Installation Instructions
1 of 23
Equipment Parts, Trailer Hitch
Accessory
Development
Ver 3.0
June 2012
SUBJECT
TRAILER HITCH KIT (US Only) - P/N 71 60 2 156 525
MODEL
X5 (E70):
X5 Diesel (E70):
X5 M (E70)
Select Vehicle Production 10/06 - On*
Select Vehicle Production 10/08 - On*
Vehicle Production 07/09 – On
* Not for vehicles with BMW Performance Aerodynamic kit.
SUGGESTED INSTALLATION TIME:
2.5 HOURS**
**Suggested installation time includes re-coding of the vehicle only for this retrofit kit. This time is based on a
vehicle that is at the current software level and does not require any updates.
Please refer to SI B09 05 01 for latest BMW approved Retrofit coding procedures.
Total installation time may vary depending on vehicle options and equipment.
The instructions below are developed for BMW vehicles and are not to be compared to any other existing
instructions for vehicles other than BMW. No methods other than those specified in this document are to be used
for installation in BMW vehicles. Left and right are determined from the driver’s seat.
Carefully read all instructions and supplements before proceeding with the installation. Reference should be
made to TIS for instructions dealing with a stock part of the vehicle but not stated in detail in these instructions.
The instructions were complete and up to date at time of publication; however, changes to the vehicle or
installation may have occurred. Please report any problems or changes noted with the installation to BMW
Technical Hotline, along with VIN, date of manufacture and as much detail as possible.
Note: Pages 22 and 23 (BMW X5 (E70) Trailer Hitch Guidelines and Cautions) of these
installation instructions should be given to the vehicle owner (customer) after installation
of the trailer hitch kit for approved towing procedures.
DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, ON TIME, EVERY TIME
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
2012 BMW of North America, LLC
2
PARTS INFORMATION
Contents of Kit - P/N 71 60 2 156 525
Description
Cross Member with Receiver Tube
Cross Member Mounting Nuts
White Capacities Label
Receiver Tube Cover/Cap
Electrical Kit
Contents of Electrical Kit:
Trailer Control Module (AHM)
Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness
7-pin Trailer Wiring Connector
7-pin to 4-pin Trailer Wiring Adapter
Hardware Kit
Qty
1
8
1
1
1
BMW Part Number
71 60 0 440 592
71 60 6 772 024
71 60 0 413 357
71 60 0 303 882
71 60 2 156 526
1
1
1
1
1
61 35 9 186 177
61 12 2 155 760
N/A
72 11 0 404 323
N/A
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PARTS
Description
Rear Bumper Trim Piece Kit (Vehicle 04/10 – On)
Rear Bumper Trim Piece Kit (Vehicle 10/06 - 3/10)
Rear Bumper Trim Piece Kit X5 M (07/09 – On)
Rear Bumper Trim Piece Kit X5 M Sport Package (ZMP) (04/10-on)
Ball Mount Kit
BMW Part Number
71 60 2 185 557
71 60 0 035 371
71 60 2 185 556
71 60 2 230 141
71 60 0 413 358
ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL PARTS
Description
Electric Trailer Brake Controller
3 ft Trailer Connector - 4/5 Wire Flat***
5 ft Trailer Connector – 7 Blade Round (Female)
5 ft Trailer Connector – 7 Blade Round (Male)
BMW Part Number
82 11 0 420 082
61 13 0 412 965
61 13 0 412 966
61 13 0 412 967
*** Not for use with trailers with electric brakes.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
3
LOCATION OF KIT PARTS
Illustration S71 06 U02 shows the location of the major components/connections of the X5
(E70) Trailer Hitch System.
A = Trailer Hitch Receiver
B = Vehicle Body Pass Through Grommets for Trailer Wiring Harness
C = Trailer Control Module (AHM)
For MY2011 – On Vehicles:
For MY2007 – MY2010 Vehicles:
For X5 M Vehicles (all production):
For X5 M Package Vehicles:
Proceed to page 4 for bumper preparation
Proceed to page 6 for bumper preparation
Proceed to page 7 for bumper preparation
Proceed to page 9 for bumper preparation
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
4
Bumper preparation (Vehicle production 04/10 – On)
1. Remove Rear Fascia/Lower Bumper
Protector Assembly (1) from vehicle.
2. Separate Lower Bumper Protector from
Rear Fascia.
