etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

Used the online ordering and coupon this time. Transaction was smoooooth. BMW X3 install took 140 minutes. Don't even try without watching the videos.
PS a 6 sided 19mm socket worked on the 4 BMW bumper bolt.Of course I have every socket but a deep 18mm
Rack fit perfectly!
Thanks
John1523633

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***Read the instructions and watch the installation video mentioned below before you order to make sure it's really something you want to deal with. This is not a simple bolt-on like most truck hitches.*** I installed this on a 2014 BMW X3 by myself last night. Appears to be a good quality piece. Not as beefy as a class 3 5K lb hitch so I certainly wouldn't overload it, but plenty substantial for its advertised rating. Installation took an hour and 45 minutes after gathering all the tools and equipment needed. Before you do anything search for an installation video on Youtube by searching for "BMW X3 installation video etrailer". This is mandatory viewing if you've never had to remove a bumper cover to install a hitch. Great video that really should be posted on the product page here on etrailer. I grabbed a rivet gun from Harbor Freight that worked really well (Poly Hand Riveter Kit, sku 97757) as my riveter for metal rivets was too small to accept the plastic rivets. I only removed 3 of the rivets in the wheel well and would probably remove 4 next time since it was so easy to remove them and replace with new ones. Instead of drilling them out as in the video, I used a hole punch awl to simply push the center section of the plastic rivet in, which resulted in the rivet releasing. I found it much easier to do it this way after trying to drill the first one out. I had trouble unhooking the backup sensor like another reviewer, so I ended up using a small flathead screwdriver to get the plug latches to release. Overall very happy, it was just more involved of an install than the other half dozen I've done on other mid-sized SUVs and trucks.1678064

The video provided of the install on my exact vehicle, model and year, made this seemingly daunting project incredibly easy!1533456

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Got this in the mail and was impressed at the quality that it had. Installation process doesn’t require power tools but is recommended. 10/10 would recommend.1667658

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by: Z12/23/2022

This hitch has a rugged quality build and fit my 2014 X3 to a tee. I have hauled my bike rack a number of times as well as an open 7' U-Haul trailer. If you are handy and can follow the installation video, you will save a lot of money and be pleased. I watched the video a few times before and during the procedure.

Couple tips for you. It took me a while to find a plastic rivet gun in the local hardware stores, but finally found the perfect one from Harbor Freight. Most stores just sell rivet guns for metal rivets, not plastic rivets. Also as another reviewer noted, be very careful removing the plastic trim and the rear fascia.. it is very easy to break off tabs if done too forcefully.1488973

Very pleased with the product and experience. Build quality on the hitch seems great, very sturdy with a nice gloss black powder coat finish. Don’t let the 10/10 difficultly scare you, the install took about 2 hours with a friend helping out. Trimming the plastic pieces was a breeze using a Dremel tool, just measure/mark and trim. 18mm deep dish socket is critical to reach over the studs for the bumper beam, otherwise some basic sockets and extensions for the 8mm and 10mm will do the trick. Etrailer’s YouTube tutorial was very helpful for figuring out tools needed ahead of time and bolt/clip locations. Very pleased with the end result, came out cleaner than the professional install I had done on my GTI a few years back.859068

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The videos always make everything look easy. I actually took the bumper off and installed the hitch in about 3 1/2 hours. Buttoned everything up and pushed the rear hatch to go down it went down locked but then wouldn’t open again as it was catching on the bumper cover. My old eyes did not see the clips on the under side of the bumper top edge that needed to fit in to the track above the plastic bumper brace. Had to drill out the rivets and remove the bumper cover to diagnose. Had my wife help me this time and checked hatch operation before proceeding. Glad for the extra rivets that were supplied. Some video details on reinstall with hints would be helpful. Overall, easier than a self vasectomy and the hitch looks great. Waiting for my new ebike rack.1161936

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High quality as mentioned. I chose this hitch because the shape was closer to the 2017 OEM BMW hitch. Install took me about 3.5 hours but that included running out to buy socket extensions for re-assembly. As mentioned deep socket for the 18mm but the standard depth was fine for the rest. The installation video is excellent and I had a tablet with it running in the back of the car during the install. I used metal snips for trimming and feel that they give better control than cutting with a rotary tool. The one problem I had was that I snapped a white plastic connector at the top of the of the wheel well. I only removed the 3 back rivets if I was to do it again I would probably remove the back 5. Also, make sure you get all the screws at the bottom of the bumper before removing the trim.456201

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Installed this on a 2017 BMW X3.

