Hi there! First time poster here.
So I just recently put a trailer hitch receiver on my 2007 BMW X3 (E83). Everything went smooth. My question is, what does the Trailer Control Module do?? I've searched everywhere on many websites and even called my local BMW dealership parts department and they didn't really know much more than "it communicates to the cars main ecu that its towing something." I would assume that it also gives power to the trailers brake lights.
- Is that all it does?
- Does it have a trailer brake controller mechanism?
- Anyone have a feature list?
If that's it, cool. If it does more, I'd like to know what.
See below for part numbers
- Trailer Hitch "Kit" - P/N 71 60 0 035 368
- Electrical Kit - P/N 71 60 0 035 369
- Trailer Control Module - P/N 61 35 6 955 253
- Vehicle-Side Wiring Harness
- 7-pin Trailer Wiring Connector
- 7-pin to 4-pin Trailer Wiring Adapter
- Hardware Kit
Thanks in advanced for your help in this matter!
If the premise is the same, I had it on my 2001 X5. It interacted with the air suspension to keep the vehicle level, and supposedly adjusts the braking Software so the cpu knows there's weight back there.
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I appreciate the info you provided dano1200r. My X3 doesn't have air suspension but that's nice to know that it does more than trailer lights.
I was just curious if anyone out in Internet land might have a detailed feature list or any more info on this unit and what it does?
Thanks in advanced for your help in this matter!
I don't have an answer to you question, but I do have a related question.
I bought the same hitch and harness kit, and have installed everything but the Trailer control Module. Can you tell me where this is located?
Bill,
I installed my harness kit with some help from youtube videos. I would suggest doing the same, however, the module goes below the floor panels inside the trunk, right behind the back seat. There is an electrical connector waiting there for the module. The other end of the hitch cable needs to go to the same place.
Thank You Vinyldude,
My harness is already installed, but I haven't found any youtube videos on the module, and could not locate a connection point in the rear of my 2009 X3. A BMW dealer in Chantilly Va told me I couldn't install this unit as it requires the vehicle computer to be recoded....Does anyone know if this is true? The closest Dealer to me is Alexandria, but I know for a fact, they are corrupt.
Sorry, it was probably these instructions that I followed rather than a youtube video.
https://xoutpost.com/articles/x3/bod...h-2006-x3.html
Towards the end there are pics where the module goes.
Since there are very likely no signals being sent from the trailer (no feedback loop to the cars ECU on what the trailer is doing), it's likely very simple functions like the lights (of course) and maybe it uses more breaking as long as a harness is plugged into it from the trailer (but not likely a "interactive" setup).
Something like:
Checks if its plugged into the trailer harness yes/no
If not plugged in do nothing
If plugged in runs trailer lighting
If plugged in possible different engine map? (for towing power) but less likely
If plugged in possibly some brake assist? - also less likely since these cars have a tiny tow rating anyway
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