Installation Difficulty of Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness for 2016 BMW X5

Question:

Hello: 2016 BMW X5d How difficult is it to install the hitch and wiring? Does the vehicle need to be reprogrammed for the wiring? thank you

asked by: Harold M

Expert Reply:

The difficulty of the installation will depend on your experience. If you've never installed a trailer hitch or vehicle wiring, or you do not have much mechanical experience, the installation of any of the hitch and wiring options for your 2016 BMW X5 can be difficult as both installations are involved.

For a trailer hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch # 75600. This trailer hitch features a 2 inch hitch receiver with a tongue weight capacity of 600 pounds and towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. To install this hitch, the rear bumper will need to be removed for installation and then reinstalled. You will also need to obtain new push rivets from your BMW dealer for the wheel well molding.

I've attached an installation video as well as the installation instructions for you. These will help you determine if you are comfortable enough to perform the installation. We've found it to be helpful to have an extra set of hands to help when removing all of the components of the bumper. To ensure that the fasteners have been tightened down properly, you will need a torque wrench like # PTW3001C.

For a vehicle wiring harness, I recommend the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT. This wiring harness will provide you with a 4-way flat trailer connector. The # 119250KIT wiring harness will need to be hardwired into your X5's factory wiring system. Hardwire installation will entail using the included circuit tester to find the correct wire's by function to tap into for the wiring harness. This wiring harness will wrap around the factory wiring of your vehicle rather than splicing into the wires. This harness's installation is not a permanent installation, so it is easier to move the wiring attachments if the correct wire is not found the first time. This wiring harness is also great for rented vehicles that you will want to remove the wiring before returning the vehicle. I've attached the instructions for this harness for you.

I've attached an installation video on a 2017 model X5 and the installation instructions for this harness. Especially when it comes to wiring, if you are not comfortable completing the installation, it is best to have a professional perform the installation.

This wiring harness will not require your X5 to be reprogramed.

If you decide you do not feel comfortable performing the installation, a local mechanic or repair shop will likely be willing to perform the installations for you for a nominal fee.