Does Curt Hitch for 2001 BMW 3 Series Require Hitch Extension

Question:

Hello, I have a 2001 325xi bmw station wagon that I am about to mount a Curt 11174 hitch on. What is the correct length and type of the adapter you recommnend so that the hitch isnt too stressed and my bike rack will slide into the adapter without interference with the rear bumper? Ive noticed that there are different length adapters. Thank you,

asked by: Samuel M

Expert Reply:

Ideally you wouldn't have to use a hitch extender with the Curt trailer hitch part # C11367 that you referenced. The hitch opening isn't recessed an excessive amount so nearly all standard hitch bike racks that fit 1-1/4 inch hitches would fit without interfering with the bumper. If you check out the picture I attached you'll see that the hitch isn't recessed hardly at all when installed. Hitch extensions also cut the capacity of the hitch by 50 percent and really should be avoided if at all possible with a 1-1/4 inch hitch.

Curt requires the use of their stabilizer strap part # 18050 when using their hitch to carry a non-supported load like a bike rack. I attached a review video for you to check for the strap as well.

The most popular bike rack we carry that has been confirmed to fit this vehicle is the Thule Camber 2 part # TH9058. We asked our demo and install guys to name their favorite, most easy-to-use bike racks and this one showed up in nearly everyone's top three. Check out the review video I attached for more info.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.