3. Use a reciprocating saw (such as the
Blue-Point ® # AT192) to carefully cut
away the area along score line to remove
section (1)
Note: Please reference both steps 5 and 6
for proper positioning of the cutout
template from kit 71 60 2 185 557
4. Cutout Paper Template along dotted line.
5. Position template (1) on Rear Fascia with
tape, or a light adhesive over area to be
removed. Note the profile of the template
that should align with the features of the
Rear Valance (2)
6. Wrap the template around the Rear
Fascia. Note the solid line on the
template (2) that should align with the
radius (1) of the Rear Valance.
7. Mark the area around the template and,
with a reciprocating saw, or similar tool,
carefully cut away the area.
8. Clean and smooth cut edge with an
X-Acto™ Knife and/or a fine hand file.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
5
9. Assemble the Rear Fascia (2) and Lower
Bumper Protector (1).
10. Trim the Lower Bumper Protector (1)
along the cuts made in steps 4-7.
(remove Grey section).
11. Clean and smooth cut edge with an
X-Acto™ Knife and/or a fine hand file.
12. Snap Trim Piece in to place over the Rear
Fascia and Lower Bumper Protector
Assembly.
Note: Fitment is snug. Slight bending of the
rear valance may be required.
Ensure that all of the trim piece tabs
are engaged.
13. Use the two 1/8” pop-rivets and backing
washers from the kit [installed into the
1/8” holes (2)] to secure the lower edges
of the trim piece to the Fascia.
Proceed to page 11
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
6
Bumper Preparation (Vehicle production 10/06 – 03/10)
1. Remove bumper fascia from vehicle and
position as illustrated. Protect outer surface
of fascia during the following operations.
2. Tape around outer edge of scribe line (1) to
more clearly mark line to be cut.
Note: There may be an additional “outer”
line (2) on the left side of the fascia.
Ignore this line if present. The correct cut
out line (1) is symmetrical and matches
the profile of the bumper fascia trim piece
P/N 71 60 0 035 371.
Caution: Wear safety glasses during the
following operations.
3. Use a reciprocating saw (such as the BluePoint ® # AT192) to carefully cut along cut
line (1).
Note: Depending on the type of tool used
and the confidence of the user, you may
find it easier to remove the fascia material
in two steps. Remove the majority of
material (A) first then make the final cut,
removing area (B).
Making the final cut as smooth and
accurate as possible will make the
installation of the bumper fascia trim
piece (in the next step) easier and result
in a more “finished” look.
4. Clean and smooth cut edge with an
X-Acto™ Knife and/or a fine hand file.
5. Remove tape from fascia; clean/wipe area
around cut line. Turn fascia over to access
outer cosmetic surface of fascia.
6. Install bumper fascia trim piece (1) along the
cut line, starting at the top corner as
illustrated, using both hands to work the tabs
around and behind the fascia.
7. Use the two 1/8” pop-rivets and backing
washers from the kit [installed into the 1/8”
holes (2)] to secure the lower edges of the
trim piece to the fascia.
Proceed to page 11
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
7
Bumper preparation for M vehicles only
1. Remove center rib on M bumper (1) to aid
in positioning of template.
2. Position template (1) on bumper with
tape, or a light adhesive over area to be
removed, bottom edge of existing cutout
for alignment reference.
3. Mark the area around the template as
shown.
4. Use a reciprocating saw (such as the
Blue-Point ® # AT192) to carefully cut
along marked area.
Note: Making the final cut as smooth and
accurate as possible will make the
installation of the cut out trim strip (in
the next step) easier and result in a
more “finished” look.
5. Clean and smooth cut edge with an
X-Acto™ Knife and/or a fine hand file.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
8
6. At one end of the cut, install trim strip (1)
over exposed edge by pushing firmly onto
bumper until the cut edge is seated in the
bottom of the trim’s channel.
7. Continue trim strip (1) around
circumference of the opening.
8. Trim excess material if needed.
Proceed to page 11.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
9
Bumper preparation for M Sport Package (ZMP) Vehicles
1. Remove the center trim (1) on the bumper
(2) to aid in positioning the cutout
template.
2. Position the cutout template (2) on
bumper (1) with tape, or a light adhesive
over area to be removed. Note the
alignment marks on the template and
ensure that the key template positioning
mark (3) is referenced.
3. Use a reciprocating saw (such as the
Blue-Point ® # AT192) to carefully cut
along cut line.
Making the final cut as smooth and
accurate as possible will make the
installation of the bumper fascia trim
piece easier and result in a more
“finished” look.
4. Install the previous removed center trim.
Reference the previous bumper cut from
the backside of the bumper and cut out
the center trim to match the bumper
cutout (2).
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
10
5.
Install the Trim Piece (1) by pressing the
tabs around the bumper cutout and
center trim.
