrams so the best advice we have for installation is to test the wires for function using the included circuit tester. In other words, have someone activate each of the signals while you probe the wires behind...
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• Does Draw-Tite Hitch 75600 Require Bumper Fascia Trimming on 2016 BMW X5
• Yes, Draw-Tite hitch # 75600 does require rear fascia trimming for installation on the 2016 BMW X5. The linked photo shows you an underneath view of the trimmed fascia. The normal above-ground view shown in the second photo gives you a better real-world perspective on the car's appearance after installation. The EcoHitch # 306-X7265 which fits the 2016 BMW X5 (except for the M Performance models) does not require you to cut the bumper, nor is any drilling required. The installation does...
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• Is A Battery Isolation Solenoid Needed When Installing The Curt C57674 Wiring Harness
• As each of the indicator/test lights on the Curt # C57674 will be "powered" by each function, this would require an isolator for each wire and, unfortunately, there will be no other way to accomplish this. With that being said, it might also require splicing into the factory wiring. However, if you were just worried about power draw when the vehicle is off, the indicator/test lights will only work when that specific function is engaged, except the 12 volt power. As you already have the...
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• Installation of Draw-Tite Class III Receiver on 2009 BMW X5
• The bumper fascia and the bumper impact bar will need to be removed to install the Draw-Tite Class III Receiver on your 2009 BMW X5. An 8 inch by 2 inch portion of the underside of the bumper fascia will need to be trimmed away to allow the receiver to clear the bumper fascia. I have linked you to the installation instructions, which describe in detail the install process. If you scroll down to the second page of the instructions, figure # 5 shows a detailed illustration of the area on...
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• How Do I Install The Hitch and Wiring Harness On a 2009 BMW X5
• Complete installation instructions are included with the hitch, item # 13077 and the wiring harness kit, item # 119250KIT. The Hitch will be installed behind the impact bar and will require trimming of the rear fascia. The trimmed material will not be noticeable when the hitch is installed. Installation of the wire harness will require accessing the rear taillights and using a circuit tester, included with the wiring kit, to find the correct circuits to connect the wiring harness wires...
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• Does Draw-Tite Hitch for 2020 BMW X5 Require Bumper Fascia Trimming
• To install the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76288 on your 2020 BMW X5, you'll need to temporarily remove the bumper/fascia in order to get the hitch in place. Before it can be re-installed, you will need to trim off a small section, as shown in the first photo. In addition to that, the bumper beam mounting plate will need to be slightly trimmed by 1 inch as well (second photo). A trim pad removal tool like # ALL648544 will come in very handy. That being said, you won't...
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• Was the Ball Mount for Stealth Hitches Hidden Receiver Hitch # 391BMU5S Intended for Towing
• Yes the Ball Mount for Stealth Hitches Hidden Receiver Hitch # 391BMU5S that you referenced was intended for towing with. This comes with the part # SH25VR which fits your 2020 X5.
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• Can the Rear Hatch on a BMW X5 be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed
• It is not recommended to open a rear hatch or trunk of any vehicle with a bike rack mounted to the trunk. The hinges of a rear hatch or trunk were not designed to support additional weight and could fail under the weight of a bike rack. Also, due to the way trunk mount bike racks attach to the vehicle, the side straps could fall off or slip once the trunk is open. The hooks of the straps could also bind up and damage the edges of your rear hatch. The best option for not losing tension...
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