2013 X5 X-Drive 35D
I've researched high and low but still do not have clear answers for what I'm hoping to install as a DIY project. Any help is appreciated.
I've settled on the OEM hitch (I know about execuhitch, etc.), but the wiring kit is where my questions lie. From what I have read, the OEM wiring harness requires the vehicle be coded to work. Perhaps the below wiring kit is better off in my application? Etrailer tells me the car WOULD NOT have to be coded with this kit, but everything I've read says any wiring kit requires coding to work?? https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...119250KIT.html
For what its worth, I won't need a 5 or 7 pin connector of the OEM kit, just the four pin one that comes with this aftermarket kit. I also don't need for the backup camera, proximty warning, etc. functions to work with the trailer connected, but I do want them to work otherwise. Thanks
Last edited by BMSubie; 04-24-2017 at 03:24 PM.
If you don't care about the integrations then I guess you can give it a shot. You can install the BMW harness yourself but you do need it coded. Could try a remote coder for that?
I think you would have to have some sort of kit because the lights are activated with PWM magic not like the old school of just having 12 volts.
I installed the OEM hitch with wiring on my e70 2007 X5 about a month ago.
For me, without coding - the running lights, side lights, turn signals, and emergency lights worked.
**The brake lights did not work**
The X5 could also "sense" that the trailer was there and I was given trailer lights out warnings because it did not register a current draw on the trailer lights because they were all LED. (This won't be an issue with normal incandescent bulbs)
The rear parking sensors also turned off on their own. (I was told they would not)
I think I'm not understanding you completely.
Do you have something like this: (The OEM Hitch mounted bike rack)?
Actual Bike Rack.JPG
If so, I don't believe that needs the wiring at all, so everything should work as normal.....
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Last edited by ChrisMelnyk; 11-07-2017 at 10:36 PM. Reason: Wrong Picture
We hand to code it to a x5 we did recently
Sorry for the late reply.
That's a different type of bike rack than I've seen, but if it has the brake light, you'll need to code.
I've heard stories of guys installing themselves and paying $150-$200 to dealer to code, or I believe you may be able to buy the cable for $30usd and pay someone online $70 or so to code remotely.
Alternatively, if you are extremely proficient with computers, you can buy the cable, (all the programs are available if you know where to look) and you can DIY.
I'm not sure what would happen if you just spliced the wires into the brake, turn, running lights etc... of the X5.... I recall hearing that the vehicle could sense too much current and give you some strange warnings, but since I didn't go that route, I can't comment.
With the genuine BMW trailer wiring, it made you put a few more fuses in, a new module in, and had all the proper shielding/grommets etc to go with it. That aspect of it was fairly important to me.
If you are able to program yourself, they I'd suggest buying the genuine harness. When I bought my whole kit (hitch mount + wiring), which was all genuine BMW, I paid something like $360 USD from Turner Motor Sports, which I thought was pretty cheap for what I got.
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