6. After the Trim Piece (1) is positioned
mark the drill hole locations (2) in the
Bumper, drill
Proceed to page 11
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
11
Trailer Hitch Installation (All models)
1. Remove and discard steel bumper (1) and
eight mounting nuts (2) from vehicle.
Note: Access to the upper mounting nuts
will be easier if the tailgate (3) is lowered
approximately 45°.
2. If vehicle is equipped with optional Comfort
Access (SA 322), note position of antenna (1)
and mounting/adjustment screw (2). Antenna
position may have to be changed when
installing trailer hitch wiring harness.
Note: If so equipped, antenna wiring
harness must be disconnected from
Antenna (1) and re-routed back through
body access hole, into vehicle fuse panel
area. (Reference illustration S71 06 U12,
page 10, in wiring section)
3. Install trailer hitch (1) using eight HCN-nuts
with spaces (2) from installation kit.
Note: Access to the upper mounting nuts
will be easier if the tailgate (3) is lowered
approximately 45°.
Note: Torque nuts to 108Nm (80ft. lbs.)
Reference TIS AZD 51 12 for additional
torque information as required.
4. Install 7-pin trailer connector (1) onto
mounting plate as illustrated using four T25
TORX head screws (2) from installation kit.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
12
Vehicle Wiring / Routing
1. Remove cover panel and storage well from
right side of vehicle cargo area to access
main fuse panel and vehicle wiring.
2. Disconnect vehicle battery.
3. Trailer hitch wiring harness will be routed with
connectors (1) and (2) located at the 7-pin
trailer connector area near the receiver tube
and connectors (3) through (10) inside the
vehicle at the fuse panel location.
Note: Small plastic bag (containing 2
connectors and 4 pins), taped to wiring
harness is to be given to customer for
future option use.
4. Route trailer wiring harness behind 7-pin
connector mounting plate (4), behind receiver
tube & supports - with Comfort Access
antenna connection at location (5), along
vehicle body below trailer hitch, looped
behind body panel (2) and through body
access hole (1).
Note: Reference illustration S71 06 U10
below and next steps if vehicle equipped
with optional Comfort Access and or PDC.
5. Secure harness along body utilizing integral
body studs and harness oval plastic mounting
clips located at (3) and behind body panel
near areas (1) and (2).
Note: MY2007 – MY2010 vehicles with
optional Comfort Access (1) and/or PDC (2)
will have one or both body access holes
occupied. Vehicles without either option will
have a blank plug covering these holes.
6. If the vehicle has Comfort Access the
antenna wiring harness must be
disconnected from the antenna and (with
grommet) re-routed back through body
access hole (1) into vehicle fuse panel area.
Note: This antenna wire will be connected to
the comfort access antenna wire that is part
of the trailer wiring harness.
For MY2007 – MY2010 please proceed to step 14
For all X5 M and MY2011 – On please proceed
with step 7
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
13
X5 M and MY 2011 - On vehicles equipped
with exhaust flap vacuum hose require
additional steps 7 - 13
7. Detach hose (1) from inline coupling in
bumper area.
8. Remove the inner rubber body grommet (1)
and sealing tape from hose.
9. Remove hose from rubber body grommet (1)
and re route hose (2) through second body
hole for comfort access/PDC wiring shown in
step 7 of Vehicle Wiring / Routing
instructions.
10. With a suitable wire fishing tool (1) securely
tape the tool (2) to the hose (3).
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
14
11. Grasp the wire routing tool (1), and pull the
hose (2) through the grommet alongside the
existing comfort access/PDC wiring.
12. Reseal the grommet to the hose/wire harness
with electrical tape.
13. Re connect hose to the coupling.
14. Connect trailer-wiring connector (2) to trailer
connector (1).
Note: Ensure that harness connector (2) is
fully seated and gray locking tab is in full
locked (closed) position.
Note: Wrap trailer wiring harness several
times with a 2 inch wide piece of duct tape
(3) in the area where the harness passes
along the edge of the vehicle body panel
(4). This will add an additional layer of
protection to the harness.
15. If vehicle is equipped with optional Comfort
Access connect 2-pin connector [blue/gray,
blue/yellow wires (2)], branched from trailer
wiring harness (1), to antenna (3).
16. Adjust antenna position as required.
(Reference Illustration S71 06 U 07 page 9).
17. Locate the 3-pin vehicle BUS connector (2)
and (if vehicle so equipped) re-routed
Comfort Access Antenna Wire with connector
(1).
Note: Illustration does not show trailer
wiring harness for clarity.
