[macgaver]

So I did a thing. I ordered from StealthHitch the tow hitch for the iX, and requested to get the chain anchors and the ball mount (they recommend the 5” short for the iX). Now some mods:

1) At installation, I reused the plastic cut, and added 2 removable plastic rivets to be able to close the hole under the car (it’s not for aesthetic since it really under the car, it’s to help avoid snow and sand going there).

2) Since BMW don’t provide the electronic adapter to plug a trailer light to their digital system, I did a box that I plug in the trunk lighter plug. That box detect deceleration and will send the signal to light the trailer break lights. Now for flasher, I decided to use a 25$ wireless motorcycle kit installed in that box. So I must click the remote when I want to flash right/left. I know, it’s not perfect, but it’s legal ! (Similar remote are used by tractor and temporary trailer lights).

Picture in attachment, and let me know if a DIY folks want the details for the “black box”

[macgaver]

Link to the bike flashers: https://a.co/d/5fEhrLS

[hugo_nz]

Great job! Though I am confused as to why this is such a big challenge. BMW has a trailer module (albeit, not available for order on US cars) and the wiring diagrams are clear enough when it comes to the trailer socket pinout. Diagrams attached and the part number for the control unit is: 63115A563F1

[macgaver]

Thanks for sharing this. My black box is while I wait for BMW to do the right thing and release to North America that adapter.

By the way, doing a home made circuits plugged on the car bus would definitely start the car warranty discussion with them. My workaround is a separate component and cannot impact anything of the car electronic.

[TriSailor]

Hi hugo_nz - I'm looking to get this working on our new iX M60 here in the US. I bought an EcoHitch made for the car's frame (actually for the xdrive50 variant, but will probably still fit the M60), and I ordered the trailer control module you mentioned straight from Germany.

Now I have both the hitch and the control module, how do I connect in the control module? Is there a wiring harness I also need to buy to bring the connections out from the control module to somewhere near the rear bumber? Are there any connection diagrams you're aware of that show how to hook it all up?

Thanks a bunch!

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

Great job! Though I am confused as to why this is such a big challenge. BMW has a trailer module (albeit, not available for order on US cars) and the wiring diagrams are clear enough when it comes to the trailer socket pinout. Diagrams attached and the part number for the control unit is: 63115A563F1

[02601_33859]

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

Great job! Though I am confused as to why this is such a big challenge. BMW has a trailer module (albeit, not available for order on US cars) and the wiring diagrams are clear enough when it comes to the trailer socket pinout. Diagrams attached and the part number for the control unit is: 63115A563F1

I don't think its "a challenge" rather its another example of BMW refusing to share electrical info. Ton's of that on their motorcycle end (Motorad) as simple as refusing to share/sell proprietary electrical connections. SAD.

[hugo_nz]

Originally Posted by TriSailor

Hi hugo_nz - I'm looking to get this working on our new iX M60 here in the US. I bought an EcoHitch made for the car's frame (actually for the xdrive50 variant, but will probably still fit the M60), and I ordered the trailer control module you mentioned straight from Germany.

Now I have both the hitch and the control module, how do I connect in the control module? Is there a wiring harness I also need to buy to bring the connections out from the control module to somewhere near the rear bumber? Are there any connection diagrams you're aware of that show how to hook it all up?

Thanks a bunch!

Here are some diagrams. Since my original post way back when I have now had plenty of time to explore coding etc on the IX, and the trailer module may need to be programmed in order to work work properly. There's a retrofit option in BMW ISTA which the dealer should be able to run if required.

[TriSailor]

Thanks hugo_nz! I have the trailer control module, shown in the attached image. I appreciate the wiring diagrams you sent, but is there an off-the shelf wiring harness I can buy that plugs into all these connectors?

And where does this thing go? I have a little access plate on the right side of the rear cargo area that opens up to provide access to all the fuses, but I doubt there's room in there to mount this thing.

Installation instructions would be a huge help, if any such thing exists. I can use Google Translate if they're written in German

Many thanks!

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

Here are some diagrams. Since my original post way back when I have now had plenty of time to explore coding etc on the IX, and the trailer module may need to be programmed in order to work work properly. There's a retrofit option in BMW ISTA which the dealer should be able to run if required.

[hugo_nz]

Originally Posted by TriSailor

Thanks hugo_nz! I have the trailer control module, shown in the attached image. I appreciate the wiring diagrams you sent, but is there an off-the shelf wiring harness I can buy that plugs into all these connectors?

And where does this thing go? I have a little access plate on the right side of the rear cargo area that opens up to provide access to all the fuses, but I doubt there's room in there to mount this thing.

Installation instructions would be a huge help, if any such thing exists. I can use Google Translate if they're written in German

Many thanks!

