Parts Needed to Install 7-Way Trailer Socket on 2015 BMW X5

Updated 07/17/2017 | Published 07/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(293)

$259.75

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(522)

$192.64

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(193)

$264.99

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring - Vehicle End

(552)

$89.67

Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - Ergonomic Design

(216)

$34.30

Question:

Hi. Im trying to have a hitch and trailer connector installed on my 2015 BMW X5. Im thinking of going with the Draw-Tite hitch but Im unsure of what I need for a trailer connector. Would this connector work? Hopkins HM48470. Or this connector? Hopkins HM40975-11998. Is that possible for either of those two? If so, what else would I need to wire and mount everything up? If these arent possible, can you point me in the right direction?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite # 75600 and Curt # 13077 are the confirmed hitch fits for your 2015 BMW X5 so long as it is not the M model; for that model we have no hitch. Both of these hitch items are fairly involved installations as hitches go; you can refer to the linked video for the Draw-Tite.

For wiring, what you need depends on the trailer you intend to tow. For a basic aftermarket 4-pole harness that just carries trailer lighting signals (for a trailer with no brakes or other power requirements, such as a small pop-up) you can use a hardwired kit like the no-splice ZCI kit # 119250KIT which uses special sensors to detect signals; this means no cutting into the car's wiring. It also means the harness can be removed easily and transferred to another vehicle.

The two 7-way type socket parts you referenced, # HM48470 and # HM40975-11998, are replacement parts for other applications that already have existing 7-way wiring.

If you need a 7-way like # HM48470 for a trailer with brakes and the X5 has no such wiring you will need a 4-pole as noted above, our # ETBC7 installation kit (which converts that wiring to the 7-way type) and a brake controller, such as the Curt Echo # C51180.