Note: In the following steps, reference
page 10 for Wiring Harness Diagram (S71
06 U11) and detailed description of
harness connections and wire colors.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
15
18. Connect 3-pin connector (green,
orange/green, black/yellow wires) from trailer
wiring harness (5) to vehicle BUS connector
(2).
19. If vehicle so equipped, connect 2-pin
connector (blue/gray, blue/yellow wires) from
trailer wiring harness (5) to connector (1) on
re-routed Comfort Access antenna harness.
20. Carefully route single blue/brown wire from
trailer wiring harness along existing harnesses
to area behind right tail light assembly. Secure
all harnesses with wire-ties (3) & (4) from
installation kit.
21. Locate and remove Connector X318 (1) from
Tail Light Assembly.
22. With connector X318 (1) removed from tail
light assembly, use BMW approved tap
connector (3) p/n 61 13 8 364 566 [included in
kit] to connect blue/brown wire from trailer
wiring harness (4) to the blue/brown wire (pin
3) in the connector. Make certain single wire
from trailer wiring harness does not protrude
from tap connector.
23. Reconnect connector X318 to tail light
assembly.
24. Install Trailer Control Module (AHM) (1) into
empty slot in module carrier as illustrated.
25. Connect 16-pin connector (2) from trailer
wiring harness to AHM module.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
16
26. Connect trailer wiring harness ground (single
brown wire with ring connector) (1) to vehicle
ground point as illustrated.
Note: 4-pin connector (red, yellow/red,
yellow/green, brown wires) branched from
trailer wiring harness near ground wire
branch is for optional electric trailer brake
control and is not used for this installation.
27. Remove three screws from fuse panel (1) and
carefully turn panel around to access
individual connectors. Reference TIS RA 61
13 042 as required.
28. Plug paired single wires from trailer wiring
harness (2) into fuse panel blue connector
X11016 as follows:
29. Red/blue wire to pin position1 (Fuse F116).
Install 20 amp fuse from installation kit.
30. Red wire to pin position 3 (Fuse F118). Install
30 amp fuse from installation kit
31. Plug paired single wires from trailer wiring
harness (3) into fuse panel black connector
X11014 as follows:
32. Red/violet wire to pin position 2 (Fuse F143).
Install 25 amp fuse from installation kit.
33. Red/green wire to pin position 3 (Fuse F144).
Install 25 amp fuse from installation kit.
Wiring is Complete
Proceed to Assembly and Ball Mount Installation
section unless, vehicle is equipped with optional
PDC.
Re-mount fuse panel. Secure all harnesses with
wire-ties as required. Re-connect vehicle battery
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
17
Only for MY07 and select MY08 Vehicles equipped with optional PDC
1. Install wire-ties with brackets (1) from
installation kit onto mounting studs (2),
located on trailer hitch cross member, as
illustrated.
2. PDC wiring (1) is to be re-installed on bumper
fascia in original locations with the exception
of harness center section which must be
attached to the hitch cross member as
illustrated.
Note: Depending on harness tension,
wrap areas of harness that might come
into contact with receiver tube vertical
supports with duct tape to provide an
additional layer of protection to the
harness.
Proceed to Assembly and Ball Mount
Installation section.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
18
Reassembly and Ball Mount Installation
1. Reinstall bumper fascia and vehicle interior
components.
Note: Clean bumper with a mild cleaner
and or alcohol in the area where label (A)
is to be positioned.
Important: Install white Capacities Label
(A) from installation kit onto bumper
fascia centered just above trailer hitch
receiver tube as illustrated.
2. Ensure that silver Caution Label (A) is
located on ball mount as illustrated.
Note: Silver caution label is not available
as a separate part.
Important: Use only the BMW X5 (E70) ball
mount kit, available from BMW centers,
with the following specifications:
A (Drop) = 2 ¼” (57mm)
B (Rise) = 1” (25mm)
C (Length) = 8” (203mm)
3. Install trailer ball (5) onto ball mount (1) with
lock washer (6) and nut (7).
Important: Torque nut to 240 foot lbs.
(330Nm).
Note: Reference information and
warnings on ball mount label.
4. Install ball mount assembly (1) into trailer
hitch receiver tube (2) by aligning holes in
mount and tube and inserting pin (3) and clip
(4) as illustrated.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
19
5. When towing a trailer with a four-pin wiring
harness (3). Use the 4-pin to 7-pin adaptor
(2) included in the installation kit to connect
the trailer electrical system to vehicle
connector (1).
Note: The adapter should be kept with
vehicle at all times.
Installation is Complete.
Proceed to Retrofit Coding
See pages 20 and 21 for customer
guidelines / cautions sheets to be left in
vehicle for customer reference.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
20
RETROFIT CODING
Note: Please refer to SI B09 05 01 for latest ISTA/P retrofit procedure before starting vehicle
coding.
