Brake Controller Recommendation for 2015 BMW X5 with Factory 7-Way

Updated 09/11/2019 | Published 09/10/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(522)

$192.62

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

(1769)

$279.95

Question:

I have a 2016 BMW X5 with the factory 4 and 7 all ready wired. I just bought a dual axle 7.5x16 trailer with electric brakes on both axles. What do I need to set up my X5 for this trailer?

asked by: Russell

Expert Reply:

Since your 2016 BMX X5 has a factory 7-way already all you need is a brake controller to activate your trailer brakes and you'd be set.

So the easiest to install brake controller that also works really well is the Curt Echo Mobile part # C51180. Basically this just plugs into an active 7-way and once you sync it to your phone it's ready to go. This brake controller is proportional which means it senses the amount of deceleration your tow vehicle is applying and applies the trailer brakes in a relative way. Other brake controllers will require some hardwiring to your vehicle which will be much more difficult to install so the Echo is the way to go.

expert reply by: Jameson C