Parts Needed to Add Trailer Hitch, Wiring Harness and Brake Controller to 2011 BMW X5

Published 06/11/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1670)

$73.55

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

(521)

$192.59

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(293)

$259.75

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6641)

$169.94

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3395)

$121.25

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1676)

$290.00

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2156)

$90.04

Question:

Hi Kyle, thanks for the info. My camper only has a 7 way plug, so can I do without the 4way flat package? Do you guys offer anything that is plug and play instead of all the wiring splicing? Bmw’s do not take well to aftermarket brake controllers either. I see a lot of people having electrical troubles after these units are spliced in. What are you hearing from your bmw customers? The reviews aren’t good online. The hitch has good reviews but the the brake controller does not. And a lot of people that have a universal trailer wiring kit are seeing electrical issues in their bmw’s. Thanks

asked by: Matt M

Expert Reply:

To tow with your 2011 BMW X5 you are correct that you will need a trailer hitch receiver, a 4-way flat, 7-way and brake controller.

Let's start with the trailer hitch and for that the best option for your 2011 X5 is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75600.

Next you will need a 4-way wiring harness, the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236. You will also need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7, which will give you a 7-way connector, circuit breakers and the rest of the hardware needed to install a brake controller in your BMW.

For the brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 because it is a proportional controller that gives you smooth braking, is easy to use and has a bright display.

I have added links to video reviews for you to check out, as well as links to installation videos that you may find helpful.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Matt M.

6/11/2020

Kyle S.

6/11/2020

Good questions. So to start with the wiring, the 4-way is needed as well because it actually plugs into the 7-way and gives that plug the needed signals for the tail lights. In regard to the wiring kit, there is no plug-in option for your BMW, it is all splicing. There is another kit which does not involve splicing and just clamps onto your wiring, the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT. You will need to splice wires in order to add a brake controller, and if you were looking for a higher-tier option than the Primus I recommend checking out the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR or Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195. I have added links to video reviews of these parts for you as well.