Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness for 2017 BMW X5

Question:

Interested in a after market hitch for a 2017 BMW X5 diesel. The hitch seems easy to find but I could not find a wiring harness with a 7 pin and 4 pin receiver. Do you offer that? Thanks

asked by: Lukas K

Expert Reply:

We do have wiring harnesses for the 2017 BMW X5 diesel to go with a hitch like the Curt # 13077. If you wanted everything in a complete package that includes the hitch, wiring, ball mount for towing and a receiver that can be used to carry hitch mounted accessories, the Stealth Hitches # SH85VR is a great choice and one of our most popular options for luxury vehicles like your 2017 BMW X5. This kit also comes with 7 way wiring.

If you want to piece a system together, in order add a functioning 7 way, the base for that requires installing a 4 way connector to start. For wiring, I recommend you start by using the Curt # C56190KIT which has a powered Modulite converter and offers you an easy, plug and play installation. A powered converter limits the power draw through the tail light wiring to better isolate the tow vehicle wiring and trailer wiring. So, if there is an overdraw situation the chance of it damaging the vehicle wiring is reduced using the powered converter.

To then add the 7 way connector you'll want to use the # ETBC7 (for wired brake controllers) or # ETBC7L (for wireless brake controllers). These will utilize the connections from the 4 way to provide the base for a 7 way connector; you'll then need to make connection to the 12v power and run a brake controller wire into the cabin of the vehicle if you're going to be using a wired brake controller. I do recommend using a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo # C51180 for your vehicle since there is not brake control wiring already in the cabin of the vehicle; this unit would use the # ETBC7L mentioned above. The Echo is controller by your smartphone (iOS 8.0 or newer/Android 4.4 or newer) and provide you with responsive, proportional braking for your trailer. This is typically what we recommend for luxury foreign cars that are otherwise not setup for towing trailers with brakes.

If you wanted to use a traditional wired brake controller, the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 is a great choice. The P3 also provides proportional braking for your trailer and has an easy to read LCD screen that allows you to easily see the settings on the controller. You would need to hard wire this controller in during installation and would be used with the # ETBC7 mentioned above.

To complete your towing package you'll also need a ball mount, hitch ball, hitch pin and clip. For that I recommend using the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs # 989891, which comes with both a 2" hitch ball and 1-7/8" hitch ball so you can tow different trailers. This kit contains the ball mount, hitch ball, hitch pin, clip and storage bag.

I've linked some review and installation videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well.