Where to Install Stabilizer Straps on 2016 BMW 428i Gran Coupe With Curt Hitch

Updated 01/20/2026 | Published 01/18/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(157)

$200.93

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(667)

$14.89

Question:

I have a 2016 BMW 428i Grand Coupe convertible. I understand I need to purchase both this particular trailer hitch, but also a support strap. Before I purchase, II don’t quite understand where this Support strap would clip to on my particular car to add additional stabilization. Can you help me?

asked by: Anne C

Expert Reply:

Hi Anne; the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap # 18050 will run over the top of the trunk and hook on at the back of the trunk lid.

What are you planning on carrying with the Curt Hitch # C11367?

expert reply by: Robin H

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap
(click to enlarge)

Anne C.

1/20/2026

My plan is to get a bike rack that can handle two hybrid bikes, although honestly, I will normally just be using it to carry one bike. There is a possibility than in the future I will switch to bike rack that will allow me to carry one E bike.

Robin H.

1/20/2026

@AnneC just make sure whatever bike rack you get is Class I hitch compatible like the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU74FR. Some bike racks that fit a 1-1/4" receiver are restricted to Class II hitches.

1/20/2026

@AnneC - I've had this hitch for few years now on a 2018 330GT, its used 90% for a 2-bike Thule T2 XTR 'stand up' hitch rack, and I have not used a stabilizer strap at all and it has been completely fine. I doubt if ALMOST ANYBODY does. I could be wrong but personally I read that comment on the instructions as a bit of lawyerly CYA stuff from Curt. Its possible that some hitch rack designs put more torque on the receiver - like the tall 2-prong 'forklift' type bike holders that hang the bike from up high and stick out far? I used to have one of those but these days I use a 'tray type' rack that has all its weight down low and close to the back of the car. If you do the math - the hitch is rated for 200lbs tongue weight, so deduct the weight of your rack (~50lbs for mine which is a pretty beefy model) still gives you ~150lbs... Then OK maybe you still discount that because with the bike rack sticking out it has leverage from where a tongue-ball is, so its applying more force but even if you discount by 1/3 you have 100lbs for bikes. That should be adequate breathing room unless your e-bike is one of those giant tanks that's really an electric moped and not really a "bike". The one thing I might say is, fully loaded with bikes at high highway speeds, the aero drag from the bike(s) can be significant, you can see the bike bounce/flex around a bit, so that would be more of a concern like if you drive with your bike at 80mph for a 5hr road trip. That might be the time I would think about a strap, although with my model it would be a little tricky (330GT has the lift up rear aero wing that goes up & down that would be right in the way of the strap, I'd have to manually lock it up and then still not sure where I could find to clip it etc.) If you're mainly 'around town and short trips' I would not worry about it one bit. So bottom line IMO the strap might be something to use "on longer road trips just as extra peace of mind" but I wouldn't say its required, unless again your bike is not really a bike but an electric motorcycle/moped.

Dale

1/20/2026

I carry a single e-bike (but a fairly heavy one), and do not have a strap. However, now that I know it exists, I may get one just for peace of mind. I’ve never had any issues with my current setup, but I can see that an extra bit of stabilization could be useful on bumpy roads or at higher speeds.

Antonio

1/20/2026

Hello, I’ve had this hitch receiver professionally installed on my 2019 BMW 430i xDrive Convertible a little longer than a year ago. My bike rack is a 1Up Quick Rack that I have used many times since, with one or two trays, to carry anything from 1 road bike to 2 MTBs, non electric. Never used that strap, and never had a problem. I would never add that load to a trunk lid that is not designed for it, especially on a convertible, with its complex and delicate underlying mechanism. The hitch receiver itself and the way it mounts seem both very robust. No wobbling, no creaks.