BMW X5 F15/F85 Stealth Hitch Installation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 พ.ย. 2019
- I install a tow hitch on my BMW X5 from Stealth Hitch. I believe it may be a similar product to invisihitch. The install was time consuming but not hard. I ran into some difficulty on my own because I didn't reach the directions. I choose this hitch because its invisible and I don't have to stare at an ugly square receiver when not towing. Also this hitch is very strong so I take advantage of the vehicles towing capacity of 7700 lbs.
#x5 #stealthhitch #towing
You can purchase it here:
stealthhitches.com - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Thanks for the video bro! I purchased the hitch from the link you put in the description.
You are a braver lad than me doing it yourself. Great job dud. Just checking out experienced shops to have the hitch put on. Stealth Hitch is helping me with that research. Im putting this on an X^ x drive m40i.
Great video! Just ordered the Stealth Hitch for my F85, and your video will be very helpful when I go to install it. Saw your first towing video also and looking forward to seeing your next one where you tow 6k lbs. I plan on towing a car with mine as well, so curious on what you share on that one. Thanks for making the video!
wesley moore You will love it! I don’t have a desire to want/need a truck after this. It was very comfortable and having power in reserve was a big plus! I’m glad you enjoy my content!
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome video.
Thanks.
I love your 3 car garage.❤
I am in Real Estate and have never seen anything like it👏👏👏
Djsmiley77 thank you! It's actually marketed as a 2 car garage w/ storage. The builder said he couldn't call it a 3 car tandem because it wasn't deep enough to accommodate every car. With that being said I've been able to stuff the X5 back there without a problem.
@@eddiemcars
Man,
This is amazing you can have 2 daily drivers and special place for toy :)
I like this very, and think more homes should get this space as well.
I too have 2016 x5 xline and thinking about hitch so I can pull my GS bike. Great video, thanks again.
Some places call them Tandem Garages....I think...🤔
Good work. I've done 3 of these installations. Releasing the tabs that hold the bumper cover under the rear lift gait can be a real pain.
I agree. Those tabs were hard. It was off camera, but I got cut trying to do it!
Looking good,
good job brother, thank you for video
huge question on putting the wiring together can you please do a video on where exactly you plugged
them in thanks! great video by the way!
Great video, I'm late to the game, but I just got my X5 M50D M-Sport.
But what a job😳 I'm happy mine came with an electric hitch. Only thing BMW could have done better with the button to release the hitch. Not put it behind the panel on the right side. It took me days to find it.
Oh that is funny, when I pressed the like butten. It said 381, the same number I have in Hp in my Bimmer. Meant to be.
Thank you!
Hey Edward! Thank you for the great video, instructions I have a 2013 BMW X5 sport edition with the M style rear bumper like the hidden hitch. Looking to see if I can install myself.
Should be able to. The instructions may vary slightly for the E70 but similar.
Eddie, I have 2017 x5 50i, I installed the hitch, bought the trailer hitch module at fuse box, and wired it with harnesses ect. Do you know how to program the trailer mode? I can’t seem to get it to pop up…?
Terrific video - thank you for creating and sharing this. Does the factory cut on the lower bumber fascia work for this or did you have to trim anything more for it to work?
No bumper trimming needed! It worked with the factory cuts!
Thank you!! I’ve been looking for a tow hitch for my X5 and I just thought if BMW didn’t put it on there you can’t get one
Most X5’s and X6 has the prep work there. You only have to bolt on the hitch. I like stealth hitch because when buy the active harness it comes with the trailer module and everything else to get up and running.
Great video, I have a 2016 F15. I bought it pre-owned and it came with a Topline tow hitch but the previous owner didn't install the trailer module or wiring harness. I have purchased those items and have a question about coding. I have noticed that when in reverse, there is a camera option to zoom in on the tow hitch. Some forums say this is all that coding provides. Do you know if that option is present, it's been coded for the trailer module?
Another way you can test is to plug a trailer to the harness and then shift to reverse. A feature of the trailer coding is that it should disable the rear parking sensors and display a trailer coupler symbol in its place. Also, there’s electronic sway control from the ESP but there’s no way to safely test it.
Hey Edward, nice job on the install. Looking into getting one of those as well. Is your x5 carbon black metallic?
Thank you! No, my X5 is Black Sapphire Metallic.
Thanks for the instructive video! I'm thinking about getting the same hitch for our 2017 X3. In the video, you mentioned that you purchased the hitch with the Adaptive Harness, is that the same as the Active harness that's on the site? Did you feel that this harness was worth the additional cost, or is it optional?
Yes. It’s the active harness that’s the same thing. Sorry that was my mistake in the video, got caught up with typical BMW literature.