Retrofit Trailer Hitch AHM Module using ISTA/P Ver. 2.46.0 or later.
Follow approved ISTA/P Retrofit procedures until Retrofit selection appears then:
Procedure
1. Select “Load SW” and answer the question as to whether the control units have been replaced
with “No”.
2. If a routine for updating the vehicle software appears, completely work through this routine first.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Then repeat points 1 to 4.
3. Select the “Vehicle” menu item in the navigation bar.
4. A submenu will appear. Select “Retrofit, Detachable Trailer Tow Hitch”.
5. Confirm the determined routine and the estimated execution time and follow the on-screen
instructions. AHMU will be added to the VO.
6. A final report appears on completion of the routine. Other than undeletable fault code entries, this
report should contain no error messages. If errors occurred, follow the instructions in ISTA/P user
documentation.
7. Perform Complete Vehicle Encoding
8. Turn off the ignition, wait 15 seconds and switch on the ignition again.
9. Now check whether all systems are functioning correctly.
If additional problems persist then perform a vehicle battery reset and then submit a PuMA case.
Retrofit Coding Complete
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
21
TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS
Reference
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Description
10 pin connector - Connect to back of 7-pin trailer wiring receptacle
2 pin connector (blue/gray, blue/yellow) - Connect to Comfort Access antenna
3 pin connector (green, orange/green, black/yellow) - Connect to vehicle BUSS
Single wire (blue/brown) - Lighting Signal for Trailer Control Module (AHM)
2 pin Receptacle (Blue/Gray, Blue/Yellow) - Connect to vehicle Comfort Access
antenna harness.
16 pin connector - Connect to Trailer Control Module (AHM)
4 pin connector (red, yellow/red, yellow/green, brown) - Electric Trailer Brake Control
Module
Single wire (brown) with ring connector - Ground
Single wires - Red/violet wire to fuse No.143 (25A), red/green wire to fuse No. 144
(25A)
Single Wires - Red/blue wire to fuse No. 116 (20A), red wire to fuse No. 118 (30A)
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
22
BMW X5 (E70) Trailer Hitch Guidelines and Cautions
Page 1 of 2
These Guideline Sheets should be left in the vehicle (for customer reference) after installation
of the Trailer Hitch
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The BMW X5 Trailer Hitch is rated Class 3 (gross trailer weight 6000 lbs., maximum
tongue weight 600 lbs.). Never exceed these specifications. This rating is based on a
standard equipped vehicle with driver. Additional passengers and/or cargo will reduce
maximum vehicle/trailer ratings.
Do not exceed gross vehicle weight or front/rear axel weights as specified in the
vehicles Owners Manual and displayed on the Safety Certification Label located on the
drivers door jam.
Do not use weight distribution equipment.
Use only the BMW X5 (E70) Ball Mount Kit (p/n 71 60 0 413 358) available from BMW
Centers with the following specifications. Reference Illustration S71 06 U24.
A (Drop) = 2 ¼” (57mm)
B (Rise) = 1” (25mm)
C (Length) = 8” (203mm)
Install trailer ball (5) onto ball mount (1) with
lock washer (6) and nut (7).
Important: Torque nut 240 foot lbs.
(330Nm).
Reference information and warnings on
ball mount label.
Install ball mount assembly (1) into trailer
hitch receiver tube (2) by aligning holes in
mount and tube and inserting pin (3) and clip
(4) as illustrated.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467
23
BMW X5 (E70) Trailer Hitch Guidelines and Cautions
Page 2 of 2
These Guideline Sheets should be left in the vehicle (for customer reference) after installation
of the Trailer Hitch
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before attaching, loading, or towing a trailer please read the brochure (included with
the installation kit, available from your BMW Center, available on line at the NHTSA
Web Site www.nhtsa.gov or available by calling the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 888327-4236): TOWING A TRAILER – Being Equipped for Safety, NHTSA Publication
DOT HS 809 433, April 2002.
Check all connections (mechanical and electrical) before and during the towing of a
trailer.
Check the function of all vehicle lights and the lights on the trailer before and during
the towing of a trailer.
Do not cut, weld, drill or modify the trailer hitch.
Do not modify any wiring or electrical components.
When towing a trailer with a 4-pin wiring
harness (3) use the 4-pin to 7-pin adaptor
(2) included in the installation kit to
connect the trailer electrical system to
vehicle connector (1).
The adapter should be kept with the
vehicle at all times.
Installation Instruction P/N 01 29 0 439 467