Best Trailer Brake Controller for 2015 BMW X5 Diesel with Factory Trailer Harness

Published 11/01/2018

Question:

I have a 2015 BMW x5 diesel. No one including BMW seems to be able to confirm how or which brake controller to install to meet NC state law that I have one in my car. The trailer is a new Forest River Wildwood XLite 17. BMW says the hitch system has integrated brake control, and there is nothing else needed or available. Camping World says I cant tow the trailer without the controller. Any suggestions?

asked by: SCollins

Expert Reply:

Based on my research it looks like your X5 was equipped with the BMW Hitch Kit part 71602156525. This includes the trailer hitch and 7-Way wiring harness to power the trailer's signal lights but it does not actually include a traditional brake controller. This will still need to be added.

I recommend taking a look at the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. This is really the perfect brake controller for your BMW X5. The controller will simply plug into the factory 7-Way on your vehicle and wirelessly connects to your smartphone via an app you will need to download. That is the extent of the installation process - you won't need to run any wiring on the vehicle or add any components to the trailer. This is especially useful on your X5 which it is notoriously difficult to locate the correct brake switch wire that would be needed to hardwire in a traditional controller. This particular unit also won't have the same pairing issues that other wireless controllers have with a lot of European vehicles like yours.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this brake controller that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R