Trailer Hitch Installation on a 2007 BMW 5 Series with a Plastic Bottom Guide Under the Car

Updated 01/31/2012 | Published 01/27/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(19)

$427.76

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$17.00

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1902)

$87.94

Question:

Gentlemen: my 5 series has a plastic molded piece between the spare tire pan and the rear bumper that occupies the space where the hitch hanger goes up to be bolted to the rear of the well. This piece is called the bottom guide. It would need to have a hole cut for the hanger. No mention is made of this piece - is this unique to my BMW ? Please advise. Thank you

asked by: Paul V

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt and he stated that to install trailer hitch # 11498 on your 2007 BMW 5 series, you would need to cut or trim that bottom guide as needed to get the hitch in the proper position. If you can move it temporarily and then put it back in place with little or no modification, that is also permissible. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you.

If you plan on doing some towing, the hitch comes with a ball mount, hitch pin and clip. For a ball you can use # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch diameter, or # 19258 for a 2 inch diameter. For trailer wiring, use # C59236. I have included a link to the installation details for the wiring as well.

expert reply by: Michael H