Will Redarc Tow-Pro Link Work On 2026 BMW X5 X40i With Factory Tow Package

Updated 07/29/2026 | Published 10/07/2025

Question:

Re: RED57AR Your description says for BMW X5 without factory towing. Any reason that it wont work with factory tow package? I tried to contact the Redarc rep for my region in the US but he just taked about the Elite and totally dismissed my question regarding the Link. Do you feel like the February date for shipping is realistic? I prefer to use Redarc vs Curt Echo inline but need something by early March at the latest. 2026 BMW X5 X40i with factory tow package Thank You

asked by: Greg T

Expert Reply:

Hello Greg, thanks for reaching out. The Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller # RED57AR will work great on your 2026 BMW X5 X40i with the factory tow package. We list it for vehicles without the tow package since it comes with a universal harness, and there are custom harness option for your vehicle. The # RED57AR can be installed on vehicles with or without tow packages.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Greg T.

10/8/2025

Thank you! I'll be patient and watch fpr the updates.

Jesse M.

10/9/2025

@GregT Sounds good! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you want to check in for an update after a few weeks.

Kenny G.

5/26/2026

I have a Redarc Tow-Pro Link installed on my 2026 BMW X5 X40i With Factory Tow Package and when everything is connected it all works as it should, but I have a problem. When the trailer and brake controller are disconnected, the car stays in trailer towing mode thinking that the controller is not disconnected. This changes all the onboard features and settings of the car according to the restrictions that accompany trailer towing mode. As soon as the brake controller is physically disconnected from the factory installed wiring harness, the car goes back to normal operation.

Jesse M.

5/26/2026

@KennyG Kenny, honestly this sounds more like the BMW getting confused than the Redarc actually malfunctioning. Since the X5 goes back to normal as soon as you unplug the controller harness itself, the vehicle is obviously still seeing something on the trailer brake circuit and keeping trailer mode active even with the trailer disconnected. These newer BMWs are super sensitive with their trailer detection logic, so my guess is the Tow-Pro Link is still leaving enough signal or resistance on the factory tow module for the BMW to think a trailer is attached. Everything else sounds like it’s working correctly, so this may end up being a software or compatibility quirk more than a bad controller. It might be worth checking with a dealership to see if they have a software update for this.

Kenny G.

5/26/2026

@JesseM thank you, I have the dealership working on it too. When installing the controller all the firmware updates were completed but I can check that again. I definitely believe the malfunction involves the x5 sensitivity. I may just have to unplug and cap the ends when not in use.

Jesse M.

5/26/2026

@KennyG Glad to help! Yea I agree the X5 sensitivity is most likely the culprit. I'm sure unplugging will solve it but let me know if you come up with another solution.