I feel it’s worth it because I wanted the sway control and bulb out warnings to function. Plus the fact I have the hitch zoom.
Edward M Cars is the wiring genuine BMW or an aftermarket part? Is there any modules that I should check that I have or does it connect to different wiring ports of the fuse box? This is my first X5 and am not very familiar. Any help is greatly appreciated
Hello
Thanks for your video
Im thinking to install the same hitch but I'm wondering what kind of harness should I buy, The stealth harness or Active harness? I have factory Towing Coupling Preparation option and don't know for sure if all additional options(as stability control, camera zoom, etc.) will work if I'll choose Stealth harness. Thank you
I would order the active harness personally. It integrates nicely with the vehicles electronics. Plus it comes with free coding.
Trailer Preparation is what you need to advantage of the active harness.
Stealth Harness will be more affordable but the fact it disables the rear parking sensors alone is enough for me to spend the extra for the active.
Did you do a video on coding for the trailer? I seen that they charge you $400 more for them to code it (active harness).
Looks fairly straight forward. It's been a couple of months, what's you impression of the hitch now.
Christopher Abbott I like it. It’s hidden when not in use but feels heavy duty enough when I am using it. I can’t express how much I love the solid connection and no “play” when towing. I’d like to tow a small travel trailer to really put it to the test.
thanks
Great video. my X5 came with the tow hitch mounted but did not have the wiring harness installed. It does have the trailer coupling prep, do you think it's possible to route the wiring harness without having to take off the bumper cover? Thanks.
It will be hard, but it’s not impossible. I would use gravity and start from the top and drop the harness down and then fish across the bumper. I think your biggest challenge will be trying to the secure it so it doesn’t make contact with the hot exhaust.
@@eddiemcars Thank you for the quick reply. Cheers
Edward. I thought I would turn to you with a problem I am having. I had the OEM wiring harness installed on my 2016 F15 and had it coded but when I connect a 4 way tester, I get a similar condition I saw in your video. The tail, LT and RT indicator lights on the tester are flashing. Not sure if you had problems testing but when I test, there is no indication from the tester for running, left turn or right turn lights being functional. Were you able to test successfully? Any suggestions? Thanks
Have you tried to see what would happen if you plugged it into a trailer?
I still got the same light errors after coding with my tester. My guess if that the tester can verify the lights but sends the bulb error to the car for some reason. It did the same thing on my previous Q7.
Already have the rack version of the Stealth Hitch and upgrading to tow. Do you know if the bumper needs to be removed again? Looks like the phase of "cable through this port" requires the bumper off.
Unfortunately, yes. It would be easier that way. Otherwise it’s going to be difficult to run the wires with the bumper on.
What tire/wheel size do you have on your X5? Looks a little thicker on the tire size than mine but we have exactly same wheels. I'm sure it rides a whole hell of a lot better than the low profile tires it comes with.
I have the OEM size with the 20” wheels. 275/40/20 and 315/35/20.
Did you have to code something for the rear trailer lights to work? Or was it plug and play kind of deal.
Btw, your x5 looks awesome and looks like well taken care 👍
The trailer lights worked immediately after plugging in the harness, however I received a trailer light error. The hitch comes with free coding if you opt for the active harness and once that was done, there wasn't anymore errors. It also enabled the trailer sway control and when connected it disabled the rear parking sensors, remote hatch opening and enabled tow mode.
Sounds like you have to purchase a full kit with anti-sway option for it to be perfectly working without any error lights? Combo called: Rack + Tow Combo w/ Active Wiring Harness, almost $1500 US
hello, where to find more after contact
Awesome video! Much appreciated. I’ll be purchasing one within the week. May I ask what exhaust system you have in your X5? Sounds wonderful....is that stock?
Thank you! The exhaust is completely stock!
It's a M.....
@@presidentiallsuite looks like an M sport to me
Great job l have fit my one with your video thanks for that but l couldnt find wire Connections do u have diagram for it thanks
I would look at the instructions pdf. on their website.
I installed the etrailer on my F15 also. Didnt have to use the ramps. Funny, I keep my jumper and first aid kit in that compartment also. Listen to your sister, get an impact wrench. Get a Milwaukee M12 Stubby. Worth it when you start doing suspension work. Did you install the hitch under the old one crash beam? The trailer hitch I used mounts underneath the crash beam so basically I have two crash beams. The hardest part was basically removing the bumper cover alone and without damaging any of the pins.
Unrelated questions: My F15 creaks from the trunk every time I go over pumps. I suspect its the plastic covers from the lower hatch or from where the hatch lock meets. Do you have the same problem?
Funny how we have the same uses for these little compartments.
I eventually bought an impact and it helpful on the next time.
