Installing A Brake Controller In A 2021 BMW X5 With Factory Tow Package

Updated 05/14/2024 | Published 05/11/2024

Question:

I have a 2021 BMW X5 with Factory Tow. It has the 4 pin connector for a brake controller in the drivers foot well. Does eTrailer sell anything that works for me to connect directly into this connector or do I have to pick a Brake Controller of choice and manually wire it into this 4-pin connector? Thanks P.S. When I search brake controllers for the 2021 X5, all say without factory tow but when I search for 2019, I see with factory tow. The generation is the same...

asked by: Joe B

Expert Reply:

Hello Joe. The only options we currently have for installing a brake controller on your 2021 BMW X5 with the factory tow package will be to manually wire it to the 4-pin connector, or simply remove the connector and hardwire it.

BMW actually used to put their brake controller plug near the rear of the vehicle on the X5, so for a few years the only plug and play brake control adapter made was like 19 feet long. I believe that Tekonsha will be coming out with an adapter for the BMW X5 eventually, but I really do not have an ETA for that.

expert reply by: Jesse M