[gan23]

I just got some info back from Stealth Hitch.

They are asking for folks to send an email to info@stealthhitches.com to help push the development of their version faster aka push it ahead of the future development list.

I will be nice to have another option instead of 51126889278 https://parts.bmwnorthwest.com/p/Bmw...126889278.html

The Stealth version is the one I'm gonna install

[r33_RGSport]

I have offered my service as their authorized reseller, but no reply from the engineering team.
The sales rep been responsive and forwarded all my inquiries, but no reply.

[SamKaz]

I also inquired about when we can get one, see below. Quick question I assume installing this won’t void warranty would it? Also probably a no go for leased XM?

Thank you for your interest in Stealth Hitches. We are in the process of developing a hitch for the XM. We should know more mid-September.

[gan23]

Originally Posted by SamKaz

I also inquired about when we can get one, see below. Quick question I assume installing this won’t void warranty would it? Also probably a no go for leased XM?

I don’t believe so. My dealer did the install on my last x5m and will do this one on the xm when available

[SamKaz]

Has anyone put this on their XM yet? I’m ordering one soon curious if there’s any issues/side effects. My dealership said they can’t install it but U-Haul can do 🤔

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by SamKaz

Has anyone put this on their XM yet? I’m ordering one soon curious if there’s any issues/side effects. My dealership said they can’t install it but U-Haul can do 🤔

FYI, this does require permanent modification under the rear of the vehicle. Not sure if this makes a difference to you or not. This may be a factor if you are leasing.

[gan23]

Originally Posted by SamKaz

Has anyone put this on their XM yet? I’m ordering one soon curious if there’s any issues/side effects. My dealership said they can’t install it but U-Haul can do 🤔

I’ll do a custom install by the dealer in the coming weeks. I’ll buy all the kit from stealth but also the trailer control module from BMW to be able to use all the towing functions and that the dealer can retrofit the 3AC code with ISTA.

[patrikr]

Originally Posted by gan23

I’ll do a custom install by the dealer in the coming weeks. I’ll buy all the kit from stealth but also the trailer control module from BMW to be able to use all the towing functions and that the dealer can retrofit the 3AC code with ISTA.

Did you do this install yet?

[gan23]

I’m waiting for the parts to arrive at the dealer. Should be installed in the coming weeks when I get some time to bring the car

[gan23]

In progress...

The stealth instructions says to put the pollak on the drivers's side but there's a precut section available on the passenger side.

[patrikr]

Thanks for the update!

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by gan23

In progress...

The stealth instructions says to put the pollak on the drivers's side but there's a precut section available on the passenger side.

Can’t wait for the final pictures! How much cutting did they have to do on the bottom? Are they also doing the programming?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by gan23

In progress...

The stealth instructions says to put the pollak on the drivers's side but there's a precut section available on the passenger side.

I believe the cutout on passenger side is for the Euro version fold-able hitch.

[patrikr]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

I believe the cutout on passenger side is for the Euro version fold-able hitch.

I know multiple European brands have this but I’ve never seen it on a car sold in the US. Seems like a really smart system, anyone know why it’s not available here?

Edit: Looks like Volvo makes the foldable hitch available on at least the XC60 and XC90

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by patrikr

I know multiple European brands have this but I’ve never seen it on a car sold in the US. Seems like a really smart system, anyone know why it’s not available here?

Edit: Looks like Volvo makes the foldable hitch available on at least the XC60 and XC90

Weight rating and ball size is different.
Everything is bigger and heavier in the US.

[patrikr]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Weight rating and ball size is different.
Everything is bigger and heavier in the US.

True but at least the ball size should be an easy fix.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by patrikr

True but at least the ball size should be an easy fix.

No, because the Euro version is a fixed ball. Can’t be replaced.
I had customer with F85 years ago that wanted to install it.
Bought it from Europe, arrived, and found out useless. Not enough rating to tow his boat and different ball size than US.
He ended up switched to StealthHitches.

[patrikr]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

No, because the Euro version is a fixed ball. Can’t be replaced.
I had customer with F85 years ago that wanted to install it.
Bought it from Europe, arrived, and found out useless. Not enough rating to tow his boat and different ball size than US.
He ended up switched to StealthHitches.

Ok but what I meant was that BMW and others could offer the system with a ball size more suitable for the US market. The row rating is another matter that’s probably more difficult to solve.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by patrikr

Ok but what I meant was that BMW and others could offer the system with a ball size more suitable for the US market. The row rating is another matter that’s probably more difficult to solve.

That’s the thing. The fold-able is only for European market. AFAIK, they don’t have different ball sizes. It was few years back with F15/F85 chassis.
As you’ve said, even if they do, tow rating is different.

[gan23]

Photo dump!

It took a while to complete (almost 10h), surely doable in less time for someone used to. Since the socket was put on the right side, they had to make a custom SS bracket for the Pollak connector because I had ordered only the rack from Stealth hitch, the ball, the ball mount and chain anchors. I used the wiring harness and 7-way connector from BMW in the retrofit kit and the trailer module

I'm very happy with the result but I didn't test it yet.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by gan23

Photo dump!

It took a while to complete (almost 10h), surely doable in less time for someone used to. Since the socket was put on the right side, they had to make a custom SS bracket for the Pollak connector because I had ordered only the rack from Stealth hitch, the ball, the ball mount and chain anchors. I used the wiring harness and 7-way connector from BMW in the retrofit kit and the trailer module

I'm very happy with the result but I didn't test it yet.

Looks good! I assume it’s just as easy to remove as a normal hitch. Thanks for sharing the photos!

[gan23]

So I finally managed to test the install today for a quick 10 km drive with the empty closed trailer (8x16, around 3200 lbs empty and 400 on the nose). I activated the towing mode and the car adjusted the driving assists aids.

The car behaves well. I was sceptical of not having an air suspension, but for now, there's no concern. If I feel I need more support, I can always use the M mode. The car sank maybe a bit above 1 inch with the trailer.

I wasn't able to test electric mode extensively because it didn't want to come on at 120 km/h probably because of too much drag, but it worked at lower speed.

The retrofit is 100% functional. As you can see, all the towing gadgets work. I was pleasantly surprised by the trailer assistant. I was backing up with the Idrive controller controlling the steering wheel. It was fun.

I'm using a Prodigy RF brake controller which worked well with my X5M before. No problem here. And of course, no problem with my trailer lights nor the parking sensor since I'm using the official BMW trailer module in the retrofit and only the Stealthhitch beam.