Man, BMW sure did make it difficult to fit this module. Here's a snapshot of the install location. To get to it though you have to partially disassemble the trunk interior. I'll DM you the instructions. As for wiring harnesses...there aren't any. The retrofit kit has "Retrofit kit electrical add-on parts" with part number 71605A73F84 which may include the harness.

[TriSailor]

Dang, you've got to remove an airbag to get to that spot! That's intense. Thanks for sending that.

I've got the retrofit electrical add-on parts on order. This one is going to take 30 days to fill because it's backordered. But the EcoHitch install went well today; I'm attaching a pic of the hitch installed on mine. The entire receiver can be removed by removing one bolt from underneath.

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

Man, BMW sure did make it difficult to fit this module. Here's a snapshot of the install location. To get to it though you have to partially disassemble the trunk interior. I'll DM you the instructions. As for wiring harnesses...there aren't any. The retrofit kit has "Retrofit kit electrical add-on parts" with part number 71605A73F84 which may include the harness.

[hugo_nz]

Originally Posted by TriSailor

Dang, you've got to remove an airbag to get to that spot! That's intense. Thanks for sending that.

I've got the retrofit electrical add-on parts on order. This one is going to take 30 days to fill because it's backordered. But the EcoHitch install went well today; I'm attaching a pic of the hitch installed on mine. The entire receiver can be removed by removing one bolt from underneath.

It's insane, I know. Overly complicated to the max

[TriSailor]

I just found this electrical retrofit kit from PF Jones in the UK:

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/bmw-ix-i20...iring-kit.html

So I ordered that one too with the idea that I'll install whichever arrives first and return the other

Now the only concern is converting from the European 13-pin trailer connector to the US 7-pin round connector, which can be done easily enough with this adapter:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08J89BYDV

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

It's insane, I know. Overly complicated to the max

[TriSailor]

Hi hugo_nz,

The wiring kit finally arrived! I now have cables that plug into every connector on the trailer control module.

Next question: do you have a nifty set of instructions that detail the installation of the wiring, like you had for getting to where the trailer controller is installed? Specifically, I'd like to know how the factory would run the wires to make this as clean a job as possible.

Thanks for all your help!

[VirtualGuitars]

I’m really curious to see how you’re going to get the programming done to control everything…

[macgaver]

The programming issue is the reason I am waiting for BMW to officially do it. Until then, my black-box is working good enough.
In a few weeks we will loose programming access (with update 2023.03 and higher), but for now I enabled manual-trailer-mode menu, it's doing nothing for me, but look great in the menus :-)

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by macgaver

The programming issue is the reason I am waiting for BMW to officially do it. Until then, my black-box is working good enough.
In a few weeks we will loose programming access (with update 2023.03 and higer), but for now I enabled manual-trailer-mode menu, it's doing nothing for me, but look great in the menus :-)

That’s awesome. I admire the effort you have put in so far and would love to do the same.

[macgaver]

Good news everyone ! The wiring kit is now available with the Stealth Hitch kit !

https://stealthhitches.com/products/...9142dc23&_ss=r

[mikedb]

Wow, this is great news! A very involved install (it appears they are getting the turn signal from the front passenger footwell), but looks doable for an advanced DIYer. I’ll probably attempt this once the weather warms up!

[Don Juan]

Originally Posted by macgaver

So I did a thing. I ordered from StealthHitch the tow hitch for the iX, and requested to get the chain anchors and the ball mount (they recommend the 5” short for the iX). Now some mods:

1) At installation, I reused the plastic cut, and added 2 removable plastic rivets to be able to close the hole under the car (it’s not for aesthetic since it really under the car, it’s to help avoid snow and sand going there).

I never tow anything but have a 5 bike hitch carrier and a metal basket i use when going to the beach... so i installed the torklift aftermarket hitch.. is not as fancy as the stealhhitch but seems studier... can you share how you did the cover at the bottom? what did you use and if you have more pictures? i hope i saved that piece :-(

[VirtualGuitars]

I can’t remember which brand I was reading about, but one of them said never to tow anything involving a trailer.

Personally, I wouldn’t eff with that particular aftermarket wiring kit. Ideally, you want the programming inside the vehicle too.

[Don Juan]

i heard of one but not sure which one....... the Torklift is rated " This BMW ix xdrive50 tow hitch is rated at 6,000 pounds towing and 600 pounds tongue weight.** " The best part was that it had a discount at one point and for about $450

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by Don Juan

i heard of one but not sure which one....... the Torklift is rated " This BMW ix xdrive50 tow hitch is rated at 6,000 pounds towing and 600 pounds tongue weight.** " The best part was that it had a discount at one point and for about $450

I just saw the video you posted on the other thread, that one is much more involved, and can clearly tow a trailer. The other one was just meant for bike racks and things like that.