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Grrrr, Garage installed generic towbar electrics......

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:39 pm
by Ac505
Just got the X5 back from having a tow bar fitted. Although I expressly requested the BMW dedicated wiring kit be used, they went ahead and used a generic KAN-BUS kit. Functionally this is not a problem with regard to lighting up the trailer board and not causing any errors. However, can anybody state categorically if an 08 X5 E70 has a trailer stability control program, and whether or not the self levelling suspension needs to "know" that a trailer is fitted. I've seen statements in both directions, so really am a bit lost on this one....

Re: Grrrr, Garage installed generic towbar electrics......

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 7:04 pm
by X5Sport
If this official instruction set is anything to go by then there is a specific module to be installed as well as post retrofit coding.

The answer to your questions is probably yes to both.....but there are kits like this one from suppliers like PF Jones that need no coding and do allegedly provide 'full functionality' which to me implies everything functions correctly.  You need to ask whoever they got the wiring kit from just what is included.

Certainly my X6 with a factory towbar has the necessary parts and dealer coding.  The E53 X5 was just plug and play though.

Richard