Execuhitch installed on x5M (F85)

[x5mNYC]

Spend a day installing Execuhitch on my x5M. Really easy to install yourself, no reason to spend the money for somebody else to do it. Take the time, be careful and you should be done within 4.5 hours. The only difference between the F15 and F85 installation instructions/web tutorials, is that we don't need to take out the reflectors to remove the hidden bolt, and we don't need to cut the bumper. The x5m bumpers come pre-cut for the hitch


MUST HAVE tools (Don't start until you have something similar to this):
http://www.amazon.com/Auto-Removal-S...=car+trim+tool


Here are a few pics i took:

1. Drill out the plastic clips. Unscrew hidden bolt, Pop the fender flairs. Takes a bit of force, you need to pull them towards yourself.



2. Remove all the Bolts underneath the bumper, they are all visible, there are 6 of them.

3. Remove taillights, unscrew hidden bolts.


4. Pop the Bumper on the side from the fender flair moving slowly toward the middle of the bumper.



5. Pop the bumper from the side of the tail lights, takes a lot of force to do it.



6. Repeat the same on the other side. Driver side will drop first, as nothing else will be holding it (put a something soft, under the bumper or ask somebody to help to avoid scarcities on the bumper). Passenger side will be held by wire. Unplug.



7. Route the harness inside the cabin via existing hole



8. Install the Hitch using provided instructions (they are very clear, with pictures)





9. Follow the wiring instructions included in the package.



10. Finished look:

[G80POWER]

I installed mine myself on my X6M as well and the directions were exactly the same! Pretty easy to do if you are somewhat handy. I would recommend having a second person when pulling off the bumper and reinstalling it just to be safe. I am glad I installed it because it pulls our Malibu Wakesetter with ease!

[x5mNYC]

Will be pulling 7x20 enclosed trailer with my off-road toys. Will post pictures later and review how x5m does the job.

[sos_73]

ScottX6M

What kind of diffuser do you have (seems to be OEM but also CF which is not std )...
Look good!!!

[AwesomeM3]

Looks great! Nice tutorial too!

[G80POWER]

Originally Posted by sos_73

ScottX6M

What kind of diffuser do you have (seems to be OEM but also CF which is not std )...
Look good!!!

Since there isn't an aftermarket diffuser that works with the Execuhitch without cutting it, I just had my stock one carbon fiber wrapped, along with the mirrors, roof and spoiler. Figured I would just give it a shot for now and if I didn't like it I would just take it off. Kind of growing on me.

[sos_73]

Originally Posted by ScottX6M

Since there isn't an aftermarket diffuser that works with the Execuhitch without cutting it, I just had my stock one carbon fiber wrapped, along with the mirrors, roof and spoiler. Figured I would just give it a shot for now and if I didn't like it I would just take it off. Kind of growing on me.

Looks nice and you have something "unique"!