I had to remove the factory crash beam but this hitch took its place.
If your X5 is creaking, it’s most likely the upper hatch or lower tailgate.
There are a few adjustments to get it back into alignment.
My 2021 X5 X40i has the trailer prewire and the plug is there already. Stealth doesn’t have a harness that plugs straight in. Is this something I could get OEM with BMW and still use the stealth Hitch?
Sorry for the late response but yes you can definitely utilize the BMW OEM harness with the Stealth Hitch!
Did you have to do any cutting on the fascia guard?
No cutting needed!
Does your trailer have electronic brakes? If so what brake controller did you use?
I use a curt echo wireless brake controller
Can you please show where the alarm/siren is located
I'm not sure but I imagine it has to be near the right rear because it's loud there!
Can you send me the instructions on how to remove the bumper and to connect the electrical? Much appreciated!!
I believe it’s somewhere on the stealth hitch website! cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2182/3043/files/SHR31026__pn_2120-31026-2_02_04_2022.pdf?v=1644357381
wifey's never gonna admit their mistakes!
Hey Edward... when you said you already had a 7 pin adapter, did that already come with the pre-wiring of the car or did you have it for another reason? I am in limbo right now on buying a BMW because they won't install a hitch for me and no one can tell me if it includes a 7 pin adapter.
If you could let me know I would really appreciate it. Great job on the video by the way!
Laura Stisser, the Stealth hitch active harness came with the 7 way pin and the adapter for the 4 way pin. I just happened to have a 7 way to 4 pin adapter already from my last car.
But if you get Stealth Hitch with active harness, it will include everything you need to tow, including remote programming (have to schedule with 3rd party) to activate trailer mode.
@@eddiemcars So the trailer company we are getting our hitch installed through said they can find a hitch for the BMW all the way in Texas( i am in NY), but not the 7 pin adapter. And again no one from BMW can give me a straight answer if the wiring includes a 7 pin adapter. But based on your answer it doesn't look like it does.
@Laura Stisser If the trailer company is using the wiring harness from BMW, it is already a 7 pin RV Style. You shouldn't need the adapter unless you're pulling a smaller trailer or U-haul, then you'd need the adapter to convert it to a 4 pin. The conversion adapters are fairly inexpensive like here: amzn.to/32mZz9j. That was what I was referring to in my video, because StealthHitch supplied it in the box.
I would give your trailer company a call back and find out if it's a 7 way RV style.
I hope that helped!
I just double checked. With the BMW factory harness, you won’t need the 7 pin conversion. It comes with the 7 way and the 4 way.
www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/tow-hitch-wiring-harness/82712349500/ Make sure you get the towing module too www.getbmwparts.com/oem-parts/bmw-control-unit-for-trailer-hit-644010-63119463372?c=bD0xMCZuPUNhdGVnb3J5IFBhZ2Umaz0x
Edward M Cars you are wonderful! I am baffled though that you gave me an answer in less than 2 hours and my dealer has had 2 days and hasn’t given me an answer. Makes me question on closing tomorrow. Thank you again!!!
I’m thinking of purchasing one.. I’m not a handy mechanic person so I’m worried of taking things apart and not being able to put it back together
GUNZ TV I’m definitely not a mechanic or even close to one. I was intimidated at first and even halfway through the job you would question yourself to why even attempt it. Looking back it’s not really that bad. Just removing the bumper,(don’t forget to unplug the pdc) remove factory crash bar and replace with stealth hitch. I would set aside the entire day for the job, but it can be done with basic knowledge of tools.
@@eddiemcars thank bro know I feel better about the situationw which hitch did you get? what was the price? or where can I find it
GUNZ TV plus when you think about how much it will cost to install, why not save some money? Things I would get that wasn’t in the video. A breaker bar and or impact wrench.
I got the Stealthhitch with the tow option and the active harness. It was $1200 and some change. I would check for coupon codes as they have sales. stealthhitches.com/products/x5-f15-model-year-2014-2015-2016-2017
Where do I find this hitch to buy?
stealthhitches.com
Awesome! Can you install one for us?
Sure! Bring it over!
Etrailer has an excellent video insralling hitch on an X5
Not as good a mine.
You can see reality vs what pros do with pre-loosened bolts.
Fan of your content. Any chance you could help me install a stealth hitch?
I’m no expert, but I could lend a hand.
Edward M Cars is there a way to get in touch?
Looks like a huge pain..
It seems that way but once you get that bumper off, it’s really not that bad. I would do it again.
You lost your rear tow hook eye
That must’ve been what was missing.
i think Lexi gets beat
This looks waaaaaay too hard
It looks hard. If you take your time, it doesn’t turn out to be too bad!