Difference Between Curt Trailer Hitches C11174 & C11178 and Bike Rack Options for 2009 BMW 560i

Published 09/27/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(32)

$342.54

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(226)

$46.02

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(15)

$449.95

Thule Passive Security Strap for Trunk Mounted Bike Carriers

(67)

$29.90

Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style

(967)

$179.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(350)

$53.59

Question:

I have 3 questions. 1. What is the differenced between the C11174 and C11178 hitches? The look the same. 2. Which of the two hitches will fit my 2009 BMW 650i Convertible. I dont want to tow anything. I want to use it solely for a bike rack. 3. Is there hitches other then the two hitches mentioned above that will fit my vehicle.

asked by: Steven S

Expert Reply:

The visible difference between the Curt # C11178 and the Curt # C11174 is the design of that larger plate. The 11178 fits a 2000 - 2004 BMW 3 Series Convertible (excluding M3) while the 11174 fits both a 2000 - 2005 BMW 3 Series Coupe, Sedan, and Wagon (excluding M3) and a 1999 - 1999 BMW 3 Series Sedan.

I do have a way for you to carry bikes with your 2009 BMW 650i Convertible but unfortunately neither of these hitches will fit and there are no other trailer hitch options available for your vehicle.

Instead of a trailer hitch mounted bike rack you will need to use a trunk mount bike rack as that is your only option. We do have a wide variety of trunk mount bike racks for your BMW 650i Convertible though.

The 2 most popular trunk mount options for your vehicle are the Thule Passage # TH910XT and the Thule OutWay # TH45JV.

The Passage is a very basic bike rack that basically just allows you to get your bike from one place to the next. It is easy to use and install but it doesn't really have any extra features to it. If you want to go this route then I do recommend also getting the Security Strap # TH533 and a cable lock like part # e98891 to deter theft. You may also need an adapter bar # TH982XT if any of your bikes have a slanted top tube.

The Gateway is the premium version of the Passage. It has built-in bike and rack locks, an upgraded attachment system which is the fasted and easiest out there, and adjustable arms that have a shorter distance between them which greatly reduce the need for an adapter bar like part # TH982XT.

I have attached review videos for both bike racks that you can check out for more information. Please note that your trunk should not be opened with a trunk mount bike rack installed, even if the bikes are not loaded on the bike rack.