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

Question

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

0

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.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Hey Ricardo! Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C82RJ is the hitch Curt is working on for the new 2027 Telluride. This is a pre-order since Curt hasn't finished the design. It does not include wiring. The wiring harness for the 2027 is also up…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 5

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

view full answer...

Answer 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey George, for your 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid we have the Curt hitch part #C34FR62ZY as a confirmed fit but it's on a little bit of a backorder at the moment which is why you don't see any hitch options in our fitguide. The hitches from…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hello Mike, thanks for reaching out. We do offer a few different hitches for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, the Curt #C22MJ, the Draw-Tite #76209 and the EcoHitch #EH57CR. All 3 of these hitches place the receiver in virtually the same position beneath…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...