First the quality on this hitch is awesome. It is a very solid, and very well constructed. The price paid was an excellent value!

I highly recommend watching the install video, it made the installation very easy. Taking the bumper off (releasing the clips) was the most challenging part, but having my laptop in the back of the car made it very easy to see what to do. There is some slight trimming of the plastic panels and trim piece under the car. All in all the install took me two hours. The estimated time listed in the instructions was 90 minutes. I am happy with the time, and did not rush things. If I installed another, I am sure it would be much quicker.

I also installed the Tekonsha 119190KIT wiring harness (again there is a great walk through video on this site. Was for a 2015 X3, but the wire colors were the same).
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I’m really excited about my new trailer hitch I reluctantly joined this camp when I bought a new SUV and could no longer use my roof rack and I’m really excited about this new accessory.

I got it for a great price from the trailer it came in a couple days and although my mechanic said it was kind of a pain in the butt to install he was very familiar with them and it looks like it came out of the factory with the new hitch.

I have a 2013 BMW X.3 554292

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Deducted one star because of missing rivets in package. Inspect package contents before removing all your rivets. Only 8 rivets came in the already torn open parts package. Box was not damaged or tampered with. There's not much to go wrong with a hunk of steel. My challenges was with getting the X3 facia off without breaking the tabs and never could unplug the proximity sensor so just lifted the bumper/fender facia with proximity connector still connected and hung it from tailgate pistons. Everything went together fine and looks good when finished. Pro-Tip: If you don't have a low profile plastic pop rivet gun (and why would you?) then use the car jack or a floor jack to lift the car off the wheel then it's easy to get a cheap plastic pop rivet tool square with the rivets. Amateur-Tip: If you don't have or want to spend $xx.xx on a rivet tool.971355

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by: Raul03/07/2021

The hitch is phenomenally engineered, went on without a hitch, no pun intended! Great Product, Excellent Price!977020

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Awesome! Exactly as advertised, both to look at install. The video of installation was perfect, making the installation a 3.5 hour breeze. I did have one snafu, the plastic rivets kept "snapping" before they would expand. I assumed at 35 degrees they were just too cold, so I soaked them in warm water for a few minutes and then they too installed perfectly. Now with a 1 man loader, I will be able to move my scanoe from lake to lake all by myself919142

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The product is what i have expected. It arrived a day late, but that's ok. The instructions on how to remove the bumper was not detailed enough on how to pry on the rear bumper reflector, Chipped the edge of the reflector towards the end. I think the instructions was for Bmw x3 and not for x4. Aside from this small incident, Product looks and feels solid. Plus, they provide you with the replacement plastic fasteners. 590062

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Very easy to install, had detailed instructions and videos...942872

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by: Rocky 11/04/2022

The hitch worked like a champ. With the help of the instructional video, I was able to install the hitch. It is not an easy task for someone that may not be good at working on cars. Make sure you have the plastic rivets to install back in. I believe they were supplied with the kit, but can't remember. I used pliers and a flat metal piece to install the rivets. Very good fit to the car.1462730

This trailer hitch is very well made and a reasonable price. I had it mounted by professionals who said that it was straight forward process and fit perfectly. I haven't actually used it yet, (hence only 4 stars..) but I'm very pleased with its quality. However, Etrailer deserves 5 stars for their professional, courteous service and speed of delivery. I'll continue to do business with them.894459

Hitch was as advertised. The printed instructions made it a breeze. Took about an hour with me and an experienced mechanic. The light kit took a little longer than expected but was installed inside the car vice behind the lights like the video showed. Towing a camper this weekend, not expecting any issues. 417170

Found the right product for my car and was quickly delivered…awesome!1678469

by: Paul M03/16/2022

Easy to install with clear directions. Worth every penny. Used so many times for our biking & hiking trips.1273500

Perfect directions. It took me 3 hours minus setup and cleanup. The fit looks like it came from the factory. Thanks for the tutorial and great product.1038248

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by: Cynthia06/21/2022

Etrailer customer service helped me pick out the perfect hitch receiver for my BMW X3 for my bike rack. Local auto shop installed it with no problem with the instructions included and in the time estimate given. One year later and it has worked great and I saved a lot of money with etrailer help.1315564