Expert Answers about BMW X5

• Can an Ultra-Fab Leveling Jack be Used to Change a Tire
• We have better options because leveling jacks like the Ultra-Fab # UF48-979006 shouldn't be used to raise a vehicle. They're only for stabilizing despite their weight capacity. Instead you want something like the Powerbuilt bottle jack, part # ALL640405. It has plenty of capacity at 4,000 pounds and is for raising a vehicle like your X5 to change a tire. It's also pretty compact and not very expensive. Another option that's a bit of a step up is an electric scissor jack like part # PTW1609....
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• How to Test Connector of 2015 BMW X5 to Install a Brake Controller
• We don't have a brake controller harness available that is confirmed to fit your 2015 BMW X5, but there might be a way to use the harness you have found to install a brake controller if indeed it is for brake controller installation. What you would want to do is first verify that the harness is for a brake controller. You can do this by using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the different circuits of the connector. If one of the circuits sees 12 volts of power all the time...
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• Installation of Trailer Hitch Receiver and Fascia Trimming Required on 2012 BMW X5
• The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2" # 75600 is my recommendation that is confirmed to fit your 2012 BMW X5. All of the hitches available for your vehicle will require fascia trimming, but this one is the least noticeable. It will have you trim a 2 inch deep and 8 inch wide portion of the underside of your fascia for installation. I've attached a video as well as the installation details to assist. You will also need to obtain the replacement push rivets from...
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• ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness 119250KIT Installation in 2017 BMW X5
• The ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness kit # 119250KIT includes a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to help you find the correct vehicle wires for harness installation. Since wire colors are not always consistent across production runs testing is the best way to ensure proper connection. This harness is universal so it will definitely work for you, but the set-up steps outlined in the linked instructions need to be followed exactly. The linked installation video shows this kit in...
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• 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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• Brake Controller for 2017 BMW X5 With Stealth Hitches Trailer Hitch
• Let's start with the Curt Echo Brake Controller # C51180 and the Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver with Towing Kit # SH85VR that fits your 2017 BMW X5. Like you mentioned, the 7-way does install vertically, and since there's no other way to mount it, I do not recommend the Echo with this hitch and wiring because it would be too close to the ground. Instead, a much better option is the other one you asked about, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR. Once...
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• Cutting of Fascia to Install Trailer Hitch on 2017 BMW X5
• When installing the Draw-Tite hitch # 75600, there needs to be an 8" wide by 2" high opening underneath the fascia to accommodate this hitch. I am reattaching the picture that shows where this opening should be. If the cut-out section on your car matches these dimensions, then you won't need to cut it out. If it's not large enough, you can use a utility knife like # PT92ZR to do so.
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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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• Is 8 to 9 Full Turns Enough for Trailer Wheel Lug Nuts
• This is a tough one. I did a little math and if you have 1/2 inch studs on the hub then every full rotation of a lug nut is approximately 1-1/2 inches of rotational travel and on standard 1/2"-20 threads the distance from one thread to the next is approximately 0.05 inches. That would mean for 8 to 9 turns the lug nut would be gripping 0.4 inches to 0.45 inches of the wheel stud. That isn't very much but it could be enough if you were to use blue Loctite # LT37643 to prevent the lug nuts...
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• Recommended Trunk Mount Bike Rack for 2008 BMW X5
• I recommend going with the Thule Gateway Pro 3-Bike Rack # TH78VR because the Thule OutWay 2-Bike Rack # TH45JV is not a confirmed fit for your 2008 BMW X5. The Gateway Pro is a 3-bike rack that has the same anti-sway cradles and road dampening technology to hold the bikes securely to the rack. It uses the same FitDial system with the Quick-Fit levers to easily set up the rack to fit your X5 by just finding the correct number. It also comes with a cable lock keeping the bikes safely...
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• Do the Back-Up Sensors Need Removed To Install Trailer Hitch On 2014 BMW X5
• The installation of a trailer hitch such as the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 13077 which is what I recommend for a 2014 BMW X5 will require you to remove the rear bumper fascia which does house the reverse sensors. That said, the sensors themselves will not be removed rather left on the bumper. In order to free the rear bumpier fascia however you must remove a pigtail which contains the circuits for the reverse sensors but this is very easy to do. I have attached an install video...
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• Do I Need to Mount the Boats on the Crossbars of my Malone MegaSport Trailer
• I suppose you could use the Malone MegaSport Kayak Trailer - 86" Crossbars - 1000 lbs # MPG535 in this manner, but I don't necessarily recommend it since it's just going to scratch up the boats and might potentially obscure the lights and license plate. Typically we recommend using a kayak carrier on the crossbars to carry your boats since this is the safest and provides the easiest loading and unloading option for your kayaks; a good low cost option to protect the hulls of the boats...
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• Can Rear Hatch Be Opened with Bike Rack Installed on 2018 BMW X5?
• The Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top 3 Bike Rack for Vehicles w/ Spoilers - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms # HRF2-3 is a fit for your 2018 BMW X5. The vehicle has a soft bumper, so the weight of bicycles may exceed the capacity of your bumper. It is recommended to use roof rack adapter straps. The manufacturer does not recommend opening the hatch with the bike rack installed.
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• Wiring Code to Use for Installing ZCI Trailer Wiring in 2001 BMW X5
• Have you checked all of the wiring that runs to the taillights of your 2001 BMW X5? You should note that your vehicle uses pulse width modulation. Brake and turn signals are sent along the same wire and signals are sent as pulses which need to be deciphered. In the instructions you should use the BT wiring code.
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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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• 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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• Do Rivets Need to Be Supplied When Installing Draw Tite Hitch 75600 on a 2012 BMW X5
• The Draw Tite Hitch part # 75600 has been confirmed as a fit for your 2012 BMW X5 but for models after the 2011 year will have to obtain new push rivets from a BMW dealer. The supplied ones will not work unfortunately. I attached an install video that shows this hitch being installed in a 2012 X5 just like yours.
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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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• Installation Instructions and Install Video for Trailer Wiring on a 2013 BMW X5
• The trailer wiring kit part # 119250KIT is a universal fit harness designed to fit a wide range of vehicles. The most specific information I can give regarding how its install would be to have you check out the install video I attached to the right that shows this harness being installed on a 2013 BMW X5 just like yours. This video will walk you through the entire process. I did attach a set of installation instructions to the right for you to check out as well.
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• Does the Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite # 119190KIT Require Programming on a 2013 BMW X5
• The Tekonsha ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 119250KIT which is a fit for your 2013 BMW X5 will not require any expensive programing from the dealer in order to function properly. Once you connect to the correct wires all you will need to do is run the power/ground wire and you are good to go which you can see from the attached install video. In regard to the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75600, the plastic push rivets that are included will only...
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