XSeries-forum

I have just order a new 2016 x5 m sport with factory fitted tow bar delivery mid March. I have now been reading on various web pages that there is an issue regarding the clearance between the caravan tow hitch (Al-no) and the m sport bumper. I would be obliged if anyone could help. Regards, Dougster

Not sure I tow a caravan with the Alko hitch and f15 factory fit tow bar

Hi Alford, Thank you for your reply. Sorry about the typo error I did mean Alko with ATC fitted. Is your f15 an m sport ? Do you have any idea what the the clearance is. I have heard the clearance is 3mm which is a bit close I would have expected it to be at least 30mm or more Regards Dougster


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Just checked Alko site it says 68 between ball centre and bumper the actual measurement is 75 MM worst case 85 if measures level with the ball hope this helps

Don't forget it will need the 13 pin electrics added to for the fridge etc when you get the car


Oh and yes it's an m sport

That great thanks for the information. I understand it has a 13 pin electrics fitted the factory and is wired to suit my swift challenger se (2013 model) Thanks again


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Think you will find yes it's 13 pin but they are not all wired up hence the fridge won't work my dealer did mine for nothing it I think the owt is around £250

It is worth challenging the Dealer for your order.  If the brochure doesn't state that the socket isn't fully wired then you are within your rights to demand they fully wire it.

Several members on here have done that (self included) and had it correctly wired for free.  The fridge circuit will be the one that's missing.

As stated, the fridge feed and it's earth are missing, but it goes deeper than that, 'cos when the BMW dealer does the job, FoC, they also stop the reversing sensors seeing the trailer, enable indicator warning and other bits that I cannot remember at present.  I do remember that there was no mention in the sales brochure that the ( in my case ) "fully electric Hitch" was not fully wired up.