Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

Towing Audible Indicator

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
Post Reply
User avatar
leeg3910
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2015 10:59 pm

Towing Audible Indicator

Post by leeg3910 » Fri Mar 31, 2017 10:44 am

Hi,
I bought a towing module for my E53 X5 and lights now work on my caravan but I have no alert either buzzer sound or visual on the dash to tell me my indicators are operating.
I assumed the module would make that happen.
Do I need to have this programmed in? or will I need to wire in a buzzer and if so, any tips or advice in regards to fitting or location of buzzer would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Lee

User avatar
leeg3910
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2015 10:59 pm

Re: Towing Audible Indicator

Post by leeg3910 » Fri Mar 31, 2017 1:28 pm

Hi,
Problem solved I think. I've been told the X5 only puts an alert  on if a bulb goes out rather than whenever you indicate.

Lee

User avatar
Greydog
Member
Member
Posts: 811
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 1:26 pm
Location: West Sussex

Re: Towing Audible Indicator

Post by Greydog » Fri Mar 31, 2017 1:57 pm

Absolutely correct, been dragging the horse trailer around for a few years with the X5 it carries out the bulb check on hook up and will let you know via the normal dash message. The horse trailer has LED lamps they must be canbus friendly as I have had no flicker issues or warnings.Still walk around every time just to make sure though
4.6is X5 Estoril Blue (current)
4.4 X5 Sport Topaz Blue LPG (now gone squashed by a tree)
Subaru Outback 3.0 Rn Star Silver (current)
AMG 6.3 CLS Obsidian Black (sold)

User avatar
leeg3910
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2015 10:59 pm

Re: Towing Audible Indicator

Post by leeg3910 » Fri Mar 31, 2017 2:14 pm

That's great. Thanks for confirming.

Lee

Horizon
Snr Member
Snr Member
Posts: 2599
Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:34 pm
Location: Bury Lancashire

Re: Towing Audible Indicator

Post by Horizon » Fri Mar 31, 2017 8:28 pm

[quote="leeg3910"]
That's great. Thanks for confirming.

Lee
[/quote]
There are two types of module, one seems to be just a bypass / relay box that picks up a signal from the cars lights and works a relay in the box sending a separate live feed to the trailer bulb
Then there is a dedicated system that links in the the cars canbus system, which is the one I have just fitted to my X3. Mine doesn't bleep when indicating which suprised me as the vans at work do.
I don't know if mine checks the bulbs as yet as I only picked the caravan up on Sunday so haven't had the chance to test it out properly yet.
Image
Last edited by Horizon on Fri Mar 31, 2017 8:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2011 Kia Sorento KX3  2.2D 60 Plate Auto in black ( mine )
BMW E83 X3.  3.0d M Sport, 2008 in black ( now gone )
BMW E93 330i Convertible  Msport  2007.  ( Now sold )
VW Golf 2.0 TDI 140 GT 2010 ( now sold )
Now Sold 55 plate, X5, 3.0 D Sport. Silv

User avatar
Greydog
Member
Member
Posts: 811
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 1:26 pm
Location: West Sussex

Re: Towing Audible Indicator

Post by Greydog » Sat Apr 01, 2017 7:44 am

My 4.6 has a factory fitted detachable tow bar, when the trailer is hooked up the indicators don't make any noises.
A plus point is the rear parking sensors are disabled so the front sensors spring into life. Useful when reversing the box into tight spots as I don't have to concentrate quite as much on where the front is and with the reverse camera the rears are pretty much redundant anyway. For a few days after towing the rears work fine then just stop annoying that they stop the front functioning.
4.6is X5 Estoril Blue (current)
4.4 X5 Sport Topaz Blue LPG (now gone squashed by a tree)
Subaru Outback 3.0 Rn Star Silver (current)
AMG 6.3 CLS Obsidian Black (sold)

Post Reply