Why do Exhaust Hangers Need to be Removed to Install Curt & Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch on 2018 BMW X3

Question:

Hi. Im considering purchasing and installing this hitch. I previously had a 2015 X3 that I installed a Curt hitch onto, and it was a good product that fit the vehicle exactly. I now have a 2018 X3 M40i and am looking at this Curt hitch. Reading the installation instructions, and on-line reviews, it seems remove the drivers side exhaust bracket stud and replace with included hardware is easier said than done. It seems the stud is welded to the bracket?? Why would this part have to be removed?? Reading installation instructions for the Draw Tite hitch, I see there is no mention of removing the stud. Any experience with this part? Any video of the installation procedure on a 2018? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Natalie P

Expert Reply:

Really good questions, and I did some digging into the installation of both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13387 and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76226 that fit your 2018 BMW X3. In regards to why the exhaust hanger nuts need to be removed (on both the driver and passenger side) the reason is these are part of what is holding the bumper beam into place. Since the bumper beam needs to be removed in order to install the hitch, these nuts need to be removed in order to get the beam off the vehicle.

There is no mention that I could find of anything being welded on; only that each hitch requires the removal of these nuts using a 13 mm socket, which of course would not be the case if there was anything welded on. It would just be far too difficult to remove a welded part for an aftermarket hitch to even be viable for the manufacturers to sell. I'm sure you're right that it is likely going to take a good bit of elbow grease to get that nut off. We have not had a chance to do this install as of this writing, so we don't have any videos, but both the Draw-Tite # 76226 and Curt # C13387 have detailed directions to help.

I have attached links to both directions if you want to take another look at them.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Michael

3/23/2020

Kyle, you miss understood the explanation. Getting the nut off is easy, its not welded. After you remove the nut and slide the ex hanger off the bolt, that BOLT/stud is welded into the stock BMW piece. The instructions for the Curt says remove the passenger side bolt and replace with the Curt supplied hanger bolt. It will take some significant cutting and or drilling to get the bolt out and I am not sure thats possible. Finally, as if that is not enough the driver side does not line up, and even if it did the bolt to mount the exhaust hanger which is welded in, is not nearly long enough. Also, there is a small tab on the exhaust hanger mounting piece in addition to the hole for the bolt. The tab is about 1/4 inch and does not have any where to slot into. i am doing a 2019 X3. I am trying to figure out what to mount both exhaust hangers.

Chris R.

3/24/2020

I see exactly what you are talking about here. I reached out to my contact at Curt regarding that specific step, and he did say that the factory stud/bolt does need to be removed. He said it's a push-in stud so you should be able to just knock it out, similar to how you would remove a wheel stud. The longer M8 bolt that's included will replace it for mounting the hitch. Now as for the brackets not actually lining up, it's very possible that the crosstube is just slightly bent. Take a look at the article I have linked below to help with this.

Helpful Links

faq-my-trailer-hitch-doesnt